2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT sport mode

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat.
3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
NOTE:Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the child.
Use only the anchor positions directly behind the child
seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, clutch, and rear axle) in your new
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 miles (800 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
on both sides of the vehicle (11 ft or 3.35 m). The zone
starts at the outside rear view mirror and extends ap-
proximately 20 ft (6 m) to the rear of the vehicle. The BSM
system monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the driver of
vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
•The BSM system does NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the
detection zones.
•The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT change if
your vehicle is towing a trailer. Therefore, visually
verify the adjacent lane is clear for both your vehicle
and trailer before making a lane change. If the trailer
or other object (i.e., bicycle, sports equipment) extendsbeyond the side of your vehicle, this may result in the
BSM warning light remaining illuminated the entire
time the vehicle is in a forward gear.
The area on the rear fascia where the radar sensors are
located must remain free of snow, ice, and dirt/road
contamination so that the BSM system can function
properly. Do not block the area of the rear fascia where
the radar sensors are located with foreign objects (bum-
per stickers, bicycle racks, etc.).
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the
detection zones by illuminating the BSM warning light
located in the outside mirrors in addition to sounding an
audible (chime) alert and reducing the radio volume.
Refer to “Modes Of Operation” for further information.
The BSM system monitors the detection zone from three
different entry points (side, rear, front) while driving to
see if an alert is necessary. The BSM system will issue an
alert during these types of zone entries.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103

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

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

Auto
•
If AutoStickis engaged while in “Auto” mode, the
transmission will automatically shift up if maximum
engine speed is reached.
•Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal may generate
an automatic downshift for improved acceleration.
•This mode should be used for most driving situations.
Sport
•
If AutoStick is engaged while in “Sport” mode, the
transmission will remain in the selected gear even
when maximum engine speed is reached.
•Engine overspeed protection is achieved through fuel
cut off at or near redline.
•This mode will provide aggressive shifting and is
intended for spirited driving.
SPORT MODE
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
dampening system. This system reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including cornering,
acceleration and braking. There are three modes of op-
eration:
SPORT Mode
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

TIREFIT Usage Precautions
•
Replace the TIREFIT Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant
Hose (6) prior to the expiration date (printed on the
bottle label) to assure optimum operation of the sys-
tem. Refer to “Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT” section (F)
“Sealant Bottle and Hose Replacement”.
•The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6) are a one
tire application use. After each use, always replace
these components immediately at an authorized
dealer.
•When the TIREFIT sealant is in a liquid form, clean
water, and a damp cloth will remove the material from
the vehicle or tire and wheel components. Once the
sealant dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.
•For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem
on the wheel is free of debris before connecting the
TIREFIT kit.
•You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle
tires. The kit also comes with two needles, located in
the Accessory Storage Compartment (on the bottom of
the air pump) for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar
inflatable items. However, use only the Air Pump
Hose (7) and make sure the Mode Select Knob (5) is in
the Air Mode when inflating such items to avoid
injecting sealant into them. The TIREFIT Sealant is
only intended to seal punctures less than
14in (6 mm)
diameter in the tread of your vehicle.
•Do not lift or carry the TIREFIT kit by the hoses.
432 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Tilting............................ 162
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 18
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........472,503
Selection of Oil ......................... 458
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 525
Service Contract ......................... 527
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 285
Service Manuals ........................ 530
Setting the Clock ........................ 328
Shift Lever Override ...................... 446
Shifting ............................... 354
Automatic Transmission ................ 354
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 51
Shoulder Belts ........................... 47
Side Airbag ............................. 65 Side View Mirror Adjustment
................ 97
Signals, Turn ...................... 87,186,281
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 366
SmartBeams ........................... 183
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 403
Sound System Kicker ............................ 328
Spark Plugs ............................ 503
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) ...................... 503
Oil ............................... 503
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........202,205
Speedometer ........................... 286
Sport Mode ............................ 364
Starting ............................. 25,349
Automatic Transmission ................ 349
Cold Weather ....................... 352
Engine Fails to Start .................. 352
Remote ............................ 25
10
INDEX 549