check engine light CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2008 1.G User Guide

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. There will be some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident
by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine off)
the brakes will still function. The effort required to brake
the vehicle will be much greater than that required with
the power system operating.
Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides 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.
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents the
rear wheels from over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces applied to the rear
axle.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
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Indicator Light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
“ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and
the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. They should go out
with the engine running.
The system will turn the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles
and you have driven the vehicle several miles (kilome-
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and theESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
•TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightand theESP/BAS
Malfunction Indicator Lightwill turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be on even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “MIL” on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the “MIL” is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
The windshield washer and the headlight washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is located in
the front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place, resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
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Anti-Lock (ABS)....................317,321
Fluid Check....................... 411,437
Hoses.............................. 410
Master Cylinder....................... 411
Parking............................. 315
Warning Light.....................201,317
Brakes.............................317,410
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 304
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 73
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 139
Bulb Replacement.....................427,428
Bulbs,Light .......................... 77,427
Calibration, Compass..................... 220
Capacities, Fluid........................ 435
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 361
Oil (Engine).......................... 392
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 406Car Washes............................ 415
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 75,360
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 364
Catalytic Converter...................... 395
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............232,251
Cellular Phone..................... 88,251,253
Certification Label....................... 364
Chains, Tire............................ 343
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 329
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 388
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 74
Checks, Safety........................... 74
Child Restraint.................. 64,65,66,69,71
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 68,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 358
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 416
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 402
460 INDEX

Jump Starting......................... 377
Overheating.......................... 371
Towing ............................. 381
Emergency Trunk Release................... 38
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,440
Engine............................... 386
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Block Heater......................... 301
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 391
Compartment......................... 386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................404,436
Cooling ............................. 404
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 75,360
Fails to Start.......................... 300
Flooded, Starting...................... 300
Fuel Requirements..................... 357
Jump Starting......................... 377
Oil ...........................391,435,436Oil Change Interval.................... 392
Oil Filler Cap......................... 392
OilFilter ............................ 393
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 393
Oil Selection.......................392,435
Overheating.......................... 371
Starting............................. 297
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 392
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 358
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 75,76,360,403
Exhaust System....................... 75,403
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 85
ExteriorLighting ........................ 132
ExteriorLights .......................... 77
INDEX 463
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Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Air Conditioning....................290,400
Engine Fuel.......................... 395
Engine Oil........................393,436
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 393
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 370
Turn Signal...................... 77,138,199
Flash-To-Pass........................... 138
Flooded Engine Starting................... 300
Floor Console.......................... 190
Fluid, Brake........................... 437
Fluid Capacities......................... 435
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 413
Brake............................... 411
Cooling System....................... 404Engine Oil........................... 391
Power Steering........................ 400
Fluids ................................ 436
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 436
Fog Lights..........................137,199
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 380
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 401
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 414
Fuel................................. 357
Adding............................. 361
Additives............................ 359
CleanAir ............................ 358
Ethanol............................. 358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 361
Filter ............................... 395
Gasoline............................ 357
Gauge.............................. 205
Hoses.............................. 409
464 INDEX

Headlight Switch...................... 132
Headlights........................132,428
Headlights On Reminder................. 136
Headlights On With Wipers............134,142
High Beam........................138,205
High Beam Indicator.................... 205
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................132,199
Intensity Control....................... 139
Interior..........................139,176
License............................. 434
Lights On Reminder.................... 136
Low Fuel............................ 199
LowTire ............................ 206
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 208
Map Reading......................138,176
Oil Pressure.......................... 208
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 140
Passing............................. 138Reading..........................138,176
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 205
Service...........................427,428
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 208
SmartBeams.......................... 134
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........206,347
Traction Control....................... 327
Turn Signal................... 77,137,138,199
VanityMirror .......................... 88
Voltage............................. 208
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 199
Loading Vehicle......................364,365
Capacities........................... 365
Tires ............................... 332
Locks................................. 27
AutoUnlock .......................... 30
Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
468 INDEX