Chrysler 300/300C

carcom2

Anyone know if Sprint has a Uconnect compatible phone?

carcom2

I seen those commercials (don't recall if it was for Sirius or another type)where the dude has an aftermarket Sirius type radio in his car, removes part of it from the car and plugs it in to the Sirius adapter in his house to continue to listen to the Sirius type radio. So I was wondering if we bought a Sirius type radio for the home and had the OEM one in the 300, would we have to pay for 2 separate subscriptions or would the annual subscription Chrysler is now including with the Sirius radio (can be seen it's included if you go to Chrysler website, click on find a dealer,click on invoice and see the newest invoices have a 300 with the Sirius radio at $195 (not the orig.$325)with the included free 1st yr. subscription - enable us to hear the in home radio for free for a yr. as well?

For anyone that has the Sirius radio, is it any good, worth getting,why do or don't you like it, etc.?

fastdriver

stephen-

Are you sure it's not the AC compressor kicking in?

fastdriver

yak54

Anyone hear how long? Is it true that thye factory does not cut the hole and install, that it is sent out then back to the factory?

stephen

<<<when you observe the annoyance, have you tested out the car in the same way without the cruise engaged and do you notice the same vibration/slight jerk/downshift/etc.>>>

Yes. On my trip to Auburn, Indiana, Friday, I would sometimes disengage the cruise and hold the gas pedal in one spot on slight grades and just let the speed drop to see what it would take to keep it in 4 cylinder mode.

stephen

tayl0rd

I just subscribed to Sirius a few weeks ago and I will GLADLY pay my $155 subscription fee when the bill comes!

stephen

<<<when you observe the annoyance, have you tested out the car in the same way without the cruise engaged and do you notice the same vibration/slight jerk/downshift/etc.>>>

Yes. On my trip to Auburn, Indiana, Friday, I would sometimes disengage the cruise and hold the gas pedal in one spot on slight grades and just let the speed drop to see what it would take to keep it in 4 cylinder mode.

stephen

carcom2

I noticed on the website accessory section, a remote starter for $100 is available. Has anyone used it yet? Is it integrated into the car key or is it a separate remote? What's it cost to install/is it a do it your self installation? Opinions on this feature are welcome. Thought it might come in handle in the hot summer days or cold winter days for some obvious reasons. Anyone need to crank on the AC yet? How is it? Hope your enjoying your ride.

mileshoover

carcom2 -- Don't have the remote starter, so no opinion/info on that here but

a/c -- mine has the dual zone feature so a/c is on almost always so long as the temp control vs outside temp needs the blend. In my "C", the cooling is just fine and responsive to the temp settings. The system on auto has two fan settings, either low or high. The manusl touts lo as for use with just the fron seat passengers while high is more for both seats occupied. Also full manual fan control is available.

I have found, so far, that the low setting is just fine also. The fan noise, in both settings, is not objectionable and much quieter than my previous LH model.

mikemullin6

I asked my parts guy about this and he said the module is a standard one for Chrysler vehicles but each model (T&C, 300, etc.) has a unique additional starter. The 300 starter is, supposedly, a late summer availability and they didn't have any details. I'm assuming it will be similar to the one currently offered for the T&C but don't know the details. They did say, however, that this one IS integrated into the car's system whereas aftermarket ones can be problematic with any given car.

tibbune

I had an aftermarket remote starter (only $89.95 installed!) on my last Durango and it worked flawlessly...when I remembered I had it. MY first summer with the starter was grand, I'd start the truck from my office with the key fob, and by the time I got in the Arizona baked black beast the air con had cooled the steering wheel from "broil" to "remove fingerprints".

Frankly, it was a neat idea that slowly turned into more of a novelty item than a useful tool. You've got to be within sixty feet of the vehicle to execute the remote anyhow, so you get the air con cranking for a few extra seconds....ho-hum.

mnmatches

Up here its less of a novelty and more of an essential item. I had one on my last car and during the winter its a life saver. A -30 degree day with wind will chill you to the bone on the way to the car....and its REAL nice to have a nice warm car greeting you when you get there. Up here its illegal to have your car running with the keys in it (because hundreds of cars get stolen that way) and this is the only legal way to warm it up or keep it warm. It's also better to get the engine and tranny warmed up prior to jumping on the highway.

stephen

<<<Are you sure it's not the AC compressor kicking in?>>>

Yes. Our temps have been in the forties nearly every day since I got the car (8 days ago) and I usually turn the AC compressor off as soon as I start the car. On my 300M and STS, the AC compressor would stay off until turned on again. With the 300C though, I notice that it only stays off for the current run. Next time you start the car, it is back on again.

