CHRYSLER 300 2010 1.G Owners Manual

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the mode control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•DefrostAir is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles.
•Defrost/Floor Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is
also directed to the front door windows through the
side window demister grilles.
•Floor Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating area
through vents under the front seats.
•Bi-Level Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and through the outlets located on the
floor. Air flows through the registers in the back of the
center console to the rear seat passengers. These registers
can be closed to block airflow.
•Panel Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel. Air flows through the registers in the
back of the center console to the rear seat passengers.
These registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Air Conditioning Control Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air con-
ditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with the mode control
dial. Press this button a second time to turn off the air
conditioning. An indicator in the button illuminates
when manual compressor operation is selected.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The Recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An indicator in the button
illuminates when the Recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE: Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow recirculation
to be selected while in Defrost or Defrost/Floor mode. Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the indicator in the control button to blink and
then turn off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 301

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time 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 ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor 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
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
302 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 303

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 309
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 309
▫ Keyless Go™ ....................... 310
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 311
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 312
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 312
▫ After Starting ....................... 314
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 314
Automatic Transmission ................. 314
▫ General Information .................. 315
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 317
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 317
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 318
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped ....................... 319
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 319
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▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped ....................... 324
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 324
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 328
▫ Operation ......................... 329
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 329
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 330
▫ Acceleration ........................ 330
▫ Traction ........................... 331
 Driving Through Water ................. 331
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 332
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 332
 Power Steering ....................... 334 ▫
Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 334
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 335
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 338
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 340
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 340
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 340
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 341
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 341
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 344
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 344
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Safety Information ................. 345
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 345
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 349
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 350
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 351
 Tires — General Information ............. 355
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 355
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 356
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 358
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 358
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 358
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 359
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 360 ▫
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 360
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 361
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 362
 Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped ........... 363
 Snow Tires .......................... 363
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 364
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 365
▫ Base System ........................ 367
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 370
▫ General Information .................. 374
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 374
▫ 2.7L Engine ........................ 374
▫ 3.5L And 5.7L Engine ................. 374
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

▫Reformulated Gasoline ................ 375
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 375
▫ E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 376
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 377
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 377
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 377
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 378
 Adding Fuel ......................... 379
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 381
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 381
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 382
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 382▫
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 382
▫ Overloading ........................ 383
▫ Loading ........................... 383
 Trailer Towing ........................ 384
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 384
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 386
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 388
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 388
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 389
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 395
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 396
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 396
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Using Fob With Integrated Key (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309