check engine light CHRYSLER 300 2010 1.G User Guide

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped ....................... 324
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 324
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 328
▫ Operation ......................... 329
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 329
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 330
▫ Acceleration ........................ 330
▫ Traction ........................... 331
 Driving Through Water ................. 331
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 332
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 332
 Power Steering ....................... 334 ▫
Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 334
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 335
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 338
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 340
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 340
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 340
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 341
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 341
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 344
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 344
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears. To reset the trans-
mission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
If the transmission cannot be reset, see your authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 327

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF
EQUIPPED) – 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

switch. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn the ESP on again by momentarily press-
ing the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
Synchronizing ESP
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” may illuminate with the engine running. If
this should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to
the left and then to the right. The “ESP/BAS Malfunction
Indicator Light” should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The “ESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and the
“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the instrument
cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. They should go out with the engine
running.
The system will turn the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition switch
cycles, and you have driven the vehicle several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
and the ESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will appear in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent, directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc. NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and the headlight washer (if
equipped) share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid
reservoir is located in the front of the engine compart-
ment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S488 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Check....................... 450,483
Master Cylinder ....................... 450
Parking ............................. 335
Warning Light ........................ 222
Brakes ............................... 449
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 317
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 80
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 150
Bulb Replacement ..................... 468,470
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,468
Calibration, Compass ..................... 243
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 480
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 379
Oil (Engine) .......................... 432
Power Steering ........................ 334
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 447
Car Washes ............................ 455 Carbon Monoxide Warning
...............81,378
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 381
Cellular Phone ........................ 96,292
Certification Label ....................... 382
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 401
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 427
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 81
Checks, Safety ........................... 81
Child Restraint .................. 71,72,73,76,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 37
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 375
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 457
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 440
Climate Control ......................... 292
Clock ..................... 251,252,254,257,266
518 INDEX

Exhaust System....................... 81,441
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 93
Exterior Lighting ........................ 144
Exterior Lights .......................... 84
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 433
Air Conditioning .................... 302,437
Engine Oil ........................ 433,482
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 433
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 400
Turn Signal ...................... 84,148,216
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 149
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 401
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 312
Floor Console .......................... 204
Fluid, Brake ........................... 483
Fluid Capacities ......................... 480 Fluid Leaks
............................. 84
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 452
Brake .............................. 450
Cooling System ....................... 444
Engine Oil ........................... 430
Power Steering ........................ 334
Transfer Case ......................... 454
Fluids ................................ 482
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 482
Fog Lights .......................... 147,216
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 136
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 417
Fuel ................................. 374
Adding ............................. 379
Additives ............................ 377
Clean Air ............................ 375
Conserving .......................... 236
Ethanol ............................. 375
522 INDEX