stephen

hhunter

Thanks for this helpful reply.
Do you know who makes the unit for DC? (Alpine makes the current nav for Jeep). I am especially interested in who makes the map. I have a Garmin 2610 with maps by NavTech which are woefully outdated.

hmk123

Any news on your 300C? Have you heard anything from your dealer? Thanks!

fastdriver

hhunter-

Alpine makes the nav unit for the Pacifica also, so most likely they make it for the 300 also.

fastdriver

mileshoover

"who makes the NAV unit for the 300C"

As I stated earlier, the NAV unit is clearly identified in the manuals as made by Alpine, same as on the Lexus, Acura, etc.

jcz1

I saw a site that listed the makers of many parts of the 300, and Alpine was the one for the Nav.

I picked up a generic Remote Start brochure from the dealer a couple of weeks ago, and it claims up to 800 feet, even through walls. Could be very nice in the hot summer, since the leather seats lack cooling.

rayainsw

This seems very odd.
So - does this also mean that you cannot 'lock' the trans in 5th?
- Ray
Who almost always drives in 'man-u-matic' mode - and locked in 5th on the highway - avoiding downshifts unless manually provoked . . .

pixelpusher

Hey everyone.. longtime lurker here..

Let's get to it...
I ordered my 300c (Black w/all the options except sat radio& cold weather group) last Sunday May 2nd & was told 6-8 weeks for delivery. Dum Dum da dum (darth vader theme) my dealer called me 10 minutes ago to let me know "all orders with moonroof are indefinitely suspended. This could mean 2 weeks or 2 months, do you still want the moonroof?", YAAAARGH!

I'm in So. Cal so the moonroof is pretty important to me for "enjoying" the car so I said let's ride it out for a couple of weeks and see.

Ugh this sucks!

-Steve

jcz1

Here's that page I mentioned that lists the suppliers for various bits and pieces. List is at bottom of page.

http://comnet.chrysler.com/comnet/ComnetControllerServlet?MODULE_- ID=PRDOCS&ACTION_ID=VIEW_PR_CONTENT&contentId=2361

hmk123

You would hope that they try to solve the problem quickly and/or get a second supplier for the moonroofs. To me the moonroof is important as well. I guess I will just have to wait. Hopefully it only means a few weeks delay. I will check with them again later next week.

rayainsw

"the NAV told me to move to the right lane to bear right, then to move to the left lane (correctly) to merge left"

This sounds v. useful.
One thing that drives me bonkers when on a multi-lane surface street and approaching a junction with an Interstate is that rarely is there signage far enough in advance to let you know what lane is appropriate for entry in the direction you desire. Since there appear to be a roughly equal number on cloverleafs vs. straight ramps . . .
- Ray
Who typically chooses wrong - and ticks people off while crossing 2 or 3 lanes when the right lane for me does become apparent . . .

fastdriver

I just called Inalfa, the company that makes the sunroofs for the 300, and asked about this "suspension" of orders for the sunroof. I was told that the problem is on the CHRYSLER side and not Inalfa's. They have plenty of sunroofs to ship to Chrysler.

Must have to do with more "cost-cutting/restructuring"?

Those waiting to order should probably call Auburn Hills and ask THEM what the holdup is.

fastdriver

pixelpusher

heheh I have always called it a "sunroof" too.. anyone know why Chrysler calls it a "moonroof"?

Also, fastdriver pls. forgive my ignorance but what is located in Auburn Hills? & I'll gladly call & start harassing if it might loosen up some 300's w/ moon/sunroof what's the #?

-Steve

rayainsw

&#147; Must have to do with more "cost-cutting/restructuring"? &#147;

Not necessarily.

/* speculation mode = on */

Even a small amount of weight can push corporate average type stuff across a (not good) boundary. In 1999 / 2000 Lincoln stopped allowing specific combinations of options. IIRC: You could suddenly not order a moonroof with their Audiophile sound system (that included a subwoofer) &#150; and the explanation from Jim Rogers, then head of Lincoln LS Marketing, was this issue.

Something like this could be a factor.

/* speculation mode = off */

- Ray
Ordered before the restriction went into effect . . .

pat

Traditionally, a "sun roof" is clear and a "moon roof" is the same color/metal as the vehicle.

I don't think anyone makes "sun" roofs any more.

rayainsw

My understanding is that a while back, the sunroofs became the ones that were metal, and the moonroofs were glass.
- Ray
Who can see both the sun and the moon through the roof when closed - or open - and sometimes even both!!!!!

fastdriver

pixelpusher-

"heheh I have always called it a "sunroof" too.. anyone know why Chrysler calls it a "moonroof"?"

