2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT manual transmission

14. Sport ModeThis light will illuminate when Sport or Track
mode is selected. When Sport mode is selected,
the EVIC will display “Sport Mode Active
(Suspension)”.
This mode provides performance based tuning with
improved handling through an electronic controlled
damping system. This system reduces body roll and pitch
in many driving situations including cornering, accelera-
tion and braking.
When Track Mode is Selected, the EVIC will display
“Track Mode Activated (Suspension and Transmission)”.
In addition to SPORT suspension, Track mode also affects
transmission shifting in either Auto or Manual mode.
Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. The transmission has a sportier,
more aggressive shift pattern. In Manual mode, the
transmission will hold gear at redline during manual
shifting (console shifter or paddle switches). 15. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
16. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is off.
17. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
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.
The console mounted shift lever provides PARK, RE-
VERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStickshift posi-
tions. Once the shifter is in DRIVE, tapping the shift lever
side to side (+/-), or pressing the paddle shifters will
place the vehicle in AutoStick. AutoStick allows for
manual shift control (refer to “AutoStick” in this sec-
tion). While in AutoStick the transmission gear position
will be displayed in the EVIC.Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply 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 precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator
AUTOSTICK
Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature that
offers manual gear shifting to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize
engine braking, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply
move the shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the
DRIVE position, or press one of the steering wheel
mounted shift paddles (+/-). When AutoStick is active,
362 STARTING AND OPERATING

the current transmission gear is displayed in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the
instrument cluster. In AutoStickmode, the transmission
will shift when manually selected by the driver (using the
shift lever, or the shift paddles), unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•You can start out in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at
a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting out
in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
•The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged. To disengage AutoStick mode,
hold the shift lever to the right or press and hold the (+)
shift paddle until “D” is once again displayed in the
instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
•An “UPSHIFT” message will appear in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the instru-
ment cluster when using AutoStick, to alert the driver
to upshift to the next gear. The “UPSHIFT” message will
appear when approaching the maximum engine speed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 363

•Automatic (Auto) Mode — This is the default position
when vehicle ignition is first turned on. This mode will
give a sporty, but comfortable ride. Within this mode,
the suspension will adapt to the vehicle inputs, includ-
ing vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking and accel-
eration.
•Sport Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in SPORT mode (press the CON-
TROLS button and then the SPORT button on the
display screen). This mode will set suspension for
maximum performance handling and is intended for
spirited driving.
NOTE: The SPORT setting will provide a firmer ride. When SPORT mode is enabled, a flag will light up in the
instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Descrip-
tion” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
AUTO mode will provide a sporty comfortable ride,
where as SPORT or TRACK will be a firmer, sportier
suspension with better handling.
•Track Mode — This mode includes SPORT Suspension
and affects transmission shifting in either Auto or
Manual mode. Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information. In TRACK mode,
the transmission has a sportier, more aggressive shift
pattern. In Manual mode, the transmission will hold
gear at redline during manual shifting (console shifter
or paddle shifters).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 365

WARNING! (Continued)
•TIREFIT Sealant solution contains latex. In case of
an allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician
immediately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of chil-
dren. If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water. Do not
induce vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use TIREFIT:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s
Hazard Warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the
deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses (6) and (7) to reach the
valve stem and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground.
This will provide the best positioning of the kit wheninjecting the sealant into the deflated tire and running the
air pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to place the
valve stem in this position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or
in Gear (manual transmission) and turn Off the ignition.
4. Set the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use TIREFIT:
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to the Sealant Mode
position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then remove the cap
from the fitting at the end of the hose.
3. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the
deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw
the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
434 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the
vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The Deflated
Tire:
•
Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
•After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow
within 0 –
10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT kit.
Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Press the Power Button (4) to turn On the
TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt
power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if avail-
able. Make sure the engine is running before turning ON
the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous
use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode and
the pump is operating, air will dispense from the Air
Pump Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground SRT8 MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIF Transmission is operable:
•
Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h)max speed
• 15 mi (24 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift Front
Rear OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Manual Park
Release” or “Shift Lever Override” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for instructions on shifting the automatic
transmission out of the PARK position for towing.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 447