2009 CHRYSLER 300 C Owners Manual

NOTE:
•The surface of the climate control panel and the top
center of the instrument panel should be kept free of
debris due to the location of the climate control
sensors. Mud on the windshield may also cause poor
operation of this system.
•Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begin to fog, press
the recirculation button to return to outside air. Some
temp/humidity conditions will cause captured inte-
rior air to condense on windows and hamper visibility.
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.
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of blower preferred automatic,
mode preferred automatic, or blower and mode preferred
automatic. This means the operator can override the
blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.
The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the blower control knob (on the left).
NOTE:Please read the automatic temperature control
operation chart that follows for details.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 303
4

304 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time 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 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
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 307
4

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
308 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