Always a discussion about this. I believe that a moonroof had NO glass in it but was solid metal, while the sunroof has glass to let the sun in?? No big deal really. They both provide the same purpose when opened.

"...what is located in Auburn Hills?"

Ah... if you buy a DC product you will need this info for sure! ;-)) Auburn Hills is the "American home" of Chrysler located in Detroit. The number for their executive offices, that I just double-checked, is 248-512-8383. I thought maybe they "decontented" their phone lines too, but it stiil is the same as it was in 1998. Let it ring.

Good luck getting an answer.

fastdriver

bigelm

Sunroofs use the metal and Moonroofs have the tinted glass (hence, seeing through the glass at night).

Ray, you are correct!

hmk123

I hate this "not knowing" part. If they would at least let us know what is going on and provide an estimate.

thematrixhasu

I work for sprint The phone that connects with the u connect is the sony t-608

thematrixhasu

I order my 300c with a moonroof lol and i know i have to wait at least 6 weeks its already been 3. but by the time it gets here i need a conversion or a hack to play dvd's on the navigation screen i know someone on here has the answer. or can at least get the answer

pixelpusher

I just got off the phone with Chrysler (thx for the # fastdriver) and didn't really find anything out.. in fact THEY CAN'T FIND MY VON IN THE SYSTEM! hahaha.. woe is me!.. at least the girl on the phone sounded cute (yeesh I need to get out of the house!)

 i think i got startled by the fact that they didn't have my VON and forgot to push the moonroof issue anyway.

They're supposed to call me back & I'll let you all know what happens ... if'n'when...

-Steve

tibbune

A little bird told me that the SUNROOF problem has to do with the manufacturing of the car bodies, not the sunroof supplier. They've run out of holes!

BTW: The next time I press that button and watch the glass slide by, just so I can enjoy the MOON, is the same time I'll start calling it a moonroof.

"Hey Jim, I see you built a moonroom onto your house..."

mnmatches

For legal reasons Alpine will never tell you how to bypass/hack the system. Even your local installers won't tell you. Why? Cos' if you drive off the road or into someone/something the person that gave you the info or changed it for you, can be sued. Your best bet would be to get a wiring diagram and tinker with the system. Most likely its going to be a wire or two. I'll tell you how I did it as soon as I get my 300 in a year or so....

hhunter

If the nav in the 300 is the same at the Lexus, then it will work for my needs.
When I tried the nav in a Lexus two years ago, I was bothered by the safety feature. I take about 3 trips of 3-4K a year and always need to stop during the day for gasoline, food, etc. So with if this feature can not be bypassed, my spouse has to use a handheld device that tells me what is available at coming exits.
I would much rather have my spouse be able to locate a POI while on the road and able to keep my place in traffic rather than pull over to the side of the road and sit on park to find a POI. The side of a freeway seems like a very unsafe place to me.
BTW one can bypass the safety feature in Garmin's 2610 which also has remote control.

pat

I had it backwards.

Clear is moon, metal is sun. Metal is the one they don't make any more, AFAIK.

Or so I think at the moment, anyway. :-)

fastdriver

pixelpusher-

Glad you had a pleasant experience calling them.

If there's ONE good thing I can say about DC, it's that ALL the people I ever spoke with at that number were ALWAYS very nice AND very helpful. It's ALMOST as if they have NO clue what their customers in the "real" world go through in dealing with their "award-winning 5-STAR" dealers!

fastdriver

emale

pat,

i don't think the traditional definition of a what a sunroof or moonroof is really holds true today.

example...my '98 intrepid had a moonroof (glass and see through)...my '00 had a sunroof (glass and see through). my opinion is that they mean the same thing nowadays.

mikemullin6

I called the 248 number listed earlier and, as most people, talked to a couple of very nice people. The first one wanted to forward me to "Customer Service" but I said their data is woefully out of date and wanted to speak to someone who could actually help me. I was forwarded to another 'nice' person who checked several different sources but could not give me any more information than my car was on hold in storage. I knew that 2 1/2 months ago!

I elaborated that there are a number of buyers in the same position I'm in, namely, their cars were built over 2 months ago and have not been released to the dealers. I'm very frustrated and the dealers are frustrated. Very few cars being actually sold out of the more than 35,000 made to date. She said she would note my concerns and I asked if anyone would actually SEE them and she said yes. Not sure how reassuring this is but, at least, I talked to a real person. She did indicate that wherever she was at Chrysler HQ, she did not have any details on why it was on hold. I suggested that this was part of the problem Chrysler has at this time: NO one really knows the reason(s) for the delays in shipping cars to the dealers.

