2011 CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows 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.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
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 A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 294
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 294
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 294
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 295
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 295
▫ After Starting ....................... 297
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 297
Automatic Transmission ................. 297
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
Systems ........................... 299
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 299
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 300
▫ Four-Speed/Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission ....................... 300
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 300
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 304
▫ Operation ......................... 304
5

▫General Information .................. 305
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 306
▫ Acceleration ........................ 306
▫ Traction ........................... 306
 Driving Through Water ................. 307
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 307
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 307
 Power Steering ....................... 309
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 309
 Parking Brake ........................ 310
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 313
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 315
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 315▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 315
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 316
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped ...... 317
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 319
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 321
 Tire Safety Information ................. 322
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 322
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 326
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 327
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 328
 Tires — General Information ............. 332
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 332
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 333
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 335
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 336
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 336
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 337
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 338
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 338
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 339
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 340
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 340
 Tire Chains .......................... 341
 Snow Tires .......................... 342 
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 342
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 343
▫ Base System ........................ 346
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 348
▫ General Information .................. 352
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 353
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 353
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 354
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 354
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 355
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 355
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 356
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 357
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 291

Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 357
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 357
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 358
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 359
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 359
▫ Starting ........................... 360
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 360
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 360
▫ Maintenance ........................ 361 
Adding Fuel ......................... 361
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 361
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 363
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 363
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 363
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 364
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 364
▫ Overloading ........................ 365
▫ Loading ........................... 365
 Trailer Towing ........................ 365
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 366
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 368
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 369
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 370
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 371
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 375 
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 376
▫ Towing This Vehicle
Behind Another Vehicle ................ 376
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 293

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!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON position,
and you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of
PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission), turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING