CHRYSLER 300 C 2008 1.G Owners Manual

turn off the air conditioning. An LED 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 LED 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 capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED 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 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
290 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
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor 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 — 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 of this manual for filter replacement instruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291
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Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
292 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 293
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
\1Starting Procedures.....................299
\3Automatic Transmission................300
\3Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............301
\3Extremely Cold Weather
(Below\120°F Or\129°C)................301
\3If Engine Fails To Start.................302
\3After Starting........................303
\1Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........303
\1Automatic Transmission..................303\3Automatic Transmission —
General Information...................304
\3Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 306
\34 Speed Automatic Transmission..........307
\35 Speed Automatic Transmission..........312
\1AutoStick\2— If Equipped................318
\3AutoStick\2Operation..................318
\1All Wheel Drive — If Equipped............319
\1Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............319
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\3Acceleration.........................319
\3Traction............................320
\1Driving Through Water..................320
\3Flowing/Rising Water..................320
\3Shallow Standing Water.................321
\1Parking Brake.........................322
\1Brake System..........................324
\3Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.....325
\1Power Steering........................327
\1Multi Displacement System (MDS) —
5.7L Engine Only.......................328
\1Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped . . 328
\1Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped.....330\1Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —
If Equipped...........................331
\3Synchronizing ESP....................333
\3ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And
ESP/TCS Indicator Lights...............333
\1Tire Safety Information...................334
\3Tire Markings........................334
\3Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........338
\3Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........340
\1Tires — General Information...............344
\3Tire Pressure.........................344
\3Tire Inflation Pressures.................345
\3Radial-Ply Tires......................347
\3Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........348
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

\3Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........348
\3Tire Spinning........................349
\3Tread Wear Indicators..................350
\3Life Of Tire.........................350
\3Replacement Tires.....................351
\3Alignment And Balance.................352
\1Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped............353
\1Tire Chains...........................353
\1Snow Tires...........................354
\1Tire Rotation Recommendations............354
\1Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................355
\3Base System — If Equipped..............358\3Premium System — If Equipped..........360
\3General Information...................364
\1Fuel Requirements......................365
\32.7L Engine.........................365
\33.5L And 5.7L Engines..................365
\3Reformulated Gasoline.................366
\3Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............366
\3MMT In Gasoline.....................367
\3Materials Added To Fuel................367
\3Fuel System Cautions..................367
\3Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............368
\1Adding Fuel..........................369
\3Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............369
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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\3Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............371
\1Vehicle Loading........................372
\3Vehicle Certification Label...............372
\3Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......372
\3Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........373
\3Overloading.........................373
\3Loading............................374
\1Trailer Towing.........................375
\3Common Towing Definitions.............375\3Trailer Hitch Classification...............379
\3Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........380
\3Trailer And Tongue Weight..............381
\3Towing Requirements..................383
\3Towing Tips.........................388
\1Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 389
\3Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................389
298 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
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up 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 gear selection lever. Ac-
cidents can also be caused by pressing the accel-
erator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the
exhaust system, resulting in overheating and ve-
hicle fire, which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
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