2006 CHRYSLER 300 heating

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

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5

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 of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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
someone. 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.
CAUTION!
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).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 30 miles (48 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 miles
(48 km), the vehicle must be transported using a flat bed
or the drive shaft disconnected at the rear axle drive
flange.
286 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
7

Hazard Warning Flasher................ 274
Jacking............................. 275
Jump Starting........................ 282
Overheating......................... 274
Towing............................. 286
Emission Control System Maintenance....296,350
Engine.........................292,293,294
Air Cleaner.......................... 304
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 304
Block Heater......................... 210
Break-In Recommendations............... 60
Checking Oil Level.................298,299
Compartment..................292,293,294
Coolant (Antifreeze)................312,346
Cooling............................ 312
Exhaust Gas Caution................60,256
Fails to Start......................... 209
Fuel Requirements.................253,344
Oil ..........................298,344,346
Oil Change Interval................... 300
Oil Selection......................300,344
Oil Synthetic......................... 302
Overheating......................... 274Temperature Gauge................... 146
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 50
Event Data Recorder..................... 51
Exhaust Gas Caution...............60,256,311
Exhaust System........................ 311
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 304
Air Conditioning..................202,308
Engine Fuel......................... 304
Engine Oil.......................303,346
Engine Oil Disposal................... 302
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 274
Turn Signal.......................... 143
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 106
Flat Tire Changing...................... 275
Floor Console.......................... 135
Fluid Capacities........................ 344
Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 318
INDEX 377
10

Synthetic........................... 302
Viscosity.........................301,344
Onboard Diagnostic System............295,296
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 123
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 122
Overheating, Engine..................146,274
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,369
Panic Alarm........................... 22
Park Assist System, Rear................. 114
Parking Brake......................... 223
Parking On Hill........................ 224
Passing Light.......................... 106
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 98
Personal Settings....................... 158
Pets.................................. 59
Phone, Cellular......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 239
Power
Brakes............................. 225
Distribution Center.................... 326Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 69
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 131
Seats............................... 90
Steering............................ 228
Steering, Checking.................... 309
Sunroof............................ 128
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 112
Windows............................ 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 38
Preparation for Jacking................... 276
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 36
Programmable Electronic Features....124,127,158
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............124,127
Radial Ply Tires........................ 246
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 314
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 163
Radio Operation..................164,171,192
Radio Remote Controls.................. 189
Radio, Satellite......................... 183
382 INDEX