2008 CHRYSLER 300 C engine

the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take account of
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the Mode Control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the Blower Control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTOor HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger Temperature Control knob. Once the com-
fort level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired comfort level require air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.
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 operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 285
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turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control
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. An LED in the button
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 Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
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 “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
\1Starting Procedures.....................299
\3Automatic Transmission................300
\3Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............301
\3Extremely Cold Weather
(Below\120°F Or\129°C)................301
\3If Engine Fails To Start.................302
\3After Starting........................303
\1Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........303
\1Automatic Transmission..................303\3Automatic Transmission —
General Information...................304
\3Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 306
\34 Speed Automatic Transmission..........307
\35 Speed Automatic Transmission..........312
\1AutoStick\2— If Equipped................318
\3AutoStick\2Operation..................318
\1All Wheel Drive — If Equipped............319
\1Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............319
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\3Acceleration.........................319
\3Traction............................320
\1Driving Through Water..................320
\3Flowing/Rising Water..................320
\3Shallow Standing Water.................321
\1Parking Brake.........................322
\1Brake System..........................324
\3Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.....325
\1Power Steering........................327
\1Multi Displacement System (MDS) —
5.7L Engine Only.......................328
\1Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped . . 328
\1Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped.....330\1Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —
If Equipped...........................331
\3Synchronizing ESP....................333
\3ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And
ESP/TCS Indicator Lights...............333
\1Tire Safety Information...................334
\3Tire Markings........................334
\3Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........338
\3Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........340
\1Tires — General Information...............344
\3Tire Pressure.........................344
\3Tire Inflation Pressures.................345
\3Radial-Ply Tires......................347
\3Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........348
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

\3Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........348
\3Tire Spinning........................349
\3Tread Wear Indicators..................350
\3Life Of Tire.........................350
\3Replacement Tires.....................351
\3Alignment And Balance.................352
\1Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped............353
\1Tire Chains...........................353
\1Snow Tires...........................354
\1Tire Rotation Recommendations............354
\1Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................355
\3Base System — If Equipped..............358\3Premium System — If Equipped..........360
\3General Information...................364
\1Fuel Requirements......................365
\32.7L Engine.........................365
\33.5L And 5.7L Engines..................365
\3Reformulated Gasoline.................366
\3Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............366
\3MMT In Gasoline.....................367
\3Materials Added To Fuel................367
\3Fuel System Cautions..................367
\3Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............368
\1Adding Fuel..........................369
\3Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............369
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever. Ac-
cidents can also be caused by pressing the accel-
erator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the
exhaust system, resulting in overheating and ve-
hicle fire, which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the “N” (Neutral) or “P”
(Park) position before you can start the engine. Apply the
brakes before shifting into any driving gear.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running. If the engine
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10
seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below\120°F or\129°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
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