steering CHRYSLER 300 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:
•System status
•Vehicle information warning message displays
•Tire Pressure Monitor System (if equipped)
•Personal settings (customer programmable features)
•Compass display
•Outside temperature display
•Trip computer functions
•uconnectphone displays (if equipped)
•uconnectgps system screens (if equipped)
•Audio mode display
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Surround Sound Modes (If Equipped with Driver-
Selectable Surround [DSS])
The system allows the driver to select information by
pressing the following buttons mounted on the steering
wheel.
Press and release the MENU button and the
mode displayed will change between Trip
Functions, uconnectgps (if equipped), System
Status, and Personal Settings.
Press the FUNCTION SELECT button to accept
a selection. The FUNCTION SELECT button
also functions as a remote sound system con-
trol. Refer to “Remote Sound System Controls”
in this section.Press the SCROLL button to scroll through Trip
Functions, uconnectgps (if equipped), System
Status Messages, and Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features). The
SCROLL button also functions as a remote
sound system control. Refer to “Remote Sound
System Controls” in this section.
Press the AUDIO MODE button to select the
Compass/Temp/Audio screen. Along with
compass reading and outside temperature, this
screen will display radio and media mode
information depending on which radio is in the
vehicle. Refer to “Remote Sound System Con-
trols” in this section.
MENU
Button
FUNC-
TION
SELECT
Button
SCROLL
Button
AUDIO
MODE
Button
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uconnectgps (Navigation) — If Equipped
uconnectgps (Navigation) Display Control
Press and release the MENU button until Navigation
displays in the EVIC. When the Navigation System is On,
the steering wheel buttons can be used to select the Map
or Menu display on the Navigation Unit. When the Menu
display is active, the SCROLL button can be used to scroll
through the list, the FUNCTION SELECT button can be
used to select an item, and the AUDIO MODE button can
be used to return to the previous menu. When the Map
display is active, pressing the FUNCTION SELECT but-
ton will change the Navigation Unit Display to the Menu.
Turn-by-Turn Directions
The EVIC displays turn-by-turn directions to a pro-
grammed destination when Turn-by-Turn Navigation is
enabled through Personal Settings. When enabled, the
EVIC displays the name of the approaching road at thetop of the screen, followed by an arrow to indicate the
direction to turn the vehicle, and a count down to
indicate the distance to the turn.
NOTE:Refer to your “Navigation User’s Manual” for
detailed operating instructions.
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK.
Press and release the MENU button until Personal Set-
tings displays in the EVIC.
Use the SCROLL button to display one of the following
choices.
“Language”
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
functions and the navigation system (if equipped). Press
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the FUNCTION SELECT button while in this display to
select English, Espanol, Deutsch, Italiano, or Francais.
Then, as you continue, the information will display in the
selected language.
NOTE:The EVIC will not change the uconnectlan-
guage selection. Refer to “Language Selection” under
“uconnectphone” in Section 3.
“Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)”
When ON is selected, all doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
“Unlock Doors Automatically on Exit”
When ON is selected, all doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
“Remote Key Unlock”
WhenDriver Door 1st Pressis selected, only the driver’s
door will unlock on the first press of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter UNLOCK button. When Driver
Door 1st Press is selected, you must press the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button twice to unlock the passen-
ger’s doors. WhenAll Doors 1st Pressis selected, all of
the doors will unlock on the first press of the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button. To make your selection,
press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until
“Driver Door 1st Press” or “All Doors 1st Press” appears.
“Recall Memory with Remote Key Unlock” — If
Equipped
When ON is selected, you can use your RKE transmitter
to recall one of two pre-programmed memory profiles.
Each memory profile contains desired position settings
for the driver seat, side mirror, adjustable pedals (if
equipped), power tilt and telescopic steering column (if
equipped), and a set of desired radio station presets.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233
4

REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the
surface of the steering wheel at the three and nine o’clock
positions.The remote sound system controls are located on the
surface of the steering wheel at the three and nine o’clock
positions.
Vehicles equipped with steering wheel-mounted buttons
are also equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). The EVIC features a driver-interactive
display which is located in the instrument cluster.
The VOLUME button controls the sound level
of the sound system. Press the top of the
VOLUME button to increase the sound level.
Press the bottom of the VOLUME button to
decrease the sound level.
Remote Sound System Controls
VOL-
UME
Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291
4

Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 327
▫Acceleration........................ 327
▫Traction........................... 328
Driving Through Water................. 328
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 329
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 329
Power Steering....................... 331
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 332
Parking Brake........................ 332
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 334
Electronic Brake Control System........... 336
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 336
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 337▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 337
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 338
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 340
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 341
Tire Safety Information................. 342
▫Tire Markings....................... 342
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 345
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 346
Tires — General Information............. 350
▫Tire Pressure....................... 350
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 351
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 353
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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5

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first and then apply the parking brake.
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•Brake pedal pulsations, and
•A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capa-
bility. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
(Continued)
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5

WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Enginepower may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light also
338 STARTING AND OPERATING