2016 CHRYSLER 200 heating

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 must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. 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
fresh air with the blower setting in high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
418 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

winds), use the shift paddles (if equipped, refer to
Paddle Shift Modein this section for further informa-
tion) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using
a lower gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque,
and/or expand the range of torque converter clutch
engagement. This is done to prevent transmission dam-
age due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the Transmis-
sion Temperature Warning Light will illuminate, a warn-
ing message will appear in the EVIC/DID and the
transmission may operate differently until the transmis-
sion cools down. During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
Normal operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
SPORT (S) — If Equipped
This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift
schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are in-
creased to make full use of available engine power. To
access SPORT mode, push down on the gear selector and
rotate it fully clockwise.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 459

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-
hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
(Continued)
500 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
switch bank below the radio screen.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
•
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 545

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 577

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
608 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................... .145
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .465
E-85 Fuel .............................. .529
Electrical Power Outlets .....................293
Electric Parking Brake ..................... .468
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................308
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................129
Electronic Brake Control System ...............475
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................475
Traction Control System ...................481
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .....177, 182
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............482
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........329
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......268
Change Engine Oil ...................354, 366
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .352 Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Setup Menu
.......................... .352
EVIC Display ......................... .352
EVIC Messages .....................355, 367
Selectable Menu Items ....................357
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................46
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................545
Jacking .............................. .558
Jump Starting ......................... .572
Overheating .......................... .545
Towing ............................. .581
Emergency Trunk Release ....................46
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........592
Engine ............................. .589, 590
Air Cleaner .......................... .599
Block Heater ......................... .450
Break-In Recommendations ................107
Checking Oil Level ..................... .595
10
INDEX 683

Coolant (Antifreeze).....................654
Cooling ............................. .609
Exhaust Gas Caution .................109, 528
Fails To Start ......................... .449
Flooded, Starting ...................... .449
Fuel Requirements ..................... .524
Jump Starting ......................... .572
Oil .......................... .595, 653, 654
Oil Filler Cap ...................589, 590, 597
Oil Filter ............................ .598
Oil Selection ...................... .596, 653
Oil Synthetic ......................... .598
Overheating .......................... .545
Starting ............................. .447
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .597
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................597
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............81
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
Ethanol ............................ .525, 529Event Data Recorder
........................85
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................109, 528
Exhaust System ...................... .109, 606
Exterior Lighting ..................... .159, 646
Exterior Lights ........................112,646
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .599
Air Conditioning ....................419, 602
Engine Oil ........................ .598, 654
Engine Oil Disposal .....................598
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .545
Turn Signal ..................112, 165, 347, 644
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .165
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .531
Engine Oil ........................... .531
Fuel Requirements ...................529, 530
684 INDEX