climate control CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owners Manual

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the trunk open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Rear Seat Cupholders
The rear seat cupholders are located in the center armrest
between the rear seats. The cup holders are positioned
forward in the armrest and side-by-side to provide
convenient access to beverage cans or bottles while
maintaining a resting place for the rear occupants' el-
bows.
STORAGE
Console Features
The center console includes a large internal storage bin.
The storage bin has a rubber mat for noise control. The
bin is also large enough to hold a portable AC/DC
converter to power lap tops, games, or other electrical
equipment. Two slots at the top right side of the bin
provide clearance for power cords to pass conveniently
out of the bin with the lid closed. This feature is ideal for
games, laptops, cell phones or other electrical equipment.
A four-slot coin holder can hold US dollar coins or
Canadian one and two-dollar coins, as well as quarters,
dimes and nickels. The bin has a Front-opening lid for
easy access inside by either the driver or front passenger.
There are also two shift bezel cubby bins with rubber
mats for holding small items. For vehicles not equipped
with the navigation radio, an extra storage bin is pro-
vided below the climate controls that holds up to four CD
jewel cases. The inside portion of the arm rest lid contains
a pen holder, a tissue holder, and a tire gauge holder.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance..............193
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones.......194
mClimate Controls......................194
NClimate Controls Ð Manual..............194
NAutomatic Temperature Control Ð
If Equipped.........................197
NSummer Operation....................202NWinter Operation.....................203
NVacation Storage......................203
NWindow Fogging.....................203
NOutside Air Intake....................203
NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............203
NOperating Tips.......................204
136 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
CLIMATE CONTROLS Ð Manual
Air Conditioning
The controls for the heating/air conditioning and venti-
lation system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary
knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired
interior conditions.The instrument panel features four dual-vane airflow
registers. Two registers are located on the outer ends of
the instrument panel and two are located in the center of
the instrument panel. These registers can be closed to
partially block airflow.
Press this button to turn on and off the air condi-
tioning. Cool dehumidified air comes through the
outlets selected by the mode selector. Press the button a
second time to turn off the air conditioning. The button
includes an LED that illuminates when compressor op-
eration is selected.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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is re-used. Use this mode to rapidly cool the inside of
the vehicle. The Recirculation mode can also be used
to temporarily block out outside odors, smoke, and
dust.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Automatic Temperature Control Ð If Equipped
The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the interior comfort level desired by
the driver and passenger. This is accomplished by a dual
sun-sensor in the top of the instrument panel, and an
infrared sensor located in the face of the control unit.
There are also various sensors monitored by this system
which take account for vehicle speed, A/C pressure,outside temperature, and engine cooling temperature.
The infrared sensor independently measures the surface
temperature of the driver and passenger. Based on the
sensor input, the system automatically adjusts the air
flow temperature, the air flow volume, and amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the right mode knob to AUTO, and place the blower
control (left knob) to either LO AUTO or HI AUTO. The
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
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NOTE:
²
The surface of the climate control panel, and the top
center of the instrument panel should be kept free of
debris due to the climate control sensor's location.
Mud on the windshield may also cause poor operation
of this system.
²To provide you with maximum comfort in the auto-
matic mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will
remain off until the engine warms up. However, the
fan will engage immediately if the defrost mode is
selected or if you manually select a blower speed.
²Under certain conditions (after the vehicle is turned
off) the climate control system may recalibrate and a
noise may be heard for 20 seconds. This is part of
normal operation.
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic,
Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Pre-
ferred Automatic. This means the customer can override
the blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range used when the AUTO setting is not desired. The
left control can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the knob.
NOTE:Please read the Automatic Temperature Control
Operation Chart below for details.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199
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Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for Manual A/C
Control) at the end of this section for suggested control
settings in different weather conditions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in
your Owner's Manual for filter replacement instructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
40 5 Amp
OrangePower Mirror
41 10 Amp
RedClimate Control Module/
Headlamp Leveling Ð if
equipped/Rear Park Assist Ð
if equipped/Tire Pressure
Monitoring Ð if equipped
42 30 Amp
PinkAutomatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC) Blower Motor
43 30 Amp
PinkRear Defroster
44 20 Amp
Lt. BlueAudio AmplifierVEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
²Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
²Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
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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 A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
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Ball Joints............................ 301
Battery............................... 297
Jump Starting........................ 273
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 23
Location.........................274,298
Bearings.............................. 311
Belts, Drive........................... 295
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 301
B-Pillar Location....................... 232
Brake Assist System..................... 112
Brake, Parking......................... 222
Brake System.......................224,307
Anti-Lock........................... 225
Fluid Check......................309,334
Hoses.............................. 308
Warning Light....................... 142
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 221
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 57
Bulb Replacement...................... 323
Bulbs, Light........................... 322
Calibration, Compass.................... 151
Capacities, Fluid....................... 332Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 254
Radiator............................ 305
Car Washes........................... 312
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 253
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 131
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 192
Catalytic Converter..................... 296
CD Player......................159,164,175
Cellular Phone.......................... 68
Chains, Tire........................... 248
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 265
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 229
Child Restraint...................50,52,54,55
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 54
Child Safety Locks....................... 19
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 251
Climate Control........................ 194
Clock................................ 158
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 193
Compact Spare Tire..................... 239
Compass............................. 150
Compass Calibration.................... 151
INDEX 363
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