2021 CHRYSLER 300 automatic transmission

192 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then, shift
back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE while
gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5
mph (8 km/h) or
le

ss. Whenever the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL for more than two seconds, you must
press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE or
REVERSE.
Push the ESC OFF switch to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle
Ú page 139.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
O F
F switch again to restore “ESC On” mode.CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of clutch or
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause
damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires. A
tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(4

8 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
c o
ntinuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
s t

uck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
dr

ivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not
spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
w h

ile in gear (no transmission shifting occur -
ring).

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 209
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
da

mage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni -
tion when the transmission is in gear and the
v e
hicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diag -
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during
ve
ry rough idle or malfunctioning operating
conditions.
NOTE:
Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped
w i
th an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if
the exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket
products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will
illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather,
w h
ere applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer. Check the front of the radiator
for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle
r
u

bber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the
connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING
SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
p r
operly. Failure to fill these systems properly
could lead to severe internal engine damage. If any
coolant is needed to be added to the system
please contact an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
c on

tains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 195.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from
under the hood, do not open the hood until the
radiator has had time to cool. Never open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radi
-
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may
start at any time, whether the engine is
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
c on

trolled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
8

212 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically
Ú page 195.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
immediately if the brake system warning light
indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
pe

rforming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
re
moving the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to
the top of the “FULL” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it
ma
y cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
re
quirements described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Use only brake fluid that has been recommended
b
y

the manufacturer, and has been kept in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination from
foreign matter or moisture
Ú page 250.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do
not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid Ú page 250. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
s y
stem and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep
the master cylinder reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in a open container
absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts,
causing the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and vinyl
surfaces, care should be taken to avoid its
contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
c ou
ld be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING!

250 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
CAUTION!
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is different and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Tech -
nology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the
c ool

ing system in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
Component Fluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part

Automatic Transmission
Use only Mopar® ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or
e
q
uivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar® DOT 3 and SAE J1703.
Front Axle – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W90

(API GL-5).
Rear Axle We recommend you use Mopar® OD Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W85
(
A

PI GL-5).
Transfer Case – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Transfer Case Lubricant for BorgWarner
4
4

–40.

255
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes.........................................245Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................94Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...............210Adding Fuel....................................................111Adding Washing Fluid....................................201Additives, Fuel...............................................246Adjust Forward.......................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Air Bag...........................................................159Advance Front Air Bag...............................159Air Bag Operation......................................160Air Bag Warning Light................................158Driver Knee Air Bag...................................161Enhanced Accident Response.........164, 194Event Data Recorder (EDR).......................194Front Air Bag.............................................159If Deployment Occurs................................164Knee Impact Bolsters................................161Maintaining Your Air Bag System..............165Maintenance.............................................165Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............159Side Air Bags.............................................161Transporting Pets......................................176
Air Bag Light..................................72, 158, 176
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..203
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................204Air Conditioner Refrigerant...........................204Air Conditioner System...........................47, 204Air Conditioning Filter..............................50, 204Air Conditioning, Operating Tips.......................50Air Filter........................................................203Air PressureTires.........................................................232AlarmArm The System...................................18, 19Rearm The System......................................19Security Alarm......................................18, 74Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18All Wheel DriveTowing......................................................194All Wheel Drive (AWD)...................................213Alterations/ModificationsVehicle...........................................................8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).................210, 248Disposal...................................................211Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)......................137Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................74
Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18Assist, Hill Start.............................................141Audio Systems (Radio)..................................121Auto Down Power Windows..............................56Automatic Door Locks......................................22Automatic Headlights.......................................41Automatic High Beams.....................................41Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............49Automatic Transmission...................................87Adding Fluid.....................................213, 250Fluid And Filter Change.............................213Fluid Change.............................................213Fluid Level Check.............................212, 213Fluid Type........................................213, 250Special Additives......................................212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..22, 90
AutoPark..........................................................82AutostickOperation.....................................................90AUX Cord..........................................................53Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........54AWDTowing......................................................194Axle Fluid.......................................................250Axle Lubrication............................................250
11

256
B
Back-Up.........................................................110Battery....................................................73, 201Charging System Light.................................73Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................13Location....................................................201Belts, Seat.....................................................176Beverage Holder Cooled (Cupholder)..............53Beverage Holder Heated (Cupholder)..............53Body Mechanism Lubrication........................206B-Pillar Location.............................................229Brake Assist System......................................138Brake Control System....................................138Brake Fluid..........................................212, 250Brake System......................................212, 245Fluid Check.....................................212, 250Master Cylinder.........................................212Parking........................................................84Warning Light.....................................72, 245Brake/Transmission Interlock.........................87Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.......84Brightness, Interior Lights................................44Bulb Replacement.........................................221Bulbs, Light..........................................178, 221
C
Camera, Rear................................................110Capacities, Fluid............................................248
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...............................................199Radiator (Coolant Pressure).....................210Car Washes...................................................242Carbon Monoxide Warning............................178CargoVehicle Loading........................................113Cargo Area Cover.............................................61Cargo Compartment........................................61Cellular Phone..............................................136Certification Label.........................................113Chains, Tire...................................................239Chart, Tire Sizing...........................................226Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................................................79Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................176Checks, Safety..............................................176Child Restraint..............................................166Child Restraints Booster Seats...........................................168Child Seat Installation..............................174How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt....172Infant And Child Restraints.......................167Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children..169Older Children And Child Restraints.........167Seating Positions......................................169Child Safety Locks...........................................23Clean Air Gasoline.........................................246
CleaningWheels......................................................238Climate Control................................................47Automatic....................................................47Coin Holder......................................................52Cold Weather Operation...................................83Compact Spare Tire......................................236ConsoleFloor............................................................52Contract, Service...........................................252Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............210Cooling System.............................................209Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)......................210Coolant Capacity.......................................248Coolant Level...................................209, 211Disposal Of Used Coolant.........................211Drain, Flush, And Refill.............................209Inspection.................................................211Points To Remember................................211Pressure Cap............................................210Radiator Cap.............................................210Selection Of Coolant
(Antifreeze).........................210, 248, 249Corrosion Protection.....................................242Cruise Control (Speed Control)..................92, 94Cruise Light...............................................77, 78Customer Assistance....................................251Cybersecurity................................................121

