2021 CHRYSLER 300 steering

STARTING AND OPERATING 87
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the
brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of
PARK, the engine must be running and the brake
pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also
be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at
low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the center
console. The transmission gear range (PRNDL/S)
is displayed both above the gear selector and in
the instrument cluster. To select a gear range,
simply rotate the gear selector. To access the L or
S position, push down on the gear selector and
then rotate it. You must also press the brake pedal
to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL,
when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once
(such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear
selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
s e
lector position and the actual transmission gear
(for example, driver selects PARK while driving),
the position indicator will blink continuously until
the selector is returned to the proper position, or
the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts
it
s shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
t h

e accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.
Standard Gear Selector
The standard transmission gear selector has
P A

RK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and LOW shift
positions. Using the LOW position manually
downshifts the transmission to a lower gear based
on vehicle speed.
Premium Gear Selector

Premium Gear Selector With AutoStick
The premium transmission gear selector provides
P A

RK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and SPORT
shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using
the AutoStick shift control (shift paddles mounted
on the steering wheel). Pressing the shift paddles
(-/+) while in the DRIVE or SPORT position will
manually select the transmission gear, and will
display the current gear in the instrument cluster
as 1, 2, 3, etc
Ú page 90.
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
a l
low the selected gear to engage before acceler -
ating. This is especially important when the engine
i s

cold.
4

90 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
tr

ansmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message
i n
dicates the transmission may not re-engage after
engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a
desired location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer).

1. S top the vehicle.

2
. S hift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If
n
ot, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the e
ngine turns off. 4. W
ait approximately 30 seconds.
5
. R estart the engine.
6
. S hift into the desired gear range. If the
p
roblem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
r e
commend that you visit an authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
d e

aler service is required.
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving you
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
du

ring passing, city driving, cold slippery
conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and
many other situations.
Operation

When the transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT mode,
i t

will operate automatically, shifting between the
eight available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-) while in DRIVE or SPORT mode. In DRIVE mode,
this will activate a temporary AutoStick mode. The
transmission will revert back to normal operation
after a period of time, depending on accelerator
pedal activity. When the transmission gear selector
is in the SPORT position, tapping either shift paddle
will activate "permanent" AutoStick mode. The
transmission will remain in AutoStick mode until the
driver deliberately disables AutoStick (as described
below). Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick will downshift
the transmission to the next lower gear, while using
(+) to enter AutoStick will retain the current gear.
When AutoStick is active, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Paddle Shifters

1 — Shift Paddle Downshift
2 — Shift Paddle Upshift

STARTING AND OPERATING 91
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver,
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.
If AutoStick is engaged while in DRIVE mode, the
transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached. If the accel
-
erator is fully pressed, the transmission will
d ow

nshift when possible (based on current
vehicle speed and gear). Lack of accelerator
pedal activity will cause the transmission to
revert to automatic operation.
If AutoStick is engaged while the transmission
gear selector is in the SPORT position, manual
gear selection will be maintained until the gear
selector is returned to DRIVE, or as described
below. The transmission will not upshift auto -
matically at redline in this mode, nor will down -
shifts be obtained if the accelerator pedal is
p r

essed to the floor.
In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmis -
sion will automatically downshift as the vehicle
s l
ows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans -
mission 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 can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too
low of a vehicle speed.
Holding the (-) paddle pressed will downshift the
transmission to the lowest gear possible at the
current speed.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift mode
if a fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, press and hold the
(+
) shift paddle until "D" or "S" is once again
indicated in the instrument cluster. Shifting out of
SPORT mode will also disable AutoStick. You can
shift in or out of AutoStick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED

SPORT Mode Button

If your vehicle is equipped with SPORT mode, this
mod
e is a configuration set up for typical
enthusiast driving. The engine, transmission and
steering systems are all set to their SPORT
settings. SPORT mode will provide improved
throttle response and modified shifting for an
enhanced driving experience, as well the greatest
amount of steering feel. This mode may be
activated and deactivated by pushing the SPORT
button on the instrument panel switch bank.
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.
4

92 STARTING AND OPERATING
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY —
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
f u
nctionality after a battery disconnect.
POWER STEERING
The Electric Power Steering system will give you
good vehicle response and increased ease of
maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will
vary its assist to provide light efforts while parking
and good feel while driving. If the electric steering
system experiences a fault that prevents it from
providing assist, you will still have the ability to
steer the vehicle manually. Alternate electric power steering efforts can be
s
e

lected through the Uconnect system
Ú page 122.
If the Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light is displayed and the
“ S

ERVICE POWER STEERING” or the
“POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF –
SERVICE SYSTEM” message is displayed within the
instrument cluster display, this indicates the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service
Ú page 71.
NOTE:

Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substan
-
tial increase in steering effort, especially at low
s p

eeds and during parking maneuvers.

If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
If the Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light is
di
splayed and the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster screen, they indicate that
extreme steering maneuvers may have occurred
which caused an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions are
safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few
moments until the Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light and message turn off.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main -
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be
unavailable, and vice versa.
CRUISE CONTROL
When engaged, the Cruise Control system takes
over accelerator operations at speeds greater than
25 mph (40 km/h), or 20 mph (32 km/h)
de

pending on engine size and axle ratio.
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right
si
de of the steering wheel.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.

STARTING AND OPERATING 95
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel
operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current ACC system settings. The information it
displays depends on ACC system status. Push the ACC on/off button until one of the
f
ol

lowing appears in the instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“ A

daptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
s e

tting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
t h

e display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
in
strument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
th
e following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
d i

splay selected after five seconds of no ACC
display activity.
Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following the vehicle in front and
hold the vehicle for two seconds in the
stop position. If the vehicle in front does
not start moving within two seconds the
ACC system will display a message that
the system will release the brakes and
that the brakes must be applied manually.
An audible chime will sound when the
brakes are released.
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have steep
uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
3 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
4 — Distance Setting Decrease
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — RES/Resume
7 — SET (-)/Decel
8 — Distance Setting Increase
4

108 STARTING AND OPERATING
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LANESENSE OPERATION
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds
above 37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
( 1
80 km/h). The LaneSense system uses a
f or
ward looking camera to detect lane markings
and measure vehicle position within the lane
boundaries.
When both lane markings are detected and the
dr
iver unintentionally drifts out of the lane (no turn
signal applied), the LaneSense system provides a
haptic warning in the form of torque applied to the
steering wheel to prompt the driver to remain
within the lane boundaries. If the driver
unintentionally drifts out of the lane, the
LaneSense system provides a visual warning
through the instrument cluster display to prompt
the driver to remain within the lane boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic
w a

rning by applying torque into the steering wheel
at any time.
When only a single lane marking is detected and
t h

e driver unintentionally drifts across the lane
marking (no turn signal applied), the LaneSense
system provides visual warnings through the
instrument cluster display to prompt the driver to remain within the lane. When only a single lane
marking is detected, a haptic (torque) warning will
not be provided.
NOTE:
When operating conditions have been met, the
La n
eSense system will monitor if the driver’s
hands are on the steering wheel and provide an
audible warning to the driver if removed. The
system will cancel if the driver does not return their
hands to the wheel.
TURNING LANESENSE ON OR OFF
The LaneSense button is located on the
center stack below the Uconnect display.
To turn the LaneSense system on, push the
Lan
eSense button (LED turns off). A “LaneSense
On” message is shown in the instrument cluster
display.
To turn the LaneSense system off, push the
Lan
eSense button once (LED turns on). A
“LaneSense Off” message is shown in the
instrument cluster display.
NOTE:
The LaneSense system will retain the last system
s t
ate, on or off, from the last ignition cycle when
the ignition is changed to the ON/RUN position.
LANESENSE WARNING MESSAGE
The LaneSense system will indicate the current
lane drift condition through the instrument cluster
display.
Premium Instrument Cluster Display
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane lines
a r

e gray when both of the lane boundaries have
not been detected and the LaneSense telltale is
solid white.

System On (Gray Lines/White Telltale)

STARTING AND OPERATING 109
Left Lane Departure — Only Left Lane Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the Lane-
Sense telltale is solid white when only the left
l a
ne marking has been detected and the system
is ready to provide visual warnings in the instru -
ment cluster display if an unintentional lane
d e

parture occurs.
When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane departure
situation, the left thick lane line flashes yellow
(on/off), the left thin line remains solid yellow
and the LaneSense telltale changes from solid
white to flashing yellow.

Lane Approached With Flashing Yellow Line/Flashing Ye

llow Telltale

NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar
b e
havior for a right lane departure when only the
right lane marking has been detected.
Left Lane Departure — Both Lanes Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane
lines turn from gray to white to indicate that
both of the lane markings have been detected.
The LaneSense telltale is solid green when both
lane markings have been detected and the
system is “armed” to provide visual warnings in
the instrument cluster display and a torque
warning in the steering wheel if an unintentional
lane departure occurs.

Lanes Sensed (White Lines/Green Telltale)

When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift
situation, the left thick lane line and left thin line
turn solid yellow. The LaneSense telltale
changes from solid green to solid yellow. At this
time torque is applied to the steering wheel in
the opposite direction of the lane boundary.
For example, if approaching the left side of the
la

ne the steering wheel will turn to the right.

Lane Drift With Solid Yellow Line/Solid Yellow Telltale

When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane departure
situation, the left thick lane line flashes yellow
(on/off) and the left thin line remains solid
yellow. The LaneSense telltale changes from
solid yellow to flashing yellow. At this time
torque is applied to the steering wheel in the
opposite direction of the lane boundary.
4

110 STARTING AND OPERATING
For example, if approaching the left side of the
lane the steering wheel will turn to the right.

Lane Approached With Flashing Yellow Line/Flashing Ye

llow Telltale

NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar
b e
havior for a right lane departure.
CHANGING LANESENSE STATUS
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the
intensity of the torque warning and the warning
zone sensitivity (early/med/late) that you can
configure through the Uconnect system
Ú page 122.
NOTE:
When enabled, the system operates above
37
mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
( 1
80 km/h).
The warnings are disabled with the use of the
turn signal.
The system will not apply torque to the steering
wheel whenever a safety system engages
(Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control System,
Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision
Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows you to
see an on-screen image of the rear surroundings of
your vehicle whenever the gear selector is put into
REVERSE. The image will be displayed on the radio
display screen along with a caution note to “Check
Entire Surroundings” across the top of the screen.
After five seconds this note will disappear. The
ParkView camera is located on the rear of the
vehicle above the rear license plate.
Manual Activation Of The Rear View Camera

1. P
ress the “Controls” button located on the
b
ottom of the Uconnect display.

2. Press the “Backup Camera” button to turn the R
ear View Camera system on.
NOTE:
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has program -
mable modes of operation that may be selected
t h

rough the Uconnect system Ú page 122.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Camera Delay
f e

ature and it is turned on, the rear camera image
will be displayed for up to 10 seconds when the
vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE. However, this
feature is canceled if the forward vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the transmission is
s h

ifted into PARK, the vehicle's ignition is placed in
the OFF position, or the user presses the image
defeat “X” button.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
Ca
mera Delay turned off), the rear camera mode is
exited and the last touchscreen appears again.
When manually activated, a counter will be
i n

itiated after the vehicle speed is above 8 mph
( 1
3 km/h). The rear view camera image will turn
of f
when this counter reaches 10 seconds. The
counter will be reset when the vehicle speed is
8 mph (13 km/h) or below. If the vehicle speed
r e

mains below 8 mph (13 km/h), the rear view
c a
mera image will continue to be displayed until
the transmission is shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s
ignition is placed in the OFF position, or the image
defeat “X” button is pressed.