wheel CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G User Guide

7. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
8. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The light will come on after the ignition is
turned on. The light will remain lit until the seat
belt is fastened.
10. Door Ajar Light
This light shows that a door is not completely
closed. A warning chime will sound if the vehicle
is moving with a door partially closed.
11. Speedometer
Shows vehicle speed in miles-per-hour or kilometers-per-
hour.
12. Low Washer Fluid Light
This symbol will light whenever the fluid reser-
voir is less than 1/4 filled. Adding washer fluid
will cause the light to go out the next time the
ignition is cycled. A warning chime will sound when
the light comes on.
13. Cruise (Speed Control) Light
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
14. Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition. A warning chime will sound
when the light comes on.
15. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the 5 gauge
marks between Hot and Cold shows that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The
gauge pointer may show a higher than normal tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a
trailer.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 up to 45 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
SALES CODE RAZ—AM/ FM STEREO RADIO
WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER AND CD PLAYER
— IF EQUIPPED
Operating Instructions — Radio
NOTE:
Power to operate the radio is controlled by the
ignition switch. It must be in the ON or ACC position to
operate the radio.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 119
4

•Pressing the AM/FM button while in the tape or CD
mode will select the radio mode.
•If in the CD mode and the last CD is ejected, the radio
will tune to the last station selected.
Removing Discs from the CD Changer
If there is a single CD in the changer, press the EJT button
and the CD will eject. If the CD is not removed within 15
seconds, it will automatically reload into the CD changer.
To eject additional CDs from the changer, first select the
numbered button where the CD is located and then press
the EJT button.
CD Changer Operation with the Changer Off
The CD changer is able to load and eject discs with the
ignition power off. However, while the ignition is off, one
of the six numbered buttons must be pressed first.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a
push-button in the center and controls the volume and
mode of the sound system. Pressing the top of the rocker
switch will increase the volume and pressing the bottom
of the rocker switch will decrease the volume.
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition on,
the red Brake light in the instrument cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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 the release lever
located on the lower edge of the instrument panel.When parking on a hill, you must set the parking brake
beforeplacing the gear selector in Park. If you don’t, 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 an uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
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Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the ABS computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
WARNING!
Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec-
tiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when
you need to slow down or stop.
POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering as
standard equipment. The power assisted steering system
of your vehicle provides mechanical steering capability
in the event power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction while spinning. The traction
system operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
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period. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum values molded into the tire side wall.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi [.13 to.41 bars]
(13 to 40 kPa) during operation. Do NOT reduce this
normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.
The tire pressures shown on the tire label apply only to
the tire sizes listed on the label.
Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) monitors the
pressure in all 4 road tires and the full size spare. The
TPM system uses wireless technology to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part
of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the overhead console. The tire pres-
sure status is shown in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) display. Pressure in the spare tire, al-
though monitored, is not displayed in the EVIC. Refer to
“Understanding the Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for more informa-
tion. The TPM system functions even when the EVIC is
not set on the tire pressure display screen.The TPM system informs you of a low or high tire
pressure condition. If this occurs, correct your tire infla-
tion pressure as soon as possible, and inspect all of your
tires. Be sure to use a high quality gauge when adjusting
pressure. The TPM system is designed to periodically
monitor your tire pressure but cannot be expected to
function as a tire pressure gauge. There can be a delay
between the instant you adjust the air pressure in a tire
and when the system updates the display. The TPM
system is not intended to provide you with notification of
rapid air loss.
The following chart indicates the TPM system pressure
levels. A threshold is the level at which the TPM system
provides you with an indication.
300M 300M Special
High Pressure
Threshold45 psi (310 kPa) 45 psi (310 kPa)
Placard Pressure 30 psi (207 kPa) 32 psi (220 kPa)
Low Pressure
Threshold24 psi (165 kPa) 26 psi (179 kPa)
NOTE:A TPM system does not replace normal tire
maintenance.
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CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant or balance beads if your vehicle
is equipped with TPM system as damage to the
sensors may result.
Tire Pressure Monitor System Tire/Wheel Rotation
and Sensor Replacement — If Equipped
If a road tire and wheel is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap automatically (after the
ignition has been cycled) and display SPARE SWAP
DETECTED along with a chime. This could take up to 10
minutes with vehicle speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).The tire pressure sensorsmustbe retrained following a
wheel rotation or sensor replacement. Refer to “Under-
standing The Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable
Features, Retrain Tire Sensors” for more information. It is
necessary to program the EVIC with the new sensor(s) or
the new position of each sensor as it is rotated to a
different corner of the vehicle.
If a wheel rotation is not followed by the retrain proce-
dure, the system will not properly inform you of the
correct vehicle location of a low or high tire pressure.
The retraining procedure requires the use of a training
magnet which is located in the left, rear corner of the
spare tire well under the spare tire cover in the trunk.
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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
WARNING!
Death or serious injury can occur if magnetically
sensitive devices are exposed to this magnet. Mag-
nets can affect pacemakers.
High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other tires on your
vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The
instability could cause an accident. Always use ra-
dial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with
other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
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Spare Tire Usage with Directional Tread Pattern
Tires (300M Special Only)
The 300M Special model offers tires with a directional
tread pattern. These tires are designed to optimize dry
handling as well as wet performance. To obtain the full
benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation direction
of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall
of the tire. The full size spare tire is mounted as a direct
replacement for the right side of the vehicle. For road-
side replacement of a flat tire on the left side of the
vehicle, the full size spare can be used as mounted. If this
is required, correct the rotation as soon as possible to
restore optimum wet performance.
Compact Spare Tire
Maintain the compact spare tire inflation pressure at 60
psi [4.1 bars](414 kPa). Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
while the compact spare is installed on the vehicle.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed.
WARNING!
Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With the compact spare tire assembly installed
on your vehicle, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km).
Vehicle handling and braking performance will be
reduced. Also, do not drive more than 50 mph (80
km) with the compact spare installed. Failure to
follow compact spare tire warning may result in an
accident and/or fatal injury. Temporary-use spare
tires have a total tread life of 2,000 miles (3 200 km).
Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
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Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph. (48 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in section 6
of this manual.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
Tire Chains
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
The 300M Special offers a high performance three
season tire. The performance of this type of tire on
snow and ice is not equivalent to traditional all season
tires.
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