engine CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G User Guide

WARNING!
A moving garage door can cause injury to people and
pets in the path of the door. People or pets could be
seriously or fatally injured. Use this transceiver with
a garage door opener that has a “stop and reverse”
feature as required by federal safety standards. This
includes most garage door opener models manufac-
tured after 1982. Contact HomeLinkat
1–800–355–3515 for safety information or assistance
or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
Programming The Universal Transceiver
WARNING!
Your motorized door or gate will open and close
while you are programming the universal trans-
ceiver. Do not program the universal transceiver if
people or pets are in the path of the door or gate. A
moving door or gate can cause serious injury or
death to people and pets or damage to objects.
1. Turn off the engine.
WARNING!
Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger-
ous gas. Do not run the vehicle’s engine while
programming the universal transceiver. Exhaust gas
can cause serious injury or death.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

Outside Temperature
Because engine temperature can increase the displayed
temperature, temperature readings are slowly updated
when vehicle speed is below 20 mph (30 km/h).
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
Your vehicle may be equipped with two power outlets.
The primary power outlet is located in the forward
portion of the center console and in the lower center of
the instrument panel. Accessories powered through this
outlet are protected by a 15 amp fuse. The outlet may be
converted to a cigar lighter by installing the dealer
obtained smoker’s package. The outlet is operated by the
ignition switch, when in the “on/run” or “acc” positions
only. You may convert the outlet from ignition to battery
power by performing the following:
•Remove the fuse cover from the left end of the
instrument panel (see the paragraph on fuses in sec-
tion 7 of this manual.)
•Remove fuse #6 (its on the upper right of the fuse
block) from its “IGN” position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 105
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the tank.
2. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (8
liters), the Low Fuel symbol will light and re-
main lit until fuel is added. A warning chime will
sound when the light comes on.
3. Low Oil Pressure Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should come on briefly as a bulb check
when the engine is first started. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine. 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 under the hood.4. TRAC ON/OFF Lights
The Traction Control On light (TRAC ON) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the light does not come on, have the
bulb replaced.
The TRAC ON light will also come on when the system
is controlling traction.
The Traction Control Off light (TRAC OFF) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the light does not come on, have the
bulb checked.
The TRAC OFF light will come on when the Traction
Control switch has been used to turn the system off.
5. Trunk Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk is not latched
6. Tachometer
Measures engine revolutions-per-minute (R.P.M.). The
red numbers at the end on the scale show the maximum
permissible R.P.M. Ease off on the accelerator before
reaching the red area.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4

7. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
8. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The light will come on after the ignition is
turned on. The light will remain lit until the seat
belt is fastened.
10. Door Ajar Light
This light shows that a door is not completely
closed. A warning chime will sound if the vehicle
is moving with a door partially closed.
11. Speedometer
Shows vehicle speed in miles-per-hour or kilometers-per-
hour.
12. Low Washer Fluid Light
This symbol will light whenever the fluid reser-
voir is less than 1/4 filled. Adding washer fluid
will cause the light to go out the next time the
ignition is cycled. A warning chime will sound when
the light comes on.
13. Cruise (Speed Control) Light
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
14. Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition. A warning chime will sound
when the light comes on.
15. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the 5 gauge
marks between Hot and Cold shows that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The
gauge pointer may show a higher than normal tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a
trailer.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb 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 or
poor fuel quality 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 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.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4

Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the system in any mode you select. Turn the
control clockwise to increase fan speed.
In ambient temperatures below 70°F (21°C), fan opera-
tion is delayed when the engine is first started. The fan
will automatically start when the engine coolant is warm
enough to heat the air. This feature can be defeated by
turning the fan control.
AUTO Control
Press the top of the button to turn the ATC system On.
Press the lower portion of the button to turn the entire
system Off.
Comfort Control
Use this control to regulate the comfort inside the pas-
senger compartment. Press the top of the switch to raise
the temperature selection and the bottom of the switch to
lower it. The comfort setting range is from Lo, 60, 61,....to
89,90, Hi, for automatic temperature control. You can
select a very hot or cold comfort setting by holding the
comfort control until it reaches its highest or lowest
levels.The system adjusts to bring the interior temperature to
the desired comfort level. All comfort settings are auto-
matic; even Hi and Low.
NOTE:You can change the display from U.S. to metric
units by pressing the Mix and Panel mode buttons
simultaneously or by pressing the English/Metric button
on the overhead console.
Air Conditioning Button
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the display
shows that the compressor is on. Compressor
operation is automatic when you press the Auto button.
The compressor can operate at any temperature above
32°F (0°C).
With the compressor off and the temperature set at Lo, air
entering the vehicle will be slightly warmer than the air
outside the vehicle.
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147
4

engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor is on. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle. Recirculation is automatically controlled when
the system is in Auto Mode. Use this mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual control of Recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes.
NOTE:The Recirc button light will blink if you try to
use it in the Mix or Defrost modes.
Air Direction Buttons (Mode)
These buttons allow you to select from five air distribu-
tion patterns. These buttons should be used only when
you can not achieve comfort or visibility in Auto opera-
tion. A symbol in the display window will show which
mode is operating.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
air flow. This mode is not recommended when heat is
required.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the Defrost and side
window demist outlets. This mode is recommended
when heat is desired.
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. Use this setting in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat
at the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
The compressor is on in this mode.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through both the panel and floor
outlets. This mode is not recommended when
heat is required in very cold temperatures.
148 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................155
▫Normal Starting......................155
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................155
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................156
▫After Starting........................157
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................157
Automatic Transaxle....................157
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............157
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................158
▫Gear Ranges.........................158
Autostick............................159
▫Autostick Operation...................159
▫Autostick General Information............160
Parking Brake.........................161
Brake System.........................162
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............163
Power Steering........................163
Traction Control.......................163
Ti re s................................164
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................165
▫Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped . . 166
▫High Speed Operation..................168
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply 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 “OFF” position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
For reliable starting at these temperatures, use externally
powered battery and electric engine block heaters that
are available from your dealer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

If Engine Fails To Start
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
axle or the rear of your vehicle. See Section 6 of this
manual for the proper jump starting procedures.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If the engine fails to start after following the Normal
Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the accelera-
tor 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.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
156 STARTING AND OPERATING