2006 CHRYSLER 300 LX Owners Manual

the rear window defroster is ON. The defroster automati-
cally turns off after approximately 10 minutes of opera-
tion 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.
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. The button includes an
LED that 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“Recirculate”icon button to return to
outside air. Some temp./humidity conditions will cause
captured interior air to condense on windows and ham-
per visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
“Recirculate”to be selected while in the defrost or
defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use the recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.
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 section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4
ProCarManuals.com

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for Manual A/C
Control) at the end of this section for suggested control
settings in different weather conditions.
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
your Owner’s Manual for filter replacement instructions.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ProCarManuals.com

Operating Tips
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
4
ProCarManuals.com

ProCarManuals.com

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures....................208
▫Normal Starting......................208

Engine Block Heater—If Equipped........210

Transmission Shifting...................210
▫4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........210
▫5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........215
▫Automatic Transmission—
General Information...................220

AutoStick—If Equipped................222
▫AutoStick Operation...................222

Parking Brake.........................223

Brake System.........................225▫Anti-Lock Brake System................225

Power Steering........................228

Multi Displacement System (MDS) -
5.7L Engine Only
......................229

All Wheel Drive—If Equipped...........229

Self–Sealing Tires—If Equipped..........229

Tire Pressure Monitor System—If Equipped. 230
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Base System.....230
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Premium System . 231
▫General Information...................234

Tire Safety Information..................234
▫Tire Markings........................234
5
ProCarManuals.com

▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........238
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........239

Ti re s—General Information...............243
▫Tire Pressure.........................243
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................244
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................246
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........246
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........247
▫Tire Spinning........................247
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................248
▫Life Of Tire.........................249
▫Replacement Tires.....................249
▫Alignment And Balance.................250

Tire Chains...........................251

Snow Tires...........................252

Tire Rotation Recommendations...........252

Fuel Requirements.....................253
▫2.7L Engines.........................253
▫3.5L And 5.7L Engines..................253
▫Spark Knock.........................254
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................254
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............254
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................255
▫Materials Added To Fuel................255
▫Fuel System Cautions..................256
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............256

Adding Fuel..........................257
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............257

Vehicle Loading.......................260
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............260
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......260
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........260
206 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

▫Overloading.........................261
▫Loading............................261

Trailer Towing........................262
▫Common Towing Definitions.............262
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............264
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................264
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............266▫Towing Requirements..................267
▫Towing Tips.........................271
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)
................272
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................272
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
5
ProCarManuals.com

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the“START”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather(below
20°For
29°C) To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com