2012 CHRYSLER 300 tow

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
• Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or using a tow dolly) isNOT
ALLOWED
. The only acceptable method for towing this vehicle (behind another vehicle) is
on a vehicle trailer with all four wheels OFFthe ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
UTILITY
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AUTOSTICK®
Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or Console Mounted Shifter
• AutoStick® is a driver-interactivetransmission 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, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the
instrument cluster. In AutoStick® mode, 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 chosen, 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 instrument 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.
SRT8
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If youfeel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we will contact
local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cy cles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you drive to
the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
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BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or theparking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake
System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving
cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do
not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system lightremains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop thevehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four minutes
when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommendyou drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle theignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicleserviced by an authorized service center immediately.
SERVICE AWD SYSTEM Message
• If the SERVICE AWD SYSTEM warning message appears after engine start up, orduring driving, it means the AWD system is not functioning properly. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
SPORTSport Mode
• This light will illuminate when the sport mode is selected. This mode providesperformance based tuning.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as Oil Change Due) appears and a single chimesounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle theignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage
• The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an access cover in the trunk. Follow thesesteps to access the jack and spare tire.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to access the jack.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Lift the access cover using the pull strap. To hold the cover up and into place, hang the hook that is located on the end of the strap over the trunk upper weather strip located in
the channel below the rear window.
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5. Raise the vehicle just enough to removethe flat tire and install the spare tire.
6. Remove the lug nuts and tire.
7. Mount the spare tire.
NOTE:
• For vehicles so equipped, do not attempt to install a center cap or wheel cover on
the compact spare.
• Refer to “Compact Spare Tire” and to “Limited-Use Spare” under “Tires—General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” in
the Owner's Manual on the DVD for
additional warnings, cautions, and
information about the spare tire, its use, and
operation.
8. Install the lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the lug nut toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
10. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until each nut has been
tightened twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 110 ft/lb. (150 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your
authorized dealer or at a service station.
11. Stow the jack, tools and flat tire. Make sure the base of the jack faces the front of the vehicle before tightening down the fastener.
Road Tire Installation
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel.Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until each nut has been
tightened twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 110 ft/lbs (150 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized
dealer or service station.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
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CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the
Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull farenough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that is on
a jack.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the wheel nuts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in personal
injury.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
(Continued)
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