brakes CHRYSLER 300 C 2008 1.G Owners Manual

may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by lawData Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•\4Time\4of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Impact acceleration and angle
•Seat belt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Transmission gear selection
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The speed control lever (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operates the ACC system.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only activate ACC if the vehicle speed is above
25 mph (40 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the READY state,
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) dis-
plays “ACC READY.”
When the system is OFF, the EVIC displays “ACC OFF.”
NOTE:You cannot enable ACC under the following
conditions:
•When you apply the brakes.
•When the parking brake is set.
•When the automatic transmission is in “P” (Park),
“R” (Reverse), or “N” (Neutral).
•When the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is
switched off.
•When pushing the RESUME ACCEL switch without a
previously set speed in memory.
1 — DISTANCE SETTING
2 — CANCEL
3 — RESUME/ACCEL
4 — ON/OFF
5 — SET/DECEL 154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

You can change the distance setting by pushing the lever
away from you and release (“DISTANCE”). Each time
this is done, the distance setting toggles between long,
medium, and short.
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the
set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the
same lane, the EVIC displays the “Sensed Vehicle Indi-
cator” icon, and the system adjusts vehicle speed auto-
matically to maintain the distance setting, regardless of
the set speed.The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
•The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set
speed.
•The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of
the sensor.
•The vehicle ahead slows to a speed below 15 mph (24
km/h) and the system automatically disables itself.
•The distance setting is changed.
•The system disengages. (Refer to the information on
ACC Activation).
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; how-
ever, the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the
ACC system applies the brakes.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts
that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to
maintain the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert
(“ATTENTION”) will flash in the EVIC and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum
braking capacity. When this occurs, you should immedi-
ately apply the brakes as needed to maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle ahead.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
3

Precautions While Driving with ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or unexpect-
edly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need to
intervene.
Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel. There will not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle
may move in and out of the line of travel, which can
cause your vehicle to brake or accelerate unexpectedly.
Turns and Bends
In turns or bends, ACC may detect a vehicle ahead too
late or too early. This may cause your vehicle to brake late
or unexpectedly. Give extra attention in curves and be
ready to apply the brakes if necessary. Be sure to select an
appropriate speed while driving in curves.
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lane Changing
ACC will not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the
lane in which you are traveling. In the illustration shown,
ACC has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes and
it will not until it may be too late to take action. ACC will
not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane.
There will not be sufficient distance to the lane-changing
vehicle. Always be attentive and ready to apply the
brakes if necessary.
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Narrow Vehicles
Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of
the lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they
have moved fully into the lane. There will not be suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle ahead.
Stationary Objects and Vehicles
ACC does not react to stationary objects and stationary
vehicles. For example, ACC will not react in situations
where the vehicle you are following exits your lane and
the vehicle ahead is stopped in your lane. Always be
attentive and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 171
3

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 turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 325 for
more information.)
10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. The light
should go out with the engine running. The
system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP or the BAS or both. (See page 331 for more informa-
tion.)11. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 64 for more information.)
12. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity to a portion of the hydraulic system in the event of a
failure. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers due to a change in fluid level. If so,
the vehicle should have service performed and the brake
fluid level checked.
Immediate repair is necessary if brake failure is indicated.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light will
turn on in the event of an EBD failure. Immediate repair
of the ABS system is required in the event of an EBD
failure.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position to
the ON position. The light should turn on for approxi-
mately two seconds and then turn off. The light will
remain on if the parking brake is applied or if a brake
fault is detected. If the parking brake is not applied and
the light remains on, or if the light does not turn on, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:The light will turn on when the ignition switch
in the ON position and the parking brake is applied. This
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•ACC Off — When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system is turned off. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol (ACC)” in Section 3 of this manual for detailed
information (if so equipped).
•ACC Ready — When the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system is activated. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)” in Section 3 of this manual for detailed
information (if so equipped).
•ACC Set — After setting the desired speed in the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 of this
manual for detailed information (if so equipped).
•Driver Override — If you apply the accelerator after
setting the desired speed in the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)” in Section 3 of this manual for detailed
information (if so equipped).
•Distance Set — After changing the desired following
distance in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system,
this message will display momentarily. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 of this
manual for detailed information (if so equipped).
•Attention — If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system predicts that its maximum braking level is not
sufficient to maintain the set distance, this message
will flash and a chime will sound while ACC continues
to apply its maximum braking capacity. When this
occurs, you should immediately apply the brakes as
needed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in
Section 3 of this manual for detailed information (if so
equipped).
216 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL