2013 CHRYSLER 300 SRT ECO mode

Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% OAT
(Organic Additive Technology) coolant that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106
and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
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 condi-
tioning 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 dam-
age when the system is started again.
362 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
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
theyenter 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 363

DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the “AutoStick®” shift control (refer to
“AutoStick®” in this section) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.SPORT
This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift
schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are in-
creased to make full use of available engine power. To
toggle between DRIVE and SPORT modes, touch the
SPORT button (on the Controls screen in the center touch
panel).
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will
remain in second gear regardless of which forward gear
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will con-
tinue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is nolonger detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation. 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 Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 383

•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, 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.
•
Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
• 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.
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.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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

•Launch Control should only be used when the engine
and transmission are at operating temperature.
• Launch Control is intended to be used on dry, paved
road surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces
may cause damage to vehicle components.
Launch Control is only available when the following
procedure is followed:
1. Press the “ESC OFF” button to put the vehicle into ESC Partial mode. The “ESC OFF” lamp will illumi-
nate in the cluster.
2. Press the “ESC OFF” button a second time to put the vehicle into Launch Control. The “ESC OFF” lamp will
remain lit, and the cluster display will read “Launch
Control Enabled”.
3. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
4. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight. 5.Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “Drive”.
6.While holding the brake, rapidly apply the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. The engine speed will hold
at approximately 1825 RPM for the quickest launch.
•Messages will appear in the cluster EVIC display to
inform the driver if one or more of the above condi-
tions (3 through 6) have not been met.
7.When conditions 3 through 6 have been met, the cluster
EVIC display will read “Launch Ready Release Brake”.
Release the brake and continue to hold wide open
throttle to launch.
8. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.
Launch control will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 kph), at which point the ESC system
continues in ESC Partial mode. Activating Launch Con-
trol again from this state will require pressing the “ESC
OFF” button once. Repeat steps 3 through 8.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 389

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