heating CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2012 2.G User Guide

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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 343

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 over-heating and tire 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.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 395

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
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
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional 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 flashers.
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 flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
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 action.
•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.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower 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.
428 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
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 DRIVE
and REVERSE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
444 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 DRIVE 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).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 445

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 245
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 366
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 367
Driving to Achieve Maximum
Fuel Economy .......................... 301
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 276
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 99
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 262
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 376
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 377
Brake Assist System ................... 377
Traction Control System ................ 377
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 487
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....202,205
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 378Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
....................... 241,292
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 444
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 428
Jump Starting ....................... 440
Overheating ........................ 428
Towing ............................ 447
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 454
Engine ............................... 453
Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations .............. 82
Checking Oil Level ................... 458
Compartment ....................... 453
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 471,503
Cooling ........................... 470
538 INDEX

Exhaust Gas Caution................84,418
Fails to Start ........................ 352
Flooded, Starting ..................... 352
Fuel Requirements .................... 414
Jump Starting ....................... 440
Oil ......................... 458,502,503
Oil Change Interval ................ 300,458
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 459
Oil Filter ........................... 460
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 459
Oil Selection ..................... 458,502
Oil Synthetic ........................ 459
Overheating ........................ 428
Starting ........................... 349
Temperature Gauge ................... 290
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 459
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 415 Event Data Recorder
...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 84,418
Exhaust System ....................... 84,468
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 97
Exterior Lighting ........................ 180
Exterior Lights .......................... 87
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 286
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Air Conditioning .................. 343,464
Engine Oil ....................... 460,503
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 459
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 186
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 428
Turn Signal .................... 87,186,281
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 352
Floor Console .......................... 270
10
INDEX 539

Oil, Engine......................... 458,503
Capacity ........................... 502
Change Interval ................... 300,458
Checking .......................... 458
Dipstick ........................... 458
Disposal ........................... 459
Filter .......................... 460,503
Filter Disposal ....................... 459
Materials Added to ................... 459
Recommendation .................. 458,502
Synthetic .......................... 459
Viscosity ........................ 459,502
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 454
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 245
Operating Precautions .................... 454
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 97
Overdrive ............................. 362
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 362 Overhead Console
....................... 243
Overheating, Engine ................... 291,428
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,530
Paint Care ............................. 481
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 231
Parking Brake .......................... 371
Passing Light ........................... 186
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 200
Pets .................................. 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 391
Power Brakes ............................ 373
Deck Lid Release ..................... 41
Distribution Center (Fuses) ...........487,491
Door Locks ......................... 30
Mirrors ............................ 99
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 262
546 INDEX