2006 CHRYSLER 300 LX engine overheat

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Electronic Speed Control Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when the electronic
speed control is ON.
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
(See page 105 for more information.)
4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb. (See page 105 for more information.)
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) messages.
(See page 150 for more information.) (only on vehicles
equipped with steering wheel mounted switches).
NOTE:On non-EVIC equipped vehicles the odometer
is located here.
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
8. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light illuminates, and will be accompanied
by a single chime to warn of an overheated
engine condition. The engine temperature is
critically hot, and the vehicle should be turned off
immediately. The vehicle should be serviced as soon
as possible.
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13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
—If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS
—if equipped. (See page 117 for more information.)
14. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If 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”, and you hear continuous chimes, 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, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
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21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does
not come on during starting, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light—If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
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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.
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Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the“Note”under“Torque Con-
verter Clutch”later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The“3”position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
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 build up.
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 other gear range selec-
tions.
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 prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
•When“rocking”a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween“First”and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
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Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................274

If Your Engine Overheats................274

Jacking And Tire Changing...............275
▫Preparations For Jacking................276
▫Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage..........277
▫Jacking And Changing a Tire.............278
▫Compact Spare Tire....................281
▫Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)......282

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low...282

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............284▫Acceleration.........................284
▫Traction............................285

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................285

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............286
▫With Ignition Key.....................286
▫Without The Ignition Key...............287
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................287
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly.....................2876
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel between the center air outlets.
To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and 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 switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers 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 ac-
tion.
•On the highways—Slow down.
•In city traffic—While stopped, put transmission in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
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