climate control CHRYSLER 300 2009 1.G Owners Manual

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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STORAGE
Console Features
The center console contains two shift bezel cubby bins
with rubber mats for holding small items. For vehicles
not equipped with navigation radio, the console also
contains an extra storage bin located below the climate
control, which holds up to four CD jewel cases.
Without Vehicle Entertainment System (VES)
Two separate storage compartments are also located
underneath the armrest.
1 — Release button for bottom compartment
2 — Release button for top compartment
3 — Top Compartment
4 — Bottom Compartment. (You can access this compartment
directly, without first exposing the upper compartment, by oper-
ating the Release Button for the bottom compartment with the
armrest down.)UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 195
3

WARNING! (Continued)
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Trunk Mat — If Equipped
A reversible trunk mat covers the bottom of the cargo
area. The rubber side of the mat is used to protect the
interior of the trunk from mud, snow, and debris. It
provides a nonskid surface to keep cargo from sliding.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster
The electric rear window defroster button is lo-
cated on the climate control. Press this button toturn on the rear window defroster and the heated outside
rearview mirrors (if equipped). An indicator in the button
will illuminate when the rear window defroster is on. The
rear window defroster automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of
operation, press the button a second time.
CAUTION!
•To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
•Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
198 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Operating Instructions — Video
Entertainment System (VES)™
(If Equipped)....................... 286
KickerHigh Performance Sound System With
Driver-Selectable Surround (DSS)
– If Equipped......................... 287
uconnect studios(Sirius Backseat TV™)
— If Equipped........................ 288
Video Entertainment System (VES)™
— If Equipped........................ 288
Remote Sound System Controls
— If Equipped........................ 291CD/DVD Maintenance................. 292
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones....... 293
Climate Controls...................... 294
▫Manual Air Conditioning And Heating
System............................ 294
▫Automatic Temperature Control
— If Equipped...................... 297
▫Operating Tips...................... 302
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Air Outlet 7 - Radio 13 - Ignition Switch
2 - Instrument Cluster 8 - Climate Control 14 - Hood Release
3 - Hazard Switch 9 - Heated Seat Switch* 15 - Trunk Release Switch
4 - Analog Clock 10 - Power Outlet 16 - Headlight Switch
5 - Electronic Stability Program Off Button*
/ Traction Control System Off Button*11 - Ash Tray* * If Equipped
6 - Glove Compartment 12 - Storage Compartment*UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The air conditioning and heating system is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather.
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating SystemBlower Control
The rotary knob on the left controls the
blower. The control has an OFF posi-
tion and four speed settings.The
blower will remain on until the con-
trol is turned to the OFF position or
the ignition is turned OFF.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
Manual Temperature Controls
294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Temperature Control — If Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Dual-Zone Climate Control System automatically
maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at the
comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.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 you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger temperature control knob. Once the comfort
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.
Automatic Temperature Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 297
4

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 indicator in the
control button to flash three times and then turn off. This
indicates that the system is in AUTO mode and request-
ing the air conditioning is not necessary.
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the recirculation con-
trol button will temporarily put the system in
Recirculation mode (10 minutes). This can be
used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the indicator in the control button toilluminate. After 10 minutes, the system will return to
normal AUTO mode function and the indicator will turn
off.
NOTE:
•The surface of the climate control panel and the top
center of the instrument panel should be kept free of
debris due to the location of the climate control
sensors. Mud on the windshield may also cause poor
operation of this system.
•Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begin to fog, press
the recirculation button to return to outside air. Some
temp/humidity conditions will cause captured inte-
rior air to condense on windows and hamper visibility.
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.
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
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 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 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.
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
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 303
4

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 499
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