traction control CHRYSLER 300 LX 2006 Owners Manual

treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis-
closed by DaimlerChrysler 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 product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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▫Windshield Washers...................107
▫Rain Sensing Wipers—If Equipped.........107
▫Mist Feature.........................108
▫Headlights On With Wipers
(Available With Auto Headlights Only)......108
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............109
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............109
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................109

Headlight Washers—If Equipped.........110
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................110

Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column..........111

Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column—
If Equipped
..........................112

Traction Control System (TCS)—
If Equipped
..........................113

Rear Park Assist System—If Equipped.....114

Brake Assist System (BAS)—If Equipped....116

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)—
If Equipped
..........................117
▫Synchronizing ESP....................119

Electronic Speed Control.................119
▫To Activate..........................120
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............120
▫To Deactivate........................120
▫To Resume Speed.....................120
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............120
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............121

Overhead Console—If Equipped..........122
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................122
▫Sunglasses Storage....................122

Garage Door Opener—If Equipped........123
▫Programming HomeLink................124
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 126
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
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TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)—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.
The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
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 TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
traction control switch (the TCS warning light in the
instrument cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive
wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive train.
The traction control switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the traction control switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
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To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the traction control
switch.To turn the system back ON, press the traction control
switch a second time until the traction control Indicator
turns OFF.
NOTE:
•
The traction control system comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur even if
you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
•The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
REAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM—IF EQUIPPED
This system is used to help drivers determine if an
obstacle is in the way of the vehicle while it is backing up
in addition to the use of inside rearview and outside
mirrors.
Traction Control Switch
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
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 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.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 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
ESP OFF Button
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
—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
—if equipped. (See page 117 for more information.)
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.
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“H”, 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.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free in this
manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on. Turn off the engine and
restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a brake transmission shift
interlock system (BTSI) that holds the gearshift lever in
the P (Park) position when the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position. To move the gear selector lever out of the
P (Park) position, the ignition switch must be turned to
the ON position, and the brake pedal must be depressed.
Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission exceeds
normal operating temperature, the transmission will
change the way it shifts to help control the condition.
This may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in D (Drive) position. After the
transmission cools down, it will return to normal opera-
tion.
AUTOSTICK—If Equipped
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting to provide you with more control.
Autostick allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve
overall vehicle performance. This system can also pro-
vide you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer tow-
ing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position it can be
moved from side to side. This allows the driver to select
a higher or lower range of gears. Moving the lever to the
left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the transmission gear
display, located in the instrument cluster.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
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MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE—IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time All Wheel Drive (AWD)
with Antilock Brake System (ABS)/Traction Control. The
front wheels provide 38% of the torque, and the rear
wheels provide 62% of the torque. The system is auto-
matic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills
required.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the front differential and/or
the transfer case.
SELF–SEALING TIRES—IF EQUIPPED
A non-hardening viscous sealant applied to the inner
liner of each tire fills punctures up to 0.19 in. (5 mm) to
minimize the loss of air pressure. This contributes to the
safety of the vehicle by significantly reducing the prob-
ability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
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WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
—if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS)—if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to“Electronic
Stability Program,”or“Traction Control System”in Sec-
tion 3 of this manual for details.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 371
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