engine CHRYSLER 300 LX 2007 Owner's Manual

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-
eration or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. After-market wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
23. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on
while driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.24. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD. The OBD system monitors
engine and automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will turn on when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the light does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 332 for more information.)
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25. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A single chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 335 for more information.)
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the
upper part of the cluster between the speedometer and
tachometer. Vehicles equipped with steering wheel
mounted buttons (described in this section) are also
equipped with the EVIC. The EVIC consists of the
following:
•System Status
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
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•Trip A
•Trip B
•Elapsed Time
•Display Units of Measure in
Press the SCROLL button to cycle through all the Trip
Computer functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion:
•Average Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver Mode
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read
“RESET” or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the
history information will be erased, and the averaging will
continue from the last fuel average reading before the
reset.Vehicles with the 5.7L Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
may be equipped with the FUEL SAVER MODE in the
Trip Functions of the EVIC. The FUEL SAVER MODE
message will display above the average fuel economy in
the EVIC display. This message will appear whenever
MDS allows the engine to operate on four cylinders,
which will vary depending on driving habits and vehicle
usage.
4 Cylinder Operation - MDS On
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the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take account of
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the 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 Mode Control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the Blower Control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTO
or HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature youwould like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger Temperature Control knob. Once the com-
fort level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired comfort level require air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic operation.
Air conditioning in this system is automatic.
Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button
while in AUTO mode will cause the LED in the
control button to flash three times and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is in AUTO mode and
requesting the air conditioning is not necessary.
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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 LED 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 Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED 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 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
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
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................234
▫Automatic Transmission................235
▫Normal Starting......................235
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)................235
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................235
▫After Starting........................236
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........237
Automatic Transmission.................237
▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................238
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 240▫4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........240
▫5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........245
AutoStick— If Equipped...............249
▫AutoStickOperation..................249
All Wheel Drive — If Equipped...........250
Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............250
▫Acceleration.........................250
▫Traction............................251
Parking Brake.........................251
Brake System.........................253
▫Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.....253
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Power Steering........................255
Multi Displacement System (MDS) -
5.7L Engine Only
......................256
Traction Control System (TCS) —
If Equipped
..........................257
Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped....258
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —
If Equipped
..........................259
▫Synchronizing ESP....................261
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights......................262
Tire Safety Information..................262
▫Tire Markings........................262
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........266
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........267
Tires — General Information..............271
▫Tire Pressure.........................271▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................272
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................274
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........274
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........275
▫Tire Spinning........................275
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................276
▫Life Of Tire.........................277
▫Replacement Tires.....................277
▫Alignment And Balance.................278
Self–Sealing Tires — If Equipped..........279
Tire Chains...........................279
Snow Tires...........................280
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........280
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped
..........................281
▫Base System — If Equipped..............284
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▫Premium System — If Equipped..........285
▫General Information...................288
Fuel Requirements.....................289
▫2.7L Engine.........................289
▫3.5L And 5.7L Engines..................289
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................290
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............290
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................290
▫Materials Added To Fuel................291
▫Fuel System Cautions..................291
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............292
Adding Fuel..........................293
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............293
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............295
Vehicle Loading.......................295
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............295▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......296
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........296
▫Overloading.........................296
▫Loading............................297
Trailer Towing........................298
▫Common Towing Definitions.............298
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............301
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........301
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............303
▫Towing Requirements..................304
▫Towing Tips.........................308
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.)309
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................309
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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
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys
in the ignition. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up
may cause serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
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Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the “START” position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the “LOCK” position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below20°F or29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
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