2011 CHRYSLER 300 Owners Manual

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.
•Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
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 “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 311

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 318
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 318
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ................... 319
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 319
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 320
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 321
▫ After Starting ....................... 321
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 322
Automatic Transmission ................. 322
▫ General Information .................. 323
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 325
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 325
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 326
 AutoStick .......................... 329
▫ Operation ......................... 329
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 330
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 331
▫ Acceleration ........................ 331
▫ Traction ........................... 332
 Driving Through Water ................. 332
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 332
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
 Power Steering ....................... 334
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 336
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 338
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 340
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 340▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 341
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 341
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 342
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 344
▫ Ready Alert Braking .................. 346
▫ Rain Brake Support ................... 346
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 347
▫ Synchronizing ESC ................... 348
 Tire Safety Information ................. 348
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 348
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 352
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 353
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 354
 Tires — General Information ............. 358
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 358
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 359
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 361
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 361
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 361
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 362
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 363
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 363
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 364
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 365 ▫
Life Of Tire ........................ 365
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 366
 Tire Chains .......................... 367
 Snow Tires .......................... 368
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 369
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 370
▫ Base System ........................ 373
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 375
▫ General Information .................. 380
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 380
▫ 3.6L Engine – If Equipped .............. 380
▫ 5.7L Engine – If Equipped .............. 380
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 381
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 315

▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 381
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 382
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 383
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 383
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 383
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 384
 Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 385
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 385
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 386
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 386
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 387
▫ Starting ........................... 387 ▫
Cruising Range ...................... 387
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 387
▫ Maintenance ........................ 388
 Adding Fuel ......................... 388
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release ....... 390
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 391
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 391
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 392
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 392
▫ Overloading ........................ 392
▫ Loading ........................... 393
 Trailer Towing ........................ 393
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 393
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 396
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 397
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 397
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 399 ▫
Towing Tips ........................ 404
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 405
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 405
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 317

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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the ignition in
the ACC or RUN position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.
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.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING