instrument panel CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owners Manual

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Gear Ranges
P (Park)
Supplements the parking brake by locking the trans-
mission. The engine can be started in this range. Never
use P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, and then place
the selector in P (Park) position.
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
²When shifting into P (Park) move the lever all the way
forward until it stops, and is fully seated.
²Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument
panel to ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position.
To release the parking brake, pull out on the parking
brake release located on the left side of the instrument
panel.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
Parking Brake
Parking Brake Release
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel between the center air outlets.
To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
264 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Hood Release.......................... 99
Hoses............................307,310
Ignition
Key ................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 15
Immobilizer............................ 12
Infant Restraint......................... 50
Information Center, Vehicle............... 147
Instrument Cluster................138,139,140
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 137
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 314
Interior Appearance Care................. 313
Interior Fuses.......................... 315
Interior Lights......................... 101
Intermittent Wipers..................... 108
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 267
Jack Operation......................266,269
Jacking Instructions..................... 269
Jump Starting......................... 273Key, Programming....................... 14
Key, Replacement....................... 13
Key, Sentry............................ 12
Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 20
Keys................................. 11
Knee Bolster........................... 37
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 30
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren)........................... 54
Latch Plate............................ 31
Latches
Hood............................... 99
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 250
Lights.............................59,101
Airbag.........................41,58,142
Anti-Lock........................... 141
Automatic Headlights.................. 104
Brake Warning....................... 142
Bulb Replacement..................322,323
Courtesy/Reading.................... 101
Daytime Running..................... 104
INDEX 367
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