inflation pressure CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G Owners Manual

NOTE:This display will return 60 seconds after either
the C/T, MENU, STEP, or RESET button is pressed. If a
tire is low or high, you should correct your tire inflation
pressure as soon as possible and inspect all of your tires.
Refer to “Starting and Operating, Tires Section, Tire
Inflation Pressures” for more details. Once the low or
high tire pressure message has occurred, it will continue
to blink until the tire pressure is corrected.
2. If the spare tire pressure has exceeded the low or high
pressure allowed, the TPM system will display a message
in the EVIC for 60 seconds and sound a chime per every
ignition cycle.
NOTE:This message will return every ignition cycle,
until the tire pressures are corrected.
3. When the vehicle is moving and the EVIC cannot
receive a valid sensor signal from the tire pressure
sensors, the TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE message
will be displayed for 5 seconds along with a chime. The
display will then shift to the individual tire pressure
display screen and display dashes for the tire or tires that
are affected. Once the TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE
message has been displayed, and valid sensor signals arereceived, the EVIC will display the TIRE PRESSURE
NOW AVAILABLE message for 5 seconds along with a
chime. This is meant to inform you when the TPM system
has returned to it’s normal operation. This will occur
when valid tire pressure sensor messages have been
received from all 4 road tires. The TPM system function is
temporarily unavailable due to external electromagnetic
interference, such as electronic devices or nearby radio or
TV towers.
4. In addition to monitoring the vehicle tires, the TPM
system monitors faults within the system. When any
fault has been set, the TPM system will display TIRE
SENSOR BAD/MISSING. Be sure to inspect your tires for
proper inflation pressure. After you determine that your
tires are properly inflated, see your authorized dealer for
service to diagnose the problem with the TPM system.
5. If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM system
will automatically detect that the tires have been
switched (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).
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Tires heat up during normal driving conditions.
Heat will cause the tire pressure to increase from 2 to 6
psi (14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressures” in Starting and Operating,
About Your Tires Section for additional information.
Blank Screen
Shows a blank screen. Pressing the STEP button returns
to the compass and temperature display.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the CAL
symbol will be displayed.
After completing three 360° turns in an area free from
large metal or metallic objects, the CAL symbol will turn
off and the compass will function normally.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the CAL symbol does
not appear, you must manually put the compass into the
“Calibration” mode.
NOTE:To ensure proper compass calibration, make
sure the compass variance is properly set before manu-
ally calibrating the compass (see variance map).
To Put Into a Calibration Mode
Turn on the ignition and set the display to “Compass/
Temperature.” Press and hold the RESET button to
change the display between VAR (compass variance) and
CAL (compass calibration) modes. When the CAL sym-
bol is displayed complete three 360 degree turns in an
area free from large metal objects or power lines. The
CAL symbol will turn off and the compass will function
normally.
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................155
▫Normal Starting......................155
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................155
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................156
▫After Starting........................157
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................157
Automatic Transaxle....................157
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............157
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................158
▫Gear Ranges.........................158
Autostick............................159
▫Autostick Operation...................159
▫Autostick General Information............160
Parking Brake.........................161
Brake System.........................162
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............163
Power Steering........................163
Traction Control.......................163
Ti re s................................164
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................165
▫Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped . . 166
▫High Speed Operation..................168
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•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated byTRAC OFF, located in
the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off theTRAC OFFlight.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRES
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety—
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under-inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over-responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a
label attached to the rear face of the driver’s door. The
pressure should be checked and adjusted at least once
every month. Check more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Inflation pressures specified on the label are always “Cold
Inflation Pressure”. Cold inflation pressure is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at
least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3 hour
STARTING AND OPERATING 165
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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.
166 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 169
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WARNING!
The 300M Special is equipped with tires that are
optimized for driving in dry and wet weather con-
ditions. However, these tires have reduced traction
capability in snow and ice. When driving a 300M
Special in these conditions with these tires, you must
take special care to maintain control and avoid
accidents. We recommend that you equip your ve-
hicle with “SNOW” or “ALL SEASON” tires on all
four wheels for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
It is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. “SNOW”
tires may have lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum
vehicle speed. Do not use tires or wheels other than
the size recommended by the manufacturer for this
vehicle.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
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These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replace-
ment is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indica-
tors). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire
size listed on your vehicle’s tire label located on
the driver’s door. Using a smaller tire could result
in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like under
inflation, overloading can cause tire failure. Use
tires of the recommended load capacity for your
vehicle and never overload them.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING