2010 CHRYSLER 300 engine

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 authorized dealer for service
assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
(Continued)
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap may
also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 381

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionFrontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
2.7L & 3.5L Rear Wheel
Drive (RWD) Automatic 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
100 lbs (45 kg)
3.5L All Wheel Drive
(AWD) & 5.7L Automatic 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
200 lbs (91 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and
cargo, and it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard. Re-
fer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 389

CAUTION! (Continued)
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do
not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and it will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.(Continued)
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
a lower gear range using the “3” position (if equipped) or
the AutoStick/ERS feature (if equipped).
NOTE:Selecting a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking. If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 395

AutoStick/Electronic Range Select (ERS) – If
Equipped

By using the AutoStick/Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode and selecting a specific gear range, frequent
shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range should
be selected that allows for adequate performance. For
example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain
the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground)
is allowed ONLYif the rear driveshaft is removed and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (for both RWD and
AWD vehicles).
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ................ 400
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 400
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 401
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage ........ 402
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 404
▫ Jacking And Changing a Tire ............ 404
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 410
▫ Wheel Cover Or Center Cap Installation
— If Equipped ...................... 410 
Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 413
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 413
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 415
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 417
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 418
▫ Without The Ignition Key FOB ........... 418
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ 418
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .................... 419
6