2009 CHRYSLER 300 SRT air condition

or 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 comfort
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.Air conditioning in this system is automatic.
Pressing the air conditioning control button while
in AUTO mode will cause the indicator in the
control button to flash three times and then turn off. This
indicates that the system is in AUTO mode and request-
ing the air conditioning is not necessary.
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the recirculation con-
trol button will temporarily put the system in
Recirculation mode (10 minutes). This can be
used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the indicator in the control button to
illuminate. After 10 minutes, the system will return to
normal AUTO mode function and the indicator will turn
off.
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4

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:
•For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the climate
controls will not function during Remote Start opera-
tion if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
•Please read the Automatic Temperature Control Op-
eration Chart that follows for details.
296 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
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299
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.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To reinstall the button, position it with its lettering
oriented horizontal and readable. Gently insert the but-
ton into the receptacle by pressing on the center of the
button. If the button slips in easily, it has been installed
correctly. Press firmly on the center of the button to seat
the button into the receptacle.
The ENGINE START/STOP button should only be re-
moved or inserted with the ignition in the OFF position.
Keyless Go Functions — With Driver ’s Foot Off
The Brake Pedal (In PARK Position)
•
Press the ENGINE START/STOP buttononce (ACC
position)to activate the radio, wipers, and windows.
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP buttontwice (ON
position)to activate the heating/air conditioning
(HVAC) controls, and the instrument cluster.
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP buttonthree times
(OFF position)to turn off the ignition switch.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL. From any ignition state, press and hold the
brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP
button. The system takes over and attempts to start the
vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will
disengage automatically after 10 seconds. If you wish to
stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine
starting, press the button again.
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the ABS and EBD systems are not functioning.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
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Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tireinflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
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