2008 CHRYSLER 300 clutch

shifts, and the best fuel economy. Select the “3” range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers.
NOTE:
•If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” 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.“3” (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The “3” position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE:Using the “3” 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 selections.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Never 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 practices
can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
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.NOTE:
•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 “Overdrive” when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the selector
lever into the “3” position will show that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into and out of “Overdrive.”
•If 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 it 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

Tires ............................79,344,492
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 350
Air Pressure.......................... 344
Alignment........................... 352
Chains.............................. 353
Changing.........................394,398
Compact Spare........................ 348
Flat Changing........................ 394
General Information.................... 344
High Speed.......................... 347
Inflation Pressures..................... 345
Jacking...........................395,398
Life of Tires.......................... 350
Load Capacity.....................340,341
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 355
Quality Grading....................... 492
Radial.............................. 347
Replacement......................... 351
Rotation............................. 354Safety...........................334,344
Self-Sealing.......................... 353
Sizes............................... 336
Snow Tires........................... 354
Spare Tire........................... 396
Spinning............................ 349
Trailer Towing........................ 384
Tread Wear Indicators................... 350
To Open Hood.......................... 128
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 381
Torque Converter Clutch................... 311
Towing............................... 375
Behind a Motor Home.................. 389
Disabled Vehicle....................... 408
Guide.............................. 380
Recreational.......................... 389
Weight.............................. 380
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 389
Traction Control......................... 328
INDEX 515
10