power steering CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owners Manual

turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing 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.
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 fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
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mWindshield Wipers And Washers..........106
NWindshield Washers...................106
NRain Sensing WipersÐIf Equipped.........107
NMist Feature.........................107
NHeadlamps On With Wipers
(Available With Auto Headlights Only)......107
NWindshield Wiper Operation.............108
NIntermittent Wiper System...............108
NAdding Washer Fluid..................108
mTilt/Telescoping Steering Column..........109
mPower Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column Ð
If Equipped
..........................109
mTraction Control System (Tcs) Ð If Equipped..110
mBrake Assist System (BAS)Ð If Equipped....112
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP)Ð
If Equipped
..........................113
NSynchronizing ESP....................115
mElectronic Speed Control.................115
NTo Activate..........................116
NTo Set At A Desired Speed...............116
NTo Deactivate........................116
NTo Resume Speed.....................116
NTo Vary The Speed Setting...............116
NTo Accelerate For Passing...............117
mOverhead Console Ð If Equipped..........118
NCourtesy/Reading Lights................118
NSunglasses Storage....................118
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped........119
NProgramming Homelink................119
NCanadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 122
NUsing Homelink......................123
NErasing Homelink Buttons...............123
NReprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 123
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63
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When high-temperature heating is selected, the heaters
provide a boosted heat level during the first four minutes
of operation after heating is activated. The heat output
then drops to the normal high-temperature level. If
high-level heating is selected, the system will automati-
cally switch to the low level after two hours of continu-
ous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change.
Operation on the low setting also turns off automatically
after two hours.
NOTE:Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.
Memory FeatureÐIf Equipped
This feature allows the driver to store up to two memory
profiles. Each memory profile will include the seat, side
mirror, adjustable pedal (if equipped), power tilt and
telescopic steering column (if equipped) settings as well
as radio station presets.The memory feature switch is located on the driver's
door panel. The memory switch allows the driver to
recall one of two pre-programmed memory profiles.
To Set The Memory Feature:
1. Adjust all memory profile settings to desired prefer-
ences. i.e. seat, side mirror, adjustable pedal (if
equipped), power tilt and telescopic steering column (if
equipped) settings as well as the radio presets.
Memory Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93
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TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
Unlock the steering column by pulling out the handle
located directly below the column. To tilt the column
move the steering wheel up or down as desired. To
lengthen or shorten the steering column pull out or push
in the steering wheel. Lock the steering column in
position by pushing the handle in until it fully engages.WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The
telescoping adjustment must be locked while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the telescoping adjustment locked
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
POWER TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING
COLUMNÐIF EQUIPPED
The power tilt/telescoping steering column lever is lo-
cated below the multi-function lever on the steering
column. To tilt the column move the lever up or down as
desired. To lengthen or shorten the steering column pull
the lever toward you or push the lever away from you as
desired.
Steering Column Handle
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109
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NOTE:Note: If your vehicle is equipped with the
memory seat feature your remote keyless entry transmit-
ter or memory buttons on the driver's door panel can be
used to recall the steering column tilt and telescopic
positions. Refer to the ªSeatsºsection for details.WARNING!
Moving the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The TCS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a
TCS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. If the
power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with the engine
running. Turn the steering wheel completely to the left
and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light should go out.
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or discharged), the BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with
the engine running. Turn the steering wheelcompletely to the left and then to the right. The BAS
malfunction indicator light should go out.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The
speed control switch consists of a stalk mounted lever
located on the steering column.
Electronic Speed Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
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Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer if
equipped, will remain active for 10 minutes after the
ignition has been turned off, and the driver door has not
been opened. This feature is programmable through the
electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) Ð if
equipped. Refer to ªDelay Power Off to Accessories Until
Exitº under ªPersonal Settingsº in the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center section for details.
CASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE
To keep the cassette tapes and player in good condition,
take the following precautions:
1. Do not use cassette tapes longer than C-90; otherwise,
sound quality and tape durability will be greatly dimin-
ished.
2. Keep the cassette tape in its case to protect from
slackness and dust when it is not in use.
3. Keep the cassette tape away from direct sunlight, heat
and magnetic fields such as the radio speakers.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................207
NNormal Starting......................207
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........209
mTransmission Shifting...................209
N4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........209
N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........214
NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................219
mAutoStick Ð If Equipped................222
NAutoStick Operation...................222
mParking Brake.........................222
mBrake System.........................224NAnti-Lock Brake System................225
mPower Steering........................227
mTire Safety Information..................228
NTire Markings........................228
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........231
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........232
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............236
NTire Pressure.........................236
NTire Inflation Pressures.................237
NRadial-Ply Tires......................239
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........239
NTire Spinning........................240
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All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
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 does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power 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!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.7L Engine..........................284
m3.5L Engine..........................285
m5.7L Engine..........................286
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......287
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................288
mReplacement Parts.....................289
mDealer Service........................289
mMaintenance Procedures.................290
NEngine Oil..........................290
NEngine Oil Filter......................295NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................295
NSpark Plugs.........................295
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................295
NFuel Filter..........................296
NCatalytic Converter....................296
NMaintenance-Free Battery................297
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............299
NA/C Air Filter.......................300
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............300
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........301
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