2009 CHRYSLER 300 C lock

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 instru-
ment 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 instru-
ment panel. 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.
•Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air con-
ditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with the mode control
dial. Press this button a second time to turn off the air
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 305
4

conditioning. An indicator 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 indicator 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 captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow recirculation
to be selected while in Defrost or Defrost/Floor mode.Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the indicator 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 for proper
coolant selection.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 313
▫Automatic Transmission............... 313
▫Keyless Go (If Equipped)............... 314
▫Normal Starting..................... 315
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C)................ 316
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 316
▫After Starting....................... 318
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 318Automatic Transmission................. 318
▫General Information.................. 319
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 321
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 321
▫4-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 323
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 328
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 332
▫AutoStickOperation................. 332
5

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped...... 333
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 334
▫Acceleration........................ 334
▫Traction........................... 334
Driving Through Water................. 335
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 335
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 336
Power Steering....................... 337
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 338
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
— 5.7L Engine Only.................... 339
Parking Brake........................ 339
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 341
Electronic Brake Control System........... 343▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 343
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 343
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 344
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 344
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 347
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 347
Tire Safety Information................. 348
▫Tire Markings....................... 348
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 352
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 353
Tires — General Information............. 357
▫Tire Pressure....................... 357
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Keyless Go (If Equipped)
This function allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the ENGINE
START/STOP button is installed and
the Keyless Go ignition key (FOBIK)
can be detected inside of the vehicle.
Removing and Re-Installing the Engine Start/Stop
Button
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be removed
from the receptacle to allow the vehicle ignition to be
controlled conventionally by inserting the FOBIK. The
button may be removed using the valet key from the
FOBIK as a thin tool. Insert the metal part of the valet key
under the chrome bezel at the 6 o’clock position, and
gently pry the button loose.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button. If the shift lever is not in
PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds and the ignition state changes to ACCES-
SORY (ACC). Regardless if the ignition state changes to
ACCESSORY (ACC) or OFF, the engine is shut off.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F or -29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 for
proper jump-starting procedures and follow them
carefully.
Clearing A Flooded Engine - Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weatherproce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, pressand hold the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
with your right foot, and then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter motor
will engage automatically, run for 10 seconds, and then
disengage. Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal
and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the normal starting procedure.
Clearing A Flooded Engine - Using Fob With Integrated
Key
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
(Continued)
318 STARTING AND OPERATING