engine CHRYSLER 300 2010 1.G Owner's Manual

Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system on,
rotate the headlight switch counterclockwise to the A
(AUTO) position. When the system is on, the headlight
time delay feature is also on. This means the headlights
will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you place the
ignition into the OFF position. To turn the automatic
system off, move the headlight switch out of the AUTO
position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
Headlights On with Wipers (Available with
Automatic Headlights Only)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on
if the headlight switch is placed in the AUTO position. In
addition, the headlights will turn off when the wipers are
turned off if they were turned on by this feature. The Headlights On with Wipers feature can be turned on
or off through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Headlight Time Delay
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for up to 90 seconds (programmable) when leaving your
vehicle in an unlit area.
To activate the delay feature, place the ignition in the OFF
position while the headlights are still on. Then, turn off
the headlights within 45 seconds. The delay interval
begins when the headlight switch is turned off.
If you turn the headlights or parking lights on, or place
the ignition in ACC or RUN, the system will cancel the
delay.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145

While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by
pushing and holding the lever down (SET/DECEL). If
the lever is continually held, the set speed will continue
to decrease in 5 mph (10 km/h) increments until the lever
is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in the
EVIC display.
Tapping the lever down once will result ina1mph
(1 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of
the lever results in a decrease of 1 mph (1 km/h).
NOTE:
•When you use the lever to decelerate, if the engine’s
braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to
reach the set speed, the brake system will automati-
cally slow the vehicle.
•The ACC system can only apply a maximum of 25% of
the vehicle’s braking capability and will not bring the
vehicle to a complete stop.
•The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up
hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting
may occur while climbing uphill or descending down-
hill. This is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169

The center console outlet is powered directly from the
battery (power available at all times). Items plugged into
this outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent the
engine from starting.WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•Only devices designed for use in this type of
outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt outlet.
•Do not touch with wet hands.
•Close the lid when not in use and while driving
the vehicle.
•If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
Center Console Power Outlet
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 201

CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•After the use of high power draw accessories or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.
202 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) / All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Displays (Base Cluster)
On vehicles equipped with a Base Instrument Cluster, the
odometer will display “2drivE” when the vehicle is in
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), and “4drivE” when All Wheel
Drive (AWD) is activated.
If the odometer displays the “tCASE” warning message
after engine start up, or during driving, the AWD system
is not functioning properly and service is required.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC) will display “ALL WHEEL
DRIVE” and “REAR WHEEL DRIVE” when the appro-
priate condition exists. The EVIC will display “SERVICE
AWD SYSTEM” if the system is not functioning properly
and service is required. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” for further information. gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
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 Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
Lo tirE
When the appropriate tire pressure is low, the odometer
display will toggle between Lo and tirE for three cycles.
noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and
fuse locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.
CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHAngE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate
the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you place the ignition switch in the RUN position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
TRIP ODOMETER button on the instrument cluster. Toreset the oil change indicator system (after performing
the scheduled maintenance) perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the RUN position. (Do
not start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
On vehicles equipped with a Premium Instrument Clus-
ter, this display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219

7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions per minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear
range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the red
area.
8. Engine Temperature Warning LightThis light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. If the light turns on while driving, safely
pull over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle should be
turned OFF immediately and serviced as soon as pos-
sible. (Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information). 9. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is placed in the RUN position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS Light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the Brake Warning Light is not on.
If the ABS Light is on, the brake system should be
serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS Light does not turn on when
the ignition switch is placed in the RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator LightThe yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Malfunction Indi-
cator Light will turn on when the key in the
ignition switch is placed in the RUN position.
The light should go out with the engine running. The
system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine is running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP, the BAS or both.WARNING!
If a warning light remains on the system may not be
working and you will not have the benefit of ESP or
BAS. Under certain driving conditions, where ESP or
BAS would be beneficial, you - if you have not
adjusted your driving speeds and stopping in or to
account for the lack of the feature, may be in acci-
dent.
11. Airbag Warning Light This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
placed in the RUN position. If the light is either
not on during starting, or stays on, or turns on
while driving, then have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
RUN position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application. 13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
14. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine OFF immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
and follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.15. Trip Odometer Button
Trip Odometer Button — Base Cluster
The word
TRIPwill appear when this button is pressed.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds when the
trip odometer displays to reset it to 0 miles (km). A
second press of the button will display the outside
temperature in the odometer.
Trip Odometer Button — Premium Cluster
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of two trip odometer settings. The letter “A” or “B”
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles (km). The odometer must be in TRIP mode to
reset it.
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL