2005 CHRYSLER 300 SRT ignition

Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a brake transmission shift
interlock system (BTSI) that holds the gearshift lever in
the P (Park) position when the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position. To move the gear selector lever out of the
P (Park) position, the ignition switch must be turned to
the ON position, and the brake pedal must be depressed.
Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission exceeds
normal operating temperature, the transmission will
change the way it shifts to help control the condition.
This may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in D (Drive) position. After the
transmission cools down, it will return to normal opera-
tion.
AUTOSTICK
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide the driver
with more control. Autostick allows the driver to increase
engine braking ability, eliminate undesirable upshifts
and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle perfor-
mance. This system can also provide the driver with
more control during passing, city driving, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position the lever
can be moved from side to side. This allows the driver to
select a specific gear. Move the shift lever to the Left (-) to
trigger a downshift and to the Right (+) to trigger an
upshift. The gear position will be shown in the transmis-
sion gear display located in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In the autostick mode the transmission will only
shift up and down when Left or Right (D-/D+) is
manually selected by the driver.
Shifting into or out of the autostick mode can be done at
any time without taking your foot off the accelerator
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

pedal. When the driver wishes to engage autostick,
simply move the shift lever to the Left or Right(D-/D+)
position while in DRIVE.
Hold the shift lever to the right for at least one second to
disengage autostick. The transmission will now operate
automatically; shifting between the five available gears.
Autostick General Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system will
ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when autostick is engaged.
•The transmission will not automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while autostick is
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
autostick is engaged.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position.
Parking Brake
STARTING AND OPERATING 191
5

To release the parking brake, pull out on the parking
brake release located on the left side of the instrument
panel.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.
Parking Brake Release
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................224

If Your Engine Overheats................225

TIREFIT Tire Repair....................226

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low...229

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............231
▫Acceleration.........................231
▫Traction............................232

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................232

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............233
▫With Ignition Key.....................233
▫Without The Ignition Key...............234
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................234
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley....................234
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel between the center air outlets.To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and 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 switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.Hazard Flasher Switch
224 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5.Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated tire.
6. Screw the filler hose (6) from the sealant bottle (5) on
the tire valve.
7. Insert the power plug (2) into the power point on the
instrument panel.
8. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position.
9. Press the switch (3) on the air pump to 1. The air pump
should start to inflate the tire.
10. After five minutes, the tire should be inflated to at
least 26 psi (1.8 bar) on the pressure gauge (4).
11. If the tire doesn’t inflate to this level, press the air
pump switch (3) to 0, disconnect the TIREFIT system
from the tire, and drive the vehicle back and forth
approximately 30 feet (9.1 m) to distribute the sealant
more evenly within the tire.
12. Attach the air pump hose (1) directly to the tire, press
the switch (3) to 1, and inflate the tire again.NOTE:If a
tire pressure of 26 psi (1.8 bar) is not reached after five
minutes, the tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle further, and call for assistance.13. If a tire pressure of 26 psi (1.8 bar) is obtained, press
the air pump switch (3) to 0, turn the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK position, and disconnect the TIREFIT
system.
14. Drive the vehicle for about 10 minutes to ensure
optimum distribution of the tire sealant within the tire.
15. Check the pressure in the tire. If the pressure is above
19 psi (1.3 bar), inflate the tire to the pressure indicated
on the tire pressure label on the driver side latch pillar.
16. Have the tire inspected at the earliest opportunity at
an authorized dealer or tire service center.
NOTE:
•
If a pressure of at least 19 psi (1.3 bar) cannot be
maintained in the tire, the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further, and call for
assistance.
•Do not operate the electric air pump for more than
eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump may
be used again once it has cooled down.
228 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES