CHRYSLER 300 2020 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER, Model Year: 2020, Model line: 300, Model: CHRYSLER 300 2020Pages: 328, PDF Size: 14.28 MB
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SAFETY119
(Continued)
pushing or squeezing the release button. To 
verify the shoulder belt anchorage is latched, 
pull downward on the shoulder belt anchorage 
until it is locked into position.Seat Belt Extender 
If a seat belt is not long enough to fit properly, 
even when the webbing is fully extended and 
the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage 
(if equipped) is in its lowest position, an 
authorized dealer can provide you with a Seat 
Belt Extender. The Seat Belt Extender should be 
used only if the existing seat belt is not long 
enough. When the Seat Belt Extender is not 
required for a different occupant, it must be 
removed.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women 
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants 
including pregnant women: the risk of injury in 
the event of an accident is reduced for the 
mother and the unborn child if they are wearing 
a seat belt.
WARNING!
Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could 
make your injuries in a collision much 
worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or 
you could even slide out of the seat belt. 
Follow these instructions to wear your seat 
belt safely and to keep your passengers 
safe, too.
Position the shoulder belt across the 
shoulder and chest with minimal, if any 
slack so that it is comfortable and not 
resting on your neck. The retractor will with -
draw any slack in the shoulder belt.
Misadjustment of the seat belt could 
reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt 
in a crash.
Always make all seat belt height adjust -
ments when the vehicle is stationary.
WARNING!
ONLY use a Seat Belt Extender if it is physi -
cally required in order to properly fit the 
original seat belt system. DO NOT USE the 
Seat Belt Extender if, when worn, the 
distance between the front edge of the 
Seat Belt Extender buckle and the center of 
the occupant’s body is LESS than 6 inches.
Using a Seat Belt Extender when not 
needed can increase the risk of serious 
injury or death in a collision. Only use the 
Seat Belt Extender when the lap belt is not 
long enough and only use in the recom -
mended seating positions. Remove and 
store the Seat Belt Extender when not 
needed.
WARNING!  (Continued)
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120SAFETY  
Position the lap belt snug and low below the 
abdomen and across the strong bones of the 
hips. Place the shoulder belt across the chest 
and away from the neck. Never place the 
shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.
Seat Belt Pretensioner 
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped 
with pretensioning devices that are designed to 
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of 
a collision. These devices may improve the 
performance of the seat belt by removing slack 
from the seat belt early in a collision. 
Pretensioners work for all size occupants, 
including those in child restraints.
NOTE:
These devices are not a substitute for proper 
seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat 
belt still must be worn snugly and positioned 
properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the 
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Like the 
air bags, the pretensioners are single use items. 
A deployed pretensioner or a deployed air bag 
must be replaced immediately.
Energy Management Feature
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped 
with an Energy Management feature that may 
help further reduce the risk of injury in the event 
of a collision. The seat belt system has a 
retractor assembly that is designed to release 
webbing in a controlled manner.
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors 
(ALR)
The seat belts in the passenger seating 
positions are equipped with a Switchable 
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) which is 
used to secure a child restraint system. For 
additional information, refer to “Installing Child 
Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under 
the “Child Restraints” section of this manual. 
The figure below illustrates the locking feature 
for each seating position.
 ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
If the passenger seating position is equipped 
with an ALR and is being used for normal usage, 
only pull the seat belt webbing out far enough to 
comfortably wrap around the occupant’s 
mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the 
ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound 
as the seat belt retracts. Allow the webbing to 
retract completely in this case and then 
carefully pull out only the amount of webbing 
necessary to comfortably wrap around the 
occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate 
into the buckle until you hear a "click."
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SAFETY121
(Continued)
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is 
automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still 
retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. 
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a 
child restraint is installed in a seating position 
that has a seat belt with this feature. Children 
12 years old and under should always be 
properly restrained in the rear seat of a vehicle 
with a rear seat. How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder 
belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull  downward until the entire seat belt is 
extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat  belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. 
This indicates the seat belt is now in the 
Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt 
and allow it to retract completely to disengage 
the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the 
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this 
section may be standard equipment on some 
models, or may be optional equipment on 
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized 
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you 
in a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller 
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and 
interconnecting wiring associated with the 
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your 
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air 
Bag System Components:
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in 
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger 
front air bag can cause death or serious 
injury to a child 12 years or younger, 
including a child in a rear-facing child 
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in 
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a 
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If 
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do 
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in 
that vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if 
the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor 
(ALR) feature or any other seat belt function 
is not working properly when checked 
according to the procedures in the Service 
Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly 
could increase the risk of injury in colli -
sions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to 
restrain occupants who are wearing the 
seat belt or children who are using booster 
seats. The locked mode is only used to 
install rear-facing or forward-facing child 
restraints that have a harness for 
restraining the child.
WARNING!  (Continued)
4
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122SAFETY  
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light 
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light  
The Occupant Restraint Controller 
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the 
electronic parts of the air bag system 
whenever the ignition switch is in the 
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch  is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the 
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not 
inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply 
system that may deploy the air bag system even 
if the battery loses power or it becomes 
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in 
the instrument panel for approximately four to 
eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition 
switch is first in the ON/RUN position. After the 
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn 
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part 
of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning 
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A 
single chime will sound to alert you if the light 
comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will 
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning 
Light if a malfunction is detected that could 
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also 
record the nature of the malfunction. While the 
air bag system is designed to be maintenance 
free, if any of the following occurs, have an 
authorized dealer service the air bag system 
immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on 
during the four to eight seconds when the 
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after 
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit
-
tently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine 
related gauges are not working, the Occupant 
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be 
disabled. In this condition the air bags may not 
be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an 
authorized dealer service the air bag system 
immediately.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your 
instrument panel could mean you won’t have 
the air bag system to protect you in a collision. 
If the light does not come on as a bulb check 
when the ignition is first turned on, stays on 
after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as 
you drive, have an authorized dealer service 
the air bag system immediately.
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SAFETY123
(Continued)
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light 
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning 
Light is detected, which could affect 
the Supplemental Restraint System 
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag Warning 
Light will illuminate on the instrument panel. 
The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay 
on until the fault is cleared. In addition, a single 
chime will sound to alert you that the 
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light has come on 
and a fault has been detected. If the Redundant 
Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or 
remains on while driving have an authorized 
dealer service the vehicle immediately.
For additional information regarding the 
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light refer to 
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” 
section of this manual.
Front Air Bags  
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder 
belts for both the driver and front passenger. 
The front air bags are a supplement to the seat 
belt restraint systems. The driver front air bag is 
mounted in the center of the steering wheel. 
The passenger front air bag is mounted in the 
instrument panel, above the glove  compartment. The words “SRS AIRBAG” or 
“AIRBAG” are embossed on the air bag covers.
Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations
Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag 
Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has 
multistage driver and front passenger air bags. 
This system provides output appropriate to the 
severity and type of collision as determined by 
the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which 
may receive information from the front impact 
sensors (if equipped) or other system 
components.
1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags
2 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster
3 — Driver Knee Impact Bolster/Supplemental 
Driver Knee Air Bag
WARNING!
Being too close to the steering wheel or 
instrument panel during front air bag 
deployment could cause serious injury, 
including death. Air bags need room to 
inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending 
your arms to reach the steering wheel or 
instrument panel.
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in 
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger 
front air bag can cause death or serious 
injury to a child 12 years or younger, 
including a child in a rear-facing child 
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in 
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a 
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If 
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do 
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in 
that vehicle.
WARNING!  (Continued)
4
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124SAFETY  
(Continued)
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately 
during an impact that requires air bag 
deployment. A low energy output is used in less 
severe collisions. A higher energy output is used 
for more severe collisions.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/
or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that 
detects whether the driver or front passenger 
seat belt is buckled. The seat belt buckle switch 
may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced 
Front Air Bags.
This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or 
front passenger seat track position sensors that 
may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced 
Front Air Bags based upon seat position.
