heating CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.G User Guide

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 Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
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 “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 311

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in tire over-heating and failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.(Continued)
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground,
or using a tow dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. The only
acceptable method for towing this vehicle (behind an-
other vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all four wheels
OFF the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 405

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel between the center air
outlets.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a
second time to turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

8. Disconnect the positive(+)jumper cable from the
positive (+)post of the booster battery.
9. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable
from the remote positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
422 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 423

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 454
Engine Oil ......................... 440
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 223
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 331
Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................ 332
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 278
E-85 Fuel ............................. 385
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 250
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 96
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 237
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 340
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 340
Brake Assist System ................... 341 Traction Control System
................ 341
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 466
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....183,186
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 342
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 219,269
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 422
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 408
Jacking ............................ 409
Jump Starting ....................... 418
Overheating ........................ 408
Towing ............................ 425
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 433
Engine ............................... 432
Air Cleaner ......................... 440
Block Heater ........................ 322
516 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level ................... 437
Compartment .................... 431,432
Compartment Identification ............. 431
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 451,481
Cooling ........................... 450
Exhaust Gas Caution ................83,384
Fails to Start ........................ 321
Flooded, Starting ..................... 321
Fuel Requirements .................... 380
Jump Starting ....................... 418
Multi-Displacement ................... 335
Oil ......................... 437,480,481
Oil Change Interval ................ 277,438
Oil Filler Cap .................... 438,439
Oil Filter ........................... 440
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 440
Oil Selection ..................... 438,480
Oil Synthetic ........................ 439 Overheating
........................ 408
Starting ........................... 318
Temperature Gauge ................... 267
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 438,439
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 381
Event Data Recorder ...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 83,384
Exhaust System ....................... 83,448
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 95
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Exterior Lights .......................... 86
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 264
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 440
Air Conditioning .................. 31 1,444
Engine Oil ....................... 440,481
10
INDEX 517

Overhead Console....................... 221
Overheating, Engine ................... 268,408
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,507
Paint Care ............................. 461
Panic Alarm ............................ 22
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 209
Parking Brake .......................... 336
Passing Light ........................... 169
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 181
Pets .................................. 81
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 354
Power Deck Lid Release ..................... 41
Distribution Center (Fuses) ...........466,470
Door Locks ......................... 29
Mirrors ............................ 96
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 237
Seats ............................. 147 Steering
........................... 334
Sunroof ......................... 229,233
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ......... 178
Windows ........................... 38
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 482
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 56
Preparation for Jacking .................... 412
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 54
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 361
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 453
Radio Operation ........................ 301
Radio Remote Controls .................... 299
Rain Sensitive Wiper System ................ 176
Rear Camera ........................... 219
Rear Cupholder ......................... 244
10
INDEX 525