heating CHRYSLER 300 2010 1.G User Guide

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 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.
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
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
302 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage Overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
“3” (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd while in
this range. The “3” position should also be used when
descending steep grades to prevent brake system dis-
tress.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.
“L” (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than in other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the transmis-
sion.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission in this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in tire over-heating and failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 355

AutoStick/Electronic Range Select (ERS) – If
Equipped

By using the AutoStick/Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode and selecting a specific gear range, frequent
shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range should
be selected that allows for adequate performance. For
example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain
the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground)
is allowed ONLYif the rear driveshaft is removed and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (for both RWD and
AWD vehicles).
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel between the center air
outlets.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
400 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spin-
ning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween 1st and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 417

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443

Emergency, In Case ofFreeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 417
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 400
Jacking ............................. 401
Jump Starting ......................... 413
Overheating .......................... 400
Towing ............................. 418
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 44
Emission Control System Maintenance ......427,486
Engine .......................... 423,424,425
Air Cleaner .......................... 433
Block Heater ......................... 314
Break-In Recommendations ................ 80
Checking Oil Level ..................... 430
Compartment ................... 423,424,425
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 444,482
Cooling ............................. 444
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 81,378
Fails to Start .......................... 312 Flooded, Starting
...................... 312
Fuel Requirements ..................... 374
Jump Starting ......................... 413
Multi-Displacement .................... 335
Oil ........................... 430,480,482
Oil Change Interval ...............219,236,431
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 432
Oil Filter ............................ 433
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 433
Oil Selection ....................... 431,480
Oil Synthetic ......................... 433
Overheating .......................... 400
Starting ............................. 309
Temperature Gauge .................... 223
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 432
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 375
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 81,378
10
INDEX 521

Recommendation................... 431,480
Synthetic ............................ 433
Viscosity ......................... 432,480
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 433
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 433
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............426,427
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 190
Operating Precautions .................... 426
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 92
Overdrive ............................. 321
Overhead Console ....................... 189
Overheating, Engine ................... 224,400
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,511
Paint Care ............................. 455
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 184
Parking Brake .......................... 335 Passing Light
........................... 149
Passive Entry ........................... 35
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 156
Personal Settings ........................ 245
Pets .................................. 80
Phone, Cellular .......................... 96
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 96
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 351
Power Deck Lid Release ....................... 43
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............460,463
Door Locks ........................... 32
Mirrors .............................. 94
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 200
Seats ............................... 130
Steering ............................. 334
Sunroof ............................. 196
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column .......... 155
Windows ............................. 40
10
INDEX 529