2010 CHRYSLER 300 Owners Manual

When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever in the PARK position:
•When shifting into PARK move the shift lever all the
way forward and left until it stops and is fully seated.
•Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument
panel to ensure it is in the PARK position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the shifter could result if the shift lever is
moved out of PARK before the ignition switch is
turned from the LOCK (OFF position with Keyless
Go™) to the ON position (RUN position with Key-
less Go™).
REVERSE
This range is used for moving the vehicle rearward.
Always stop before moving the shift lever to REVERSE.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Coasting the vehicle or driving for any other reason
with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in transmis-
sion damage.
WARNING!
Do not coast in 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 and have an accident.
“D” (Overdrive)
This range is used for most city and highway driving. It
provides the smoothest up shifts and down 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, traveling 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.5
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•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 1st, 2nd, and 3rd while in
this range. The “3” position should also be used when
descending steep grades to prevent brake system dis-
tress.
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 buildup.
“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 in other gear range selections.
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 transmis-
sion.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission in 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.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 shift lever
into the “3” position will show that the transmission 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
five seconds of shifting from 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, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. This reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK.
•Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position (OFF
position with Keyless Go™), then start the engine.
•Shift into DRIVE and resume driving.
5
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NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diag-
nostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.
Gear Ranges
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Shift Lever
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever in the PARK position:
•When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the
way forward and left until it stops and is fully seated.
•Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument
panel to ensure it is in the PARK position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the shifter could result if the shift lever is
moved out of PARK before the ignition switch is
turned from the LOCK (OFF position with Keyless
Go™) to the ON position (RUN position with Key-
less Go™).
REVERSE
This range is used for moving the vehicle rearward.
Always stop before moving the shift lever to REVERSE.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 325

NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Coasting the vehicle or driving for any other reason
with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in transmis-
sion damage.
WARNING!
Do not coast in 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 and have an accident.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts and the best fuel economy.
The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick/
Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode to select a lower gear.
Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears. To reset the trans-
mission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
If the transmission cannot be reset, see your authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
5
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