torque CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owners Manual

Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The yellow BAS malfunction indicator light
comes on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ªONº position. The light should
go out with the engine running. If the BAS
malfunction indicator light comes on continuously 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.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. The
yellow BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP warning light in 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 continuously 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.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP 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 an
ESP-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.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3
ProCarManuals.com

The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor's information varies from the
driver's intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP OFF switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP OFF
switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
ESP OFF Switch
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the shift
lever is released. Otherwise, damage to the shifter
could result.
R (Reverse)
For moving the vehicle rearward. Always stop before
moving the lever to R (Reverse), except when rocking
the vehicle.
N (Neutral)
Engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in N (Neutral) and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle.
D (Overdrive)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down
shifts and best fuel economy. Select the ª3º range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs when us-
ing the Overdrive range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly ter-
rain, traveling into strong head winds, or while tow-
ing heavy trailers.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is started in cold outside tempera-
tures, shifts into Overdrive may be delayed. Normal
Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the ªNoteº under ªTorque Con-
verter Clutchº later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5
ProCarManuals.com

3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The ª3º position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:
Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
L (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts
will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while
downshifts occur earlier than other gear range selec-
tions.
CAUTION!
²Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE:
²
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles (1.6±4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the shift lever
into the ª3º position will show that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will
continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
²Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
ProCarManuals.com

7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and
tire. Remove the cover by hand, do not pry off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, see the wheel cover installation instruc-
tions. Do not attempt to install a wheel cover on a
compact spare.
9. Tighten all the lug nuts on the mounting studs.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
11. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135N. m).
12. Store the flat tire, jack and tools.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire is for temporary emergency use
with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
²Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
²Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
²This tire is designed as an emergency spare only-do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Fuel.......................... 254
Adding Washer Fluid.................108,302
Additives, Fuel........................ 253
Adjustable Pedals....................... 98
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 299
Air Conditioning....................... 194
Air Conditioning Filter................203,300
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 204
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 299
Air Conditioning System................. 194
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 237
Airbag................................ 37
Airbag Deployment....................41,42
Airbag Light....................41,48,58,142
Airbag Maintenance...................... 44
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window......................37,43
Alarm System.......................... 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 242
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 189
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 306
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........304,305,332Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 225
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 24
Appearance Care....................... 311
Auto Down Power Windows............... 26
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 104
Automatic Temperature Control............ 197
Automatic Transaxle..................... 310
Adding Fluid........................ 334
Selection Of Lubricant................. 334
Automatic Transmission............209,214,311
Adding Fluid........................ 311
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 311
Fluid Change........................ 311
Fluid Level Check..................... 310
Gear Ranges......................... 210
Torque Converter..................... 212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 213
Autostick..........................216,222
362 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Safety...........................228,236
Self-Sealing.......................... 243
Sizes............................... 229
Snow Tires.......................... 249
Spare Tire........................... 268
Spinning............................ 240
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 241
Torque Converter Clutch................. 212
Towing.............................. 259
Disabled Vehicle...................... 278
Recreational......................... 261
Trailering........................... 259
Traction Control........................ 110
Traction Control Switch.................. 110
Trailer Towing......................... 259
Minimum Requirements................ 259
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 259
Transaxle............................. 310
Automatic.......................... 310
Autostick........................... 222
Selection of Lubricant.................. 334
Transmission
Automatic........................209,214Shifting............................ 209
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 119
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 20
Transporting Pets........................ 57
Tread Wear Indicators................... 241
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 144
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 29
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 28
Turn Signals........................105,140
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 358
Universal Joints........................ 301
Universal Transmitter.................... 119
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 250
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 68
Variance, Compass...................... 151
Vehicle Certification Label................ 256
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................233,256,257
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
INDEX 373
10
ProCarManuals.com