warning CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Workshop Manual

the instrument cluster both come on with the key in
the ignition switch turned to the ªONº position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/
ESP malfunction indicator light comes on continu-
ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected in either the BAS or the ESP system. If this
light stays illuminated, have the BAS and ESP checked
at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
11. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not
on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
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, there is a low brake fluid level or there is a
problem with the anti-lock brake system.The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
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.
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Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (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.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON 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 ON 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) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
Ð If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS
Ð if equipped.
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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CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If 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 ªHº, 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, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Trip Odometer Button
Trip Odometer Button Ð Standard Cluster
The word9TRIP9will appear when this button is pressed.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds when the
trip odometer is displayed to reset it to 0 miles or
kilometers. A second press of the button will display the
outside temperature in the odometer.
Trip Odometer Button Ð Premium Cluster
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. The letter ªAº or
ªBº 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 or kilometers. The odometer must be
in trip mode to reset.
16. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the Multi-Function lever away from
the steering wheel to switch the headlights to high
beam.
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17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to9Enhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlertŸ)9in the Occu-
pant Restraints section for more information.
19. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gearselector is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does
not come on during starting, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
21. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will turn on continuously when
there is a Low tire pressure condition. The
light will also turn on if a problem exist with
any tire sensor. When a system fault is
detected, the indicator lamp will flash repetitively for
ten seconds. The flash cycle will repeat every ten
minutes or until the fault condition is removed and
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reset. The light will remain on or flashing until the tire
pressure is properly set or the problem with the sensor
is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the tire and loading information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard.
22. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns onwhile driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)±If Equipped
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the
upper part of the cluster between the speedometer and
tachometer. Vehicles equipped with steering wheel
mounted switches (described in this section) will also be
equipped with the EVIC. This system conveniently al-
lows the driver to select a variety of useful information
by pressing the switches mounted on the steering wheel.
The EVIC consists of the following:
²System Status
²Vehicle information warning message displays
²Tire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped
²Personal Settings (customer programmable features)
²Compass display
²Outside temperature display
²Trip computer functions
²UConnectŸ hands-free communication system dis-
plays Ð If Equipped
²Navigation system screens Ð If Equipped
²Audio mode display
Press and release the MENU button and the
mode displayed will change between Trip
Functions, Navigation (If Equipped), System
Status, Personal Settings, and Telephone (If
Equipped).
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Pressing the FUNCTION SELECT button ac-
cepts a selected choice. The Function Select
button also advances the radio preset when the
EVIC is in the Compass/Temp/Audio screen.
Use the SCROLL buttons to scroll through Trip
Functions, Navigation (If Equipped), System
Status Messages, and Personal Settings (Cus-
tomer Programmable Features). The SCROLL
buttons also seek up and down (radio station or CD track
number).
The AUDIO MODE SELECT button is used to
select the Compass/Temp/Audio screen. If
Compass/Temp/Audio is already being dis-
played when the AUDIO MODE SELECT but-
ton is pressed, the radio mode will change from AM to
FM to Tape to CD, or to Satellite (SAT) depending on
which radio is in the vehicle. This button can also be used
to return to a previous navigation menu selection.
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages.²Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime)
²Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single chime)
²Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single chime)
²Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single
chime)
²Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single
chime)
²RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
²Memory #1/#2 Profile Set
²Memory #1/#2 Profile Recall
²Memory System Disabled ± Vehicle Not In Park (with
a single chime)
²Memory System Disabled ± Seat Belt Buckled (with a
single chime)
²Personal Settings Not Available ± Vehicle Not in Park
²Left/Right Front Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph)
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NTread Wear Indicators..................241
NReplacement Tires.....................241
NAlignment And Balance.................242
mSelf±Sealing TiresÐIf Equipped............243
mTire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped. . 243
NTire Pressure Monitoring Ð Base System.....243
NTire Pressure Monitoring Ð
Premium System......................245
NGeneral Information...................247
mTire Chains...........................248
mSnow Tires...........................249
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........249
mFuel Requirements.....................250
NReformulated Gasoline.................251
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............251
NMMT In Gasoline.....................252NSulfur In Gasoline.....................252
NMaterials Added To Fuel................253
NFuel System Cautions..................253
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............253
mAdding Fuel..........................254
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............254
mVehicle Loading.......................256
NVehicle Certification Label...............256
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......257
NGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........257
NOverloading.........................257
NLoading............................257
mTrailer Towing........................259
NWarranty Requirements.................259
mRecreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)
................261
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STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the ªSTARTº position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the ªOFFº position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather(below220ÉF or229ÉC) To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
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WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. See section 6 of
this manual for the proper jump starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15
seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once
the engine is running smoothly. Do not overspeed en-
gine.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure
should be repeated.
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