2004 CHRYSLER 300 M ECO mode

Pressing the center button will make the radio switch
between the various modes available (AM/FM/TAPE/
CD, Etc.).
The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a
push-button in the center. The function of the left hand
control is different depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will “Seek” up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will “Seek” down for the next listenable station.
The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next preset station that you have pro-
grammed in the radio preset push-button.
Tape Player
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
selection on the cassette. Pressing the bottom of the
switch once will go to the beginning of the current
selection or to the beginning of the previous selection if it
is within the first 5 seconds of the current selection.If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second selection, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch has no
function in this mode.
CD Player — Single Disc in Radio
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch has no
function in this mode.
CD Player — 6 Disc CD Changer
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
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CLIMATE CONTROLS
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
The ATC system can maintain a steady comfort level in
various weather conditions with a simple two step op-
eration. Press the AUTO button and select your comfort
setting. The system will automatically control comfort by
varying temperature, fan speed, and Mode.
You also may choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and Mode. This will place the
system into manual operation
Interior ATC Sensors
There are two interior sensors in the vehicle. The Sun
Sensor is mounted in the center of the instrument panelnear the windshield glass. The In-Car Temperature Sen-
sor is mounted behind the ATC control panel. These
sensors transmit data on sun strength and vehicle interior
temperatures to enhance system performance.
CAUTION!
Do not cover either sensor with any foreign material
as improper operation of the system will result.
Level Of Automatic Control
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 control operation.
The control also will show what Mode the system is in by
the figure shown in the display.
NOTE:The Mode can change when the system is in the
Auto Mode. This will be indicated in changes in the
display window. This shows automatic changes in air
direction.
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Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the system in any mode you select. Turn the
control clockwise to increase fan speed.
In ambient temperatures below 70°F (21°C), fan opera-
tion is delayed when the engine is first started. The fan
will automatically start when the engine coolant is warm
enough to heat the air. This feature can be defeated by
turning the fan control.
AUTO Control
Press the top of the button to turn the ATC system On.
Press the lower portion of the button to turn the entire
system Off.
Comfort Control
Use this control to regulate the comfort inside the pas-
senger compartment. Press the top of the switch to raise
the temperature selection and the bottom of the switch to
lower it. The comfort setting range is from Lo, 60, 61,....to
89,90, Hi, for automatic temperature control. You can
select a very hot or cold comfort setting by holding the
comfort control until it reaches its highest or lowest
levels.The system adjusts to bring the interior temperature to
the desired comfort level. All comfort settings are auto-
matic; even Hi and Low.
NOTE:You can change the display from U.S. to metric
units by pressing the Mix and Panel mode buttons
simultaneously or by pressing the English/Metric button
on the overhead console.
Air Conditioning Button
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the display
shows that the compressor is on. Compressor
operation is automatic when you press the Auto button.
The compressor can operate at any temperature above
32°F (0°C).
With the compressor off and the temperature set at Lo, air
entering the vehicle will be slightly warmer than the air
outside the vehicle.
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
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4

engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor is on. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle. Recirculation is automatically controlled when
the system is in Auto Mode. Use this mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual control of Recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes.
NOTE:The Recirc button light will blink if you try to
use it in the Mix or Defrost modes.
Air Direction Buttons (Mode)
These buttons allow you to select from five air distribu-
tion patterns. These buttons should be used only when
you can not achieve comfort or visibility in Auto opera-
tion. A symbol in the display window will show which
mode is operating.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
air flow. This mode is not recommended when heat is
required.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the Defrost and side
window demist outlets. This mode is recommended
when heat is desired.
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. Use this setting in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat
at the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
The compressor is on in this mode.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through both the panel and floor
outlets. This mode is not recommended when
heat is required in very cold temperatures.
148 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:There is a varying difference in temperature
between the upper and lower outlets for added comfort.
The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature
provides improved comfort during sunny but cool con-
ditions.
Windshield Defrost
Air is directed through the defrost outlets and
side window demist outlets. A small amount of
air also is directed through the floor outlets. Use this
mode with maximum fan and comfort level settings
for best windshield and side window defrosting. The
defrost symbol will glow in amber to show that the
defroster is on.
NOTE:
The air conditioning compressor is on in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the defrost
mode only when necessary.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. An
indicator light in the control shows that the defroster is
on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 7
1/2 minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Window Fogging
In mild but rainy or humid weather, your windows may
fog up on the inside. You can remove this fog by pressing
the Defrost button. The Mix mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide sufficient heat-
ing. If side window fogging becomes a problem, increase
blower speed. The compressor will remain on during
these conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
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Transaxle Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts into second gear. The transaxle
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
If the problem has been momentary, the transaxle can be
reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
•Turn the key to OFF then start the engine.
•Shift into “D” and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
Gear Ranges
“P” Park
NOTE:
If the key is in the RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the “P” Park position.
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle.
Engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or is being towed.
“D” Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

Autostick General Information
•
The transmission will automatically upshift from first
to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 rpm.
•Downshifts from third to second gear above 85 mph
(137 km/h) and from second to first gear above 47
mph (76 km/h) will be ignored.
•You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 17 mph (27 km/h).
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in second or third gear is helpful in snowy
or icy conditions.
•While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear.
Downshifting out of third gear turns off speed control.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
•The transmission will automatically downshift from
fourth to third gear at speeds between 15 mph (24
km/h and 50 mph (80 km/h) under certain conditions.
This is to avoid poor fourth gear performance with
accelerator pedal actuation at lower speeds.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires
with a different size.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.Rotate your tires at intervals shown on the maintenance
schedules. More frequent rotation is permissible if de-
sired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected before rotating.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the diagram unless your vehicle is equipped
with directional tread pattern tires.
Tire Rotation with Directional Tread Pattern Tires
(300M Special Only)
The 300M Special model offers tires with directional
tread pattern. These tires are designed to optimize dry
handling as well as wet performance. To obtain the full
benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation direction
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