2005 CHRYSLER 300 clutch

CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the shift
lever is released. Otherwise, damage to the shifter
could result.
R (Reverse)
For moving the vehicle rearward. Always stop before
moving the lever to R (Reverse), except when rocking
the vehicle.
N (Neutral)
Engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in N (Neutral) and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle.
D (Overdrive)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down
shifts and best fuel economy. Select the ª3º range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs when us-
ing the Overdrive range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly ter-
rain, traveling into strong head winds, or while tow-
ing heavy trailers.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is started in cold outside tempera-
tures, shifts into Overdrive may be delayed. Normal
Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the ªNoteº under ªTorque Con-
verter Clutchº later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5

3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The ª3º position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:
Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
L (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts
will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while
downshifts occur earlier than other gear range selec-
tions.
CAUTION!
²Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
²
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles (1.6±4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the shift lever
into the ª3º position will show that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will
continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
²Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5

Safety...........................228,236
Self-Sealing.......................... 243
Sizes............................... 229
Snow Tires.......................... 249
Spare Tire........................... 268
Spinning............................ 240
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 241
Torque Converter Clutch................. 212
Towing.............................. 259
Disabled Vehicle...................... 278
Recreational......................... 261
Trailering........................... 259
Traction Control........................ 110
Traction Control Switch.................. 110
Trailer Towing......................... 259
Minimum Requirements................ 259
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 259
Transaxle............................. 310
Automatic.......................... 310
Autostick........................... 222
Selection of Lubricant.................. 334
Transmission
Automatic........................209,214Shifting............................ 209
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 119
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 20
Transporting Pets........................ 57
Tread Wear Indicators................... 241
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 144
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 29
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 28
Turn Signals........................105,140
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 358
Universal Joints........................ 301
Universal Transmitter.................... 119
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 250
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 68
Variance, Compass...................... 151
Vehicle Certification Label................ 256
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................233,256,257
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
INDEX 373
10