2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT Owners Manual

Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.NOTE:
•Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
•Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be totally
filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 343

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 349
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 349
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ................... 350
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 350
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 352
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 352
▫ After Starting ....................... 353
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 353
Automatic Transmission ................. 354
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 355
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 355
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 355
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 356
 AutoStick .......................... 362
▫ Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter ............... 362
 Sport Mode .......................... 364
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 366
▫ Acceleration ........................ 366
▫ Traction ........................... 366
 Driving Through Water ................. 367
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 367
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 367
 Power Steering ....................... 369
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 370
 Parking Brake ........................ 371
 Brake System ........................ 373
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ............... 374
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 376
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 377▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 377
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 377
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 378
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 382
▫ Ready Alert Braking .................. 383
▫ Rain Brake Support ................... 383
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 384
▫ Synchronizing ESC ................... 385
 Tire Safety Information ................. 385
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 385
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 389
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 390
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 391
 Tires — General Information ............. 395
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 395
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 397
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 398
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 399
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 399
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 400
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 400
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 401
 Tire Chains .......................... 403
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 404
▫ Tire Rotation – Standard Tires ........... 405▫
Tire Rotation – All Season Tires .......... 405
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 406
▫ Premium System .................... 408
▫ General Information .................. 413
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 414
▫ 6.4L Engine ........................ 414
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 414
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 415
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 415
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 416
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 416
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 417
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 418
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347

Adding Fuel ......................... 419
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release ....... 421
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 422
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 422
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 423
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 423▫
Overloading ........................ 424
▫ Loading ........................... 424
 Trailer Towing ........................ 425
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 425
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 349

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Keyless Enter-N-Go
This feature allows the driver to oper-
ate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is in
the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL. Press and hold the brake pedal while press-
ing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The system
takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine
prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING