power steering CHRYSLER 300 2010 1.G Owners Manual

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately six to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Airbag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away by an authorized dealer.
Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Airbags, it signals
the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is
generated to inflate the Advanced Front Airbags. Differ-
ent airbag inflation rates are possible, based on the
collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim
cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver foot well while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Headlight Time Delay ................. 145
▫ Smartbeam™ — If Equipped ............ 146
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 147
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 147
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 147
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 148
▫ Turn Signals ........................ 148
▫ Lane Change Assist ................... 148
▫ High/Low Beam Switch ............... 149
▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 149
▫ Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights .... 149
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 149
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 150▫
Intermittent Wiper System .............. 151
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 152
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 152
▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only) ............ 152
▫ Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ....... 153
 Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column .......... 154
 Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
— If Equipped ........................ 155
 Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped .......... 156
 Electronic Speed Control ................ 158
▫ To Activate ......................... 159
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed .............. 159
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 160
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

Programming The Memory Feature
NOTE:Saving a new memory profile will erase an
existing profile from memory.
To create a new memory profile, perform the following:
1. Place the ignition into the RUN position.
2. Adjust all memory profile settings to desired prefer-
ences (i.e., seat, side mirror, adjustable pedals [if
equipped], power tilt and telescopic steering column [if
equipped], and radio station presets).
3. Press and release the SET (S) button on the memory
switch.
4. Within five seconds, press and release the MEMORY
button 1 or 2. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) (if equipped) will display which memory position
has been set. NOTE:•Memory profiles can be set without the vehicle in
PARK, but the vehicle must be in PARK to recall a
memory profile.
•The Recall Memory with Remote Key Unlock feature
can be enabled through the EVIC (if equipped). Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Linking and Unlinking the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter to Memory
Your RKE transmitters can be programmed to recall one
of two pre-programmed memory profiles by pressing the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139

To recall the memory setting for driver two, press
MEMORY button number 2 on the driver’s door or the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter linked to
memory position 2.
A recall can be cancelled by pressing any of the
MEMORY buttons (S, 1, or 2) on the driver’s door during
a recall. When a recall is cancelled, the driver seat, side
mirror, adjustable pedals (if equipped), and power tilt
and telescopic steering column (if equipped) stop mov-
ing. A delay of one second will occur before another recall
can be selected.
Easy Entry/Exit Seat (Available with Memory Seat
Only)
This feature provides automatic driver seat positioning to
enhance driver mobility when entering and exiting the
vehicle.
The distance the driver seat moves depends on where
you have the driver seat positioned when you remove theKey Fob from the ignition (or change the ignition to OFF,
for vehicles equipped with Keyless Go™).
•When you remove the Key Fob from the ignition (or
change the ignition to OFF, for vehicles equipped with
Keyless Go™), the driver seat will move about 2.4 in
(60 mm) rearward if the driver seat position is greater
than or equal to 2.7 in (67.7 mm) forward of the rear
stop. The seat will return to its previously set position
when you place the ignition into the ACC or RUN
position.
•When you remove the Key Fob from the ignition (or
change the ignition to OFF, for vehicles equipped with
Keyless Go™), the driver seat will move to a position
0.3 in (7.7 mm) forward of the rear stop if the driver
seat position is between 0.9 in and 2.7 in (22.7 mm and
67.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. The seat will return
to its previously set position when you place the
ignition to the ACC or RUN position.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141

To unlock the steering column, pull the control handle
outward. To tilt the steering column, move the steering
wheel upward or downward as desired. To lengthen or
shorten the steering column, pull the steering wheel
outward or push it inward as desired. To lock the steering
column in position, push the control handle inward until
fully engaged.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driving.
Adjusting the steering column while driving or driv-
ing with the steering column unlocked, could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Be sure the
steering column is locked before driving your ve-
hicle. Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.
POWER TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
— IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. It also allows you to lengthen or
shorten the steering column. The power tilt/telescoping
steering column lever is located below the multifunction
lever on the steering column.
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155

“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.
When OFF is selected, only the MEMORY switch on the
driver’s door trim panel will recall memory profiles. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears. Refer to
“Driver Memory Seat” in “Understanding The Features
Of Your Vehicle”.
“Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock”
When ON is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the RKE LOCK button is pressed. This feature may be
selected with or without the Flash Lights with RemoteKey Lock feature. To make your selection, press and
release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “ON” or
“OFF” appears.
“Rain Sensing Intermittent Wipers” — If Equipped
When ON is selected, the system will automatically
activate the windshield wipers if it senses moisture on
the windshield. To make your selection, press and release
the FUNCTION SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF”
appears. When OFF is selected, the system reverts to the
standard intermittent wiper operation.
“Automatically Move Seat Back on Exit” — If
Equipped
This feature provides automatic driver seat positioning to
enhance driver mobility when entering and exiting the
vehicle. To make your selection, press and release the
FUNCTION SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” ap-
pears.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247

▫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

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 steer-
ing 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.
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
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

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