Front Air Bag Operation 
Front Air Bags are designed to provide 
additional protection by supplementing the seat 
belts. Front air bags are not expected to reduce 
the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover 
collisions. The front air bags will not deploy in all 
frontal collisions, including some that may 
produce substantial vehicle damage — for 
example, some pole collisions, truck 
underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and 
location of impact, front air bags may deploy in 
crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but 
that produce a severe initial deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle 
deceleration over time, vehicle speed and 
damage by themselves are not good indicators 
of whether or not an air bag should have 
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in 
all collisions, and also are needed to help keep 
you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the 
front air bags, it signals the inflator units. A large 
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate 
the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the 
upper passenger side of the instrument panel 
separate and fold out of the way as the air bags 
inflate to their full size. The front air bags fully 
inflate in less time than it takes to blink your 
eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate 
while helping to restrain the driver and front 
passenger.
WARNING!
No objects should be placed over or near 
the air bag on the instrument panel or 
steering wheel because any such objects 
could cause harm if the vehicle is in a colli
-
sion severe enough to cause the air bag to 
inflate.
Do not put anything on or around the air 
bag covers or attempt to open them manu -
ally. You may damage the air bags and you 
could be injured because the air bags may 
no longer be functional. The protective 
covers for the air bag cushions are 
designed to open only when the air bags 
are inflating.
Relying on the air bags alone could lead to 
more severe injuries in a collision. The air 
bags work with your seat belt to restrain you 
properly. In some collisions, air bags won’t 
deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts 
even though you have air bags.
WARNING!  (Continued)
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SAFETY125
Knee Impact Bolsters 
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the 
knees of the driver and front passenger, and 
position the front occupants for improved 
interaction with the front air bags.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental 
Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument 
panel below the steering column. The 
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag provides 
enhanced protection during a frontal impact by 
working together with the seat belts, 
pretensioners, and front air bags.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags 
(SABs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental 
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags 
(SABs) are located in the outboard side of the 
front seats. The SABs are marked with “SRS 
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on the seat 
trim on the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of 
occupant injury during certain side impacts, in 
addition to the injury reduction potential 
provided by the seat belts and body structure.
Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label
 When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on 
the outboard side of the seatback’s trim cover. 
The inflating SAB deploys through the seat 
seam into the space between the occupant and 
the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed 
and with such a high force that it could injure 
occupants if they are not seated properly, or if 
items are positioned in the area where the SAB 
inflates. Children are at an even greater risk of 
injury from a deploying air bag.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains 
(SABICs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental 
Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains 
(SABICs) are located above the side windows. 
The trim covering the SABICs is labeled “SRS 
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”
WARNING!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee 
impact bolsters in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the knee 
impact bolsters such as alarm lights, 
stereos, citizen band radios, etc.WARNING!
Do not use accessory seat covers or place 
objects between you and the Side Air Bags; 
the performance could be adversely affected 
and/or objects could be pushed into you, 
causing serious injury.
4
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126SAFETY  
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) 
Label Location
SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and 
other injuries to front and rear seat outboard 
occupants in certain side impacts, in addition to 
the injury reduction potential provided by the 
seat belts and body structure.
The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side 
windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside 
edge of the headliner out of the way and covers 
the window. The SABICs inflate with enough 
force to injure occupants if they are not belted 
and seated properly, or if items are positioned 
in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children 
are at an even greater risk of injury from a 
deploying air bag. The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial 
or complete ejection of vehicle occupants 
through side windows in certain side impact 
events.
Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in 
certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint 
Controller (ORC) determines whether the 
deployment of the Side Air Bags in a particular 
impact event is appropriate, based on the 
severity and type of collision. The side impact 
sensors aid the ORC in determining the 
appropriate response to impact events. The 
system is calibrated to deploy the Side Air Bags 
on the impact side of the vehicle during impacts 
that require Side Air Bag occupant protection. In 
side impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy 
independently; a left side impact deploys the 
left Side Air Bags only and a right-side impact 
deploys the right Side Air Bags only. Vehicle 
damage by itself is not a good indicator of 
whether or not Side Air Bags should have 
deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side 
collisions, including some collisions at certain 
angles, or some side collisions that do not 
impact the area of the passenger compartment. 
