heating CHRYSLER 300 C 2009 1.G User Guide

“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.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, put transmission in
NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Ony
RWD can be manually selected by shifting the shift lever
into the NEUTRAL position. This mode may be selected
during such events as towing your vehicle with the rear
wheels off the ground.
All-Wheel Drive Only
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
STARTING AND OPERATING 401
5

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, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the fan control to high. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H,” turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the “Cooling System Pressure Cap”
paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

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.
•Racing 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 35 mph (55 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and don’t let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 421
6

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 218
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 221
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 43
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 420
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 404
Jacking............................. 406
Jump Starting......................... 417
Overheating.......................... 405
Towing............................. 421
Emergency Trunk Release................... 43
Emission Control System Maintenance......431,484
Engine..........................427,428,429
Air Cleaner.......................... 437
Block Heater......................... 318
Break-In Recommendations................ 78
Checking Oil Level..................433,434
Compartment...................427,428,429
Coolant (Antifreeze).................445,481Cooling............................. 445
Exhaust Gas Caution..................79,383
Fails to Start.......................... 316
Flooded, Starting...................... 316
Fuel Requirements..................... 379
Jump Starting......................... 417
Multi-Displacement..................... 339
Oil ...........................433,479,481
Oil Change Interval............... 211,227,434
Oil Filler Cap......................435,436
Oil Filter............................ 437
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 436
Oil Selection.......................435,479
Oil Synthetic......................... 436
Overheating.......................... 405
Starting............................. 313
Temperature Gauge..................... 215
Engine Oil Viscosity...................435,436
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 65
INDEX 517
10

Synthetic............................ 436
Viscosity.......................435,436,479
Oil Filter, Change........................ 437
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 437
Onboard Diagnostic System..............430,431
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 185
Operating Precautions.................... 430
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 90
Overdrive............................. 325
Overhead Console....................... 184
Overheating, Engine...................216,405
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,507
Paint Care............................. 454
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 180
Parking Brake.......................... 339
Passing Light........................... 145Pedals, Adjustable....................... 152
Personal Settings........................ 236
Pets.................................. 77
Phone, Cellular.......................... 94
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 94
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 353
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 42
Distribution Center (Fuses)............459,462
Door Locks........................... 30
Mirrors.............................. 93
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 194
Seats............................... 128
Steering..........................337,338
Sunroof............................. 191
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column........... 151
Windows............................. 37
Power Steering Fluid..................... 482
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 53
INDEX 525
10