CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2012 2.G Owners Manual

•Bi-Level ModeAir comes from the instrument panel outlets and
floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed
through the defrost and side window demister outlets.
NOTE: BI-LEVEL mode is designed under comfort
conditions to provide cooler air out of the panel outlets
and warmer air from the floor outlets.
•Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of
air is directed through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
•Mix Mode Air comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demist outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions.
•Defrost Mode Air comes from the windshield and side window
demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with maximum
temperature settings for best windshield and side win-
dow defrosting and defogging. When the defrost mode is
selected, the blower level may increase.
13. SYNC
Press the Sync soft-key to toggle the Sync feature On/Off.
The Sync indicator is illuminated when this feature is
enabled. Sync is used to synchronize the passenger
temperature setting with the driver temperature setting.
Changing the passenger temperature setting while in
Sync will automatically exit this feature.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 339

Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When the air conditioning system is turned on,
cool dehumidified air will flow through the outlets into
the cabin. For improved fuel economy, press the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manually
adjust the blower and airflow mode settings.
NOTE:
•If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
•If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (lo-
cated in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of
dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from
behind the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric
front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
Recirculation
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired,
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the Recirculation control button. The
recirculation indicator will illuminate when this button is
selected. Push the button a second time to turn off the
Recirculation mode and allow outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE: In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. On systems with
Manual Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window clearing
operation. Recirculation will be disabled automatically if
this mode is selected. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in this mode will cause the LED in the control
button to blink and then turn off.
340 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
ATC Hard-keys are located in the center of the instru-
ment panel.
Soft-keys are accessible on the Uconnect Touch™ system
screen.
Automatic Operation
1. Press the AUTO hard-key or soft-key button on the
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the driver and passenger
temperature hard or soft control buttons (6, 7, 10, 11).
Once the desired temperature is displayed, the system
will achieve and automatically maintain that comfort
level.3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is
not necessary to change the settings. You will experience
the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.
NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and blower speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Uconnect Touch™ System Set-
tings” in this section of the manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 341

Manual Operation
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation con-
trol.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
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.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
342 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
•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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 343

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 349
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 349
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ................... 350
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 350
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 352
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 352
▫ After Starting ....................... 353
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 353
Automatic Transmission ................. 354
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 355
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 355
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 355
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 356
 AutoStick .......................... 362
▫ Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter ............... 362
 Sport Mode .......................... 364
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 366
▫ Acceleration ........................ 366
▫ Traction ........................... 366
 Driving Through Water ................. 367
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 367
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 367
 Power Steering ....................... 369
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 370
 Parking Brake ........................ 371
 Brake System ........................ 373
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ............... 374
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 376
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 377▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 377
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 377
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 378
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 382
▫ Ready Alert Braking .................. 383
▫ Rain Brake Support ................... 383
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 384
▫ Synchronizing ESC ................... 385
 Tire Safety Information ................. 385
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 385
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 389
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 390
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 391
 Tires — General Information ............. 395
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 395
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 397
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 398
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 399
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 399
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 400
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 400
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 401
 Tire Chains .......................... 403
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 404
▫ Tire Rotation – Standard Tires ........... 405▫
Tire Rotation – All Season Tires .......... 405
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 406
▫ Premium System .................... 408
▫ General Information .................. 413
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 414
▫ 6.4L Engine ........................ 414
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 414
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 415
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 415
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 416
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 416
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 417
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 418
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STARTING AND OPERATING 347

Adding Fuel ......................... 419
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release ....... 421
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 422
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 422
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 423
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 423▫
Overloading ........................ 424
▫ Loading ........................... 424
 Trailer Towing ........................ 425
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 425
348 STARTING AND OPERATING