CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2009 1.G Owners Manual

conditioning. An indicator in the button illuminates
when manual compressor operation is selected.
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 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299
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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
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate 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 clearwindshield 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 — If Equipped
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
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 301
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 307
▫Automatic Transmission............... 308
▫Keyless Go (If Equipped)............... 308
▫Normal Starting..................... 309
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or
-29°C)............................ 310
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 311
▫After Starting....................... 312
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 312Automatic Transmission................. 313
▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information........................ 313
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 315
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 316
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 317
AutoStick.......................... 321
▫AutoStickOperation................. 321
▫AutoStickGeneral Information.......... 322
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 323
▫Acceleration........................ 323
▫Traction........................... 323
Driving Through Water................. 324
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 324
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 324
Power Steering....................... 326
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 326
Parking Brake........................ 327
Brake System........................ 329
▫Anti-Lock Brake System............... 329
Electronic Brake Control System........... 332
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)........... 332▫TCS (Traction Control System)........... 332
▫BAS (Brake Assist System).............. 333
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program)........ 333
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 337
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 337
Tire Safety Information................. 338
▫Tire Markings....................... 338
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 342
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 343
Tires — General Information............. 347
▫Tire Pressure....................... 347
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 348
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 349
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 350
▫Tire Spinning....................... 350
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 351
▫Life Of Tire........................ 351
▫Replacement Tires.................... 352
Tire Chains.......................... 353
Snow Tires.......................... 355
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 355
▫Tire Rotation — Standard Tires.......... 356
▫Tire Rotation — All Season Tires......... 356
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 356
▫Base System........................ 359
▫Premium System — If Equipped......... 362▫General Information.................. 366
Fuel Requirements..................... 367
▫6.1L Engine........................ 367
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 367
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 367
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 368
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 369
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 369
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 369
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 370
Adding Fuel......................... 371
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 371
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 372
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

Vehicle Loading...................... 373
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 373
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...... 374
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)........ 374
▫Overloading........................ 374▫Loading........................... 375
Trailer Towing........................ 375
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 375
306 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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

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.
Keyless Go (If Equipped)
This function allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the ENGINE
START/STOP button is installed and
the Keyless Go ignition key (FOBIK)
can be detected inside of the vehicle.
Removing and Re-Installing the Engine Start/Stop
Button
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be removed
from the receptacle to allow the vehicle ignition to be
controlled conventionally by inserting the FOBIK. The
button may be removed using the valet key from the
FOBIK as a thin tool. Insert the metal part of the valet key
under the chrome bezel at the 6 o’clock position, and
gently pry the button loose.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING