2009 CHRYSLER 300 Owners Manual

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 303
4

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
304 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 309
▫Automatic Transmission............... 309
▫Normal Starting..................... 310
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or
-29°C)............................ 311
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 311
▫After Starting....................... 312
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 312
Automatic Transmission................. 312▫General Information.................. 313
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 315
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 315
▫4-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 316
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 321
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 326
▫AutoStickOperation................. 326
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped...... 326
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 327
▫Acceleration........................ 327
▫Traction........................... 328
Driving Through Water................. 328
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 329
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 329
Power Steering....................... 331
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 332
Parking Brake........................ 332
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 334
Electronic Brake Control System........... 336
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 336
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 337▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 337
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 338
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 340
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 341
Tire Safety Information................. 342
▫Tire Markings....................... 342
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 345
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 346
Tires — General Information............. 350
▫Tire Pressure....................... 350
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 351
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 353
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 353
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 353
▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped........ 354
▫Tire Spinning....................... 355
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 355
▫Life Of Tire........................ 356
▫Replacement Tires.................... 357
Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped........... 358
Tire Chains.......................... 358
Snow Tires.......................... 360
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 360
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 361
▫Base System........................ 363▫Premium System — If Equipped......... 366
▫General Information.................. 370
Fuel Requirements..................... 370
▫2.7L Engine........................ 370
▫3.5L And 5.7L Engines................. 370
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 371
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 371
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 372
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 373
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 373
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 373
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 374
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

Adding Fuel......................... 375
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 375
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 377
Vehicle Loading...................... 377
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 378
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...... 378
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)........ 378
▫Overloading........................ 379
▫Loading........................... 379
Trailer Towing........................ 380▫Common Towing Definitions............ 380
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 383
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 384
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 385
▫Towing Requirements................. 386
▫Towing Tips........................ 391
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome,
Etc.)................................ 393
▫Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive.... 393
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key 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 buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

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.
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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING