2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287
4

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles.
•Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air
is also directed to the front door windows
through the side window demister grilles.
•Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating
area through vents under the front seats.
•Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and through the outlets located
on the floor. Air flows through the registers in the back
of the center console to the rear seat passengers. These
registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the in-
strument panel. Air flows through the registers in
the back of the center console to the rear seat passen-
gers. These registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets selected with the
Mode control dial. Press this button a second time to
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289
4

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor 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 clearwindshield 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
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The Electric Rear Window Defroster control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn ON the rear window defroster and the heated
outside rearview mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the
button will illuminate when the rear window defroster is
ON. The defroster automatically turns off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. For five more minutes of operation,
press of the button again.
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.
292 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................297
▫Automatic Transmission................298
▫Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............299
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................299
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................300
▫After Starting........................301

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........301

Automatic Transmission..................301▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................302
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 304
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission..........305

AutoStick...........................310
▫AutoStickOperation..................310
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........311

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............312
▫Acceleration.........................312
5

▫Traction............................312

Driving Through Water..................313
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................313
▫Shallow Standing Water.................313

Parking Brake.........................315

Brake System..........................317
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................317

Power Steering........................319

Electronic Brake Control System............320
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............321
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............322
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............322
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........323▫Synchronizing ESP....................326
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................327

Tire Safety Information...................328
▫Tire Markings........................328
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........331
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........332

Tires — General Information...............336
▫Tire Pressure.........................336
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................337
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................339
▫Tire Spinning........................340
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................340
294 STARTING AND OPERATING