2013 CHRYSLER 300 SRT instrument panel

•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).
• When TRACK mode is enabled, a flag symbol will
light up in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.LAUNCH MODE – IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Control system that
is designed to allow the driver to achieve maximum vehicle
acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire slip while launching the
vehicle. This feature is intended for use during race events
on a closed course where consistent quarter mile and zero to
sixty times are desired. The system is not intended to
compensate for lack of driver experience or familiarity with
the race track. Use of this feature in low traction (cold, wet,
gravel, etc) conditions may results in excess wheel slip
outside this systems control resulting in an aborted launch.
Preconditions:
•
Launch control should not be used on public roads.
Always check track conditions and the surrounding area.
• Launch Control is not available for the first 500 miles
of vehicle life.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 395

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. When-
ever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this
mode. This mode should be used for most driving
situations. The ESC should only be turned OFF for
specific reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times when a
more spirited driving experience is desired. It is also
intended for driving in deep snow, sand, or gravel. This
mode disables the TCS portion of the ESC and raises the
threshold for ESC activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than what ESC normally allows.The “ESC Off” switch is located in the switch bank near
the bottom center of the instrument panel. To enter the
“Partial Off” mode, momentarily press the “ESC Off”
switch and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC ON again, mo-
mentarily press the “ESC Off” switch and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will turn off.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESC
Off” switch. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn the ESC ON again by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 403

WARNING!
•When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality
of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature de-
scribed in the TCS section), has been disabled and
the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illuminated.
When in “Partial Off” mode, the engine power
reduction feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC sys-
tem is reduced.
Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways. In
this mode, all TCS and ESC stability features are turned
OFF. To enter the “Full Off” mode, press and hold the
“ESC Off” switch for five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” will illuminate, and the
ESC OFFmes-
sage will display in the vehicle odometer. Press and
release the TRIP ODOMETER button located on the
instrument cluster to clear this message. The “ESC OFF”
message may appear in the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. To turn ESC ON again,
momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch.
NOTE: TheESC OFF message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is moved
into the PARK position from any position other than
PARK and then moved out of the PARK position. This
will occur when the message was previously cleared.
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when leaving your vehicle.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
• Failure to follow these warnings may cause the
vehicle to roll down the incline and could collide
with another vehicle, object or person, and cause
serious or fatal injury. Always remember to use the
parking brake while parking on a hill and that the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be done
using the Customer Programmable Features in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Ready Alert Braking
Ready Alert Braking may reduce the time required to
reach full braking during emergency braking situations.
It anticipates when an emergency braking situation may
occur by monitoring how fast the throttle is released by
the driver. When the throttle is released very quickly,
Ready Alert Braking applies a small amount of brake
pressure. This brake pressure will not be noticed by the
driver. The brake system uses this brake pressure to allow
a fast brake response if the driver applies the brakes.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 407

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the center
of the instrument panel between the center air outlets.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
452 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first. Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 529

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................448
GVWR ................................ .448
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water .................391
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................452
Headlights ............................. .520
Automatic ........................... .199
Cleaning ............................ .508
Delay ............................... .199
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .........204
Lights On Reminder .....................202
On With Wipers ....................... .199
Passing ............................. .204
Switch .............................. .198
Time Delay ........................... .199
Washers ............................. .490
Headlight Washers ....................... .490Head Restraints
......................... .187
Head Rests ............................. .187
Heated Mirrors ...........................112
Heated Seats ............................ .182
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .374
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .204
Hill Start Assist .......................... .405
Holder, Coin ............................ .287
Hood Release ........................... .196
Ignition Key..................................12
Illuminated Entry ..........................21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................16
Infant Restraint ...........................72
Information Center, Vehicle ..................311
Instrument Cluster ....................... .301
Instrument Panel and Controls ................299
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............509
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INDEX 565