261
Remote Keyless Entry
Arm The Alarm.............................................18Unlatch The Trunk.......................................13Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode..............................17Uconnect Customer Programmable
Features..................................................17Uconnect Settings.......................................17Remote Trunk Release....................................60Replacement Bulbs.......................................221Replacement Keys...........................................14Replacement Tires.........................................235Reporting Safety Defects...............................253Restraints, Child............................................166Restraints, Head.......................................32, 33Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.........................192Rotation, Tires...............................................240
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle.........................176Safety Checks Outside Vehicle......................177Safety Defects, Reporting..............................253Safety Information, Tire.................................225Safety Tips.....................................................176Safety, Exhaust Gas.......................................178Schedule, Maintenance.......................195, 196Seat Belt Reminder.........................................73Seat Belts............................................152, 176Adjustable Shoulder Belt...........................156
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage......156
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt
Anchorage............................................156Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)...........157Child Restraints........................................166Energy Management Feature...................157Extender...................................................156Front Seat...............................152, 153, 155Inspection.................................................176Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation....................155Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................155Lap/Shoulder Belts..................................153Operating Instructions..............................155Pregnant Women......................................157Pretensioners...........................................157Rear Seat.................................................153Reminder..................................................152Seat Belt Extender....................................156Seat Belt Pretensioner.............................157Untwisting Procedure...............................155Seat Belts Maintenance...............................243Seats.................................................27, 29, 30Adjustment...........................................27, 29Easy Entry....................................................30Head Restraints....................................32, 33Heated.........................................................30Height Adjustment.......................................28Power..........................................................28Rear Folding................................................27Seatback Release.......................................27
Tilting....................................................27, 28
Vented.........................................................31Ventilated....................................................31Security Alarm...........................................18, 74Arm The System...........................................18Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..................249Sentry Key (Immobilizer)..................................14Sentry Key Replacement..................................14Service Assistance........................................251Service Contract............................................252Service Manuals...........................................253Shifting.............................................................85Automatic Transmission.......................85, 87Shoulder Belts..............................................153Side View Mirror Adjustment............................35Signals, Turn...................................43, 78, 178Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................239Snow Tires....................................................236Spare Tires..................................183, 236, 237Spark Plugs...................................................249Specifications Fuel (Gasoline)..........................................249Oil.............................................................249Speed ControlAccel/Decel.................................................93Accel/Decel (ACC Only)................................97Cancel..........................................................94Resume.......................................................94Set...............................................................93Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........92, 93, 94
Sport Mode......................................................91
11

262
Starting............................................................81Automatic Transmission..............................81Button.........................................................15Cold Weather..............................................83Engine Fails To Start...................................83Starting And Operating....................................81Starting Procedures.........................................81Steering...........................................................23Column Lock...............................................23Power..........................................................92Tilt Column...........................................23, 24Wheel, Heated.............................................24Wheel, Tilt............................................23, 24Storage..........................................................242Storage, Vehicle......................................50, 242Storing Your Vehicle......................................242Stuck, Freeing...............................................192Sun Roof..........................................................58Sunglasses Storage.........................................52Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag.....159Synthetic Engine Oil.......................................203
T
Telescoping Steering Column...................23, 24Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)............49Tilt Steering Column.................................23, 24Time Delay
Headlight.....................................................42Tire And Loading Information Placard...........229
Tire Markings................................................225Tire Safety Information.................................225Tires...................................177, 232, 236, 241Aging (Life Of Tires)..................................234Air Pressure..............................................232Chains......................................................239Changing.........................................182, 184Compact Spare.........................................236General Information........................232, 236High Speed...............................................233Inflation Pressure.....................................232Jacking.....................................................184Life Of Tires..............................................234Load Capacity...........................................229Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..76, 148Quality Grading.........................................241Radial.......................................................233Replacement............................................235Rotation....................................................240Safety..............................................225, 232Sizes.........................................................226Snow Tires................................................236Spare Tires.............................183, 236, 237Spinning...................................................234Trailer Towing...........................................117Tread Wear Indicators..............................234Wheel Nut Torque.....................................245To Open Hood..................................................59Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................116
Towing...........................................................114Behind A Motorhome................................119Disabled Vehicle.......................................193Guide........................................................116Recreational.............................................119Weight......................................................116Towing Behind A Motorhome........................119Traction.........................................................119Traction Control............................................142Trailer Towing................................................114Hitches.....................................................115Minimum Requirements...........................116Tips...........................................................118Trailer And Tongue Weight........................116Wiring.......................................................118Trailer Towing Guide.....................................116Trailer Weight................................................116Transfer CaseFluid.................................................213, 250Maintenance............................................213Transmission....................................................87Automatic..........................................87, 212Fluid..........................................................250Maintenance............................................212Shifting........................................................85Transporting Pets..........................................176Tread Wear Indicators...................................234Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................60Trunk Release Remote Control........................60
Turn Signals..............................................43, 78