The Side Air Bags may deploy during angled or 
offset frontal collisions where the front air bags 
deploy.
WARNING!
Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage 
or other cargo up high enough to block the 
deployment of the SABICs. The trim 
covering above the side windows where the 
SABIC and its deployment path are located 
should remain free from any obstructions.
In order for the SABICs to work as intended, 
do not install any accessory items in your 
vehicle which could alter the roof. Do not 
add an aftermarket sunroof to your vehicle. 
Do not add roof racks that require perma
-
nent attachments (bolts or screws) for 
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill 
into the roof of the vehicle for any reason.
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SAFETY127
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt 
restraint system. Side Air Bags deploy in less 
time than it takes to blink your eyes.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior 
trim, but they will open during air bag deploy-
ment. Rollover Events
Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners are 
designed to activate in certain rollover events. 
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) 
determines whether deployment in a particular 
rollover event is appropriate, based on the 
severity and type of collision. Vehicle damage by 
itself is not a good indicator of whether or not 
Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners 
should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners 
will not deploy in all rollover events. The rollover 
sensing system determines if a rollover event 
may be in progress and whether deployment is 
appropriate. In the event the vehicle 
experiences a rollover or near rollover event, 
and deployment is appropriate, the rollover 
sensing system will deploy the Side Air Bags and 
seat belt pretensioners on both sides of the 
vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial 
or complete ejection of vehicle occupants 
through side windows in certain rollover or side 
impact events.
WARNING!
Occupants, including children, who are up 
against or very close to Side Air Bags can be 
seriously injured or killed. Occupants, 
including children, should never lean on or 
sleep against the door, side windows, or 
area where the side air bags inflate, even if 
they are in an infant or child restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where 
appropriate) are necessary for your protec
-
tion in all collisions. They also help keep 
you in position, away from an inflating Side 
Air Bag. To get the best protection from the 
Side Air Bags, occupants must wear their 
seat belts properly and sit upright with their 
backs against the seats. Children must be 
properly restrained in a child restraint or 
booster seat that is appropriate for the size 
of the child.
WARNING!
Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not 
lean against the door or window. Sit upright 
in the center of the seat.
Being too close to the Side Air Bags during 
deployment could cause you to be severely 
injured or killed.
Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could 
lead to more severe injuries in a collision. 
The Side Air Bags work with your seat belt 
to restrain you properly. In some collisions, 
Side Air Bags won’t deploy at all. Always 
wear your seat belt even though you have 
Side Air Bags.4
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128SAFETY  
Air Bag System Components
NOTE:
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni -
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting 
wiring associated with electrical Air Bag System 
Components listed below:
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light 
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
If A Deployment Occurs 
The front air bags are designed to deflate 
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all 
collisions. This does not mean something is 
wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air 
bags, any or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause 
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the occu -
pants as the air bags deploy and unfold. The 
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or 
those you might get sliding along a carpet or 
gymnasium floor. They are not caused by 
contact with chemicals. They are not perma -
nent and normally heal quickly. However, if 
you haven’t healed significantly within a few 
days, or if you have any blistering, see your 
doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some 
smoke-like particles. The particles are a 
normal by-product of the process that gener -
ates the non-toxic gas used for air bag infla -
tion. These airborne particles may irritate the 
skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or  eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. 
For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. 
If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If 
these particles settle on your clothing, follow 
the garment manufacturer’s instructions for 
cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have 
deployed. If you are involved in another 
collision, the air bags will not be in place to 
protect you.
NOTE:Air bag covers may not be obvious in the inte -
rior trim, but they will open during air bag 
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be 
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt 
pretensioners cannot protect you in another 
collision. Have the air bags, seat belt 
pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor 
assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer 
immediately. Also, have the Occupant 
Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
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