Re: sun/moonroof. My take over the years is the 'sunroof' is the basic flip open/close glass hole in the roof while the 'moonroof' is the powered one like the 300 has.

Mine 300C is ordered WITHOUT the factory moonroof as I plan on having an aftermarket inalfa moonroof installed. The mechanism is the same but the aftermarket has much better flexibility and control than the factory one. Cost a little more but, also, my installer gives a 'lifetime' warranty on it whereas the factory one has a limited warranty. Something to consider.

Webasto also makes a fine aftermarket moonroof that fits the 300's nicely.

dkrhardy

I just love my moon/sunroof and my new "C" !! Ya know what? I tried to order mine WITHOUT and my salesman (friend now) told me that for resale and just whatever .... order the moon/sunroof.

mileshoover

hhunter -- It has been my experience that the only thing you cannot do to the NAV while driving is to set up a new destination. POI's (Points of Interest) are available. Also, I find that you can turn off the engine (for gas, for example) and so long as you didn't cancel or shut off the NAV individually, the NAV will power up just where you left it (of course, you must punch away the limiting agreement. :^))

A new destination can be entered so long as you are either in Park or driving less than 10 mph, according to the manual.

And thus you can continue the trip.

mileshoover

are now available for the "C". There are many options as to type, etc., real wood, or synthetic. Prices range from $330 to $161 dependent upon the amount of wood and your needs. The max kit has 32 pieces (27 for NAV) while the cheapest has 12 pieces.

Please send me e-mail if you want a copy of the kit layout and the seller/manufacturer. If you have access to a fax, please so state, otherwise I can send it as an attachment to e-mail (be sure your e-mail browser will accept attachments).

I'll probably get one and install it ASAP.

mileshoover

Just had some "gunmetal" (light charcoal) colored stripes installed on my "C". Car color is Satin Jade Pearl with the light gray/dark jade interior. Looks great -- I thought the slab sides needed something.

The stripes run just along the top side of each fender, beginning at the headlight, and running just below the top crease, dipping slightly for the bottom window chrome on the doors, then back up for the rear fender, stopping just at the seam for the rear lamps. They highlight the tallness of the fender area.

Stripes are dual small gunmetal, spaced about a 16th of an inch apart, each strip is about a 32d of an inch. Very understated but nice, IMO.

Anyway, not interested in hearing a bunch of stuff from purists about stripes or whatever. This is just to let all know that the car looks fine with them. And no, I cannot take a picture to post. Sorry, don't have that kind of equipment.

pixelpusher

RE: "Mine 300C is ordered WITHOUT the factory moonroof as I plan on having an aftermarket inalfa moonroof installed"

When my dealer told me the car was on hold he also said that installing it (the moonroof) aftermarket would not be a good idea due to the placement of the mechanism for the side airbags in the protection group II. Anyone else hear this one? If it is BS I think i may be a little cranky. At this point I'd gladly shell out a couple hundred extra bucks for an aftermarket lifetime warranteed moonroof than wait an unspecified amnt. of time for the freaking car!

-S

carcom2

I agree with you. The moonroof is the glass which when the shade is pulled back allows you to see the moon at night without having to open the roof. The metal sunroof is to block out the sun rays. When the sun is not unbearable on a nice but not too sunny day, you can slide back the roof to get some rays and breeze. Wonder if Inalfa will tell consumers why Chrysler's holding back on the roofs.Maybe someone can find out if they have local installers to install the same roof as an aftermarket roof without waekening the integrity of the roof more than when Chrysler installs them. It's kind of weird that no one has reported any offical announcement of the "hold" on the roofs. What's really going on? Is there a slight possibility that they are thinking of adding the remote close feature when the ignition is shut off? Anything is possible at this point. All I care about is that they have the roofs available by the time the tire pressure monitors are available and let you add any options available without restrictions. There's still no official announcement on that. It's all speculation. If you alk to 5 Chrysler customer service reps you'll get 5 different answers.

carcom2

I called a Sprint store yesterday and they told a 2nd Bluetooth phone is expected out in 3 weeks but he wasn't sure about the brand. Was he right? Do you know anymore about these phones/features. Which is better?

dkrhardy

It seems that most if not all aftermarket sun/moon roofs don't fit "just so". Too flat or too curved. Beware.

stephen

<<<does this also mean that you cannot 'lock' the trans in 5th?
- Ray >>>

That is unfortunately quite correct, Ray. Another thing you cannot do is 'lock' the engine into 4 cylinder mode. I mean, if the purpose is to conserve fuel, why can't we have that option? And conversely, when we are in the mood for smooth power at all times, it would be nice to be able to have a pushbutton that allows us to lock it in 8 cylinder mode in any gear including fifth.

stephen