2021 CHRYSLER 300 manual transmission

5
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 137
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .. ................... 137
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System . . ..... 138
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS . . ........................ 142
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped. .
................................................... 142
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation Operation — If Equipped. .
............ 146
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .. 148
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . . .................. 151
Occupant Restraint Systems Features .. ..... 151
Important Safety Precautions. . ..................... 152
Seat Belt Systems . . ...................................... 152
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) . . .... 158
Child Restraints . . ........................................... 166
SAFETY TIPS . . ....................................................... 176
Transporting Passengers .. ............................ 176
Transporting Pets . . ........................................ 176
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle . .
................................................. 176
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle . .
.................................... 177
Exhaust Gas . . ................................................ 178
Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . ....................... 178
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS......................... 179
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED .. ... 179
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .. ....................... 182
Preparations For Jacking .. ........................... 182
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage . . ............ 183
Jacking And Changing A Tire . . ..................... 184
JUMP STARTING . . ............................................... 186
Preparations For Jump Start .. ...................... 187
Jump Starting Procedure . . ............................ 188
REFUELING IN AN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED . .
..................................................... 189
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .. ........................ 190
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .. ................................ 190
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .. ............................ 192
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .. ....................... 193
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Models .. .................... 194
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Models . . ............... 194
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) . ................................................................. 194
E
VENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .. ...................... 194
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 195
Maintenance Plan .. ....................................... 196
ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . .................................. 199
3.6L Engine .. ................................................ 199
5.7L Engine . . ................................................ 200
Checking Oil Level . . ....................................... 201 Adding Washer Fluid .
.
................................... 201
Maintenance-Free Battery . . ......................... 201
Pressure Washing . . ....................................... 202
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE . . .................................. 202
Engine Oil ...................................................... 202
E ngine Oil Filter . . ........................................... 203
Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . ............................. 203
Air Conditioner Maintenance. . ...................... 204
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection . . ................. 205
Body Lubrication . . ......................................... 206
Windshield Wiper Blades. . ............................ 206
Exhaust System . . ........................................... 208
Cooling System . . ........................................... 209
Brake System . . ............................................. 212
Automatic Transmission . . ............................ 212
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped . . ........ 213
Rear Axle. ....................................................... 213
F uses. ............................................................. 214
B ulb Replacement . . ...................................... 221
TIRES . .................................................................... 225
T ire Safety Information .. ............................... 225
Tires — General Information . . ...................... 232
Tire Types. ...................................................... 235
S pare Tires — If Equipped. . ........................... 236
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care. . ....................... 238
Snow Traction Devices. . ................................ 239
Tire Rotation Recommendations . . .............. 240

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 47
The Rain Sensing system has protection features
for the wiper blades and arms, and will not operate
under the following conditions:
Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition
is first placed in the ON position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the wiper
switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), or the outside temperature is
gr

eater than 32°F (0°C).
Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the
ignition is ON, and the automatic transmission
is in the NEUTRAL position, the Rain Sensing
system will not operate until the wiper switch is
moved, vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph
(5

km/h), or the gear selector is moved out of
t h
e NEUTRAL position.
Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles
equipped with a Remote Start system, Rain
Sensing wipers are not operational when the
vehicle is in Remote Start mode.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control system allows you to regulate
the temperature, air flow, and direction of air
circulating throughout the vehicle. The controls are
located on the touchscreen (if equipped) and on
the instrument panel below the radio.
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
D
ESCRIPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS

Uconnect 4C/4C NAV Automatic Climate Controls

MAX A/C Button
Press and release the MAX A/C button on
the touchscreen to change the current
s e
tting to the coldest output of air. The
MAX A/C indicator illuminates when MAX
A/C is on. Pressing the button again will cause the
MAX A/C operation to exit. In MAX A/C, the blower
level and mode position can be adjusted to the
desired user settings. Pressing other settings will
cancel MAX A/C.
NOTE:
The MAX A/C button is only available on the touch -
screen.
A/C Button
Press and release this button on the
touchscreen, or push the button on the
f a
ceplate to change the current setting.
The A/C indicator illuminates when A/C is
on.
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button on the
touchscreen, or push the button on the
f a
ceplate, to change the system between
recirculation mode and outside air mode.
The Recirculation indicator illuminates when
Recirculation is on. Recirculation can be used
when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Recirculation
can be used in all modes. Recirculation may be
unavailable (button on the touchscreen greyed
out) if conditions exist that could create fogging on
the inside of the windshield. The A/C can be
deselected manually without disturbing the mode
control selection. Continuous use of the
Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy
and window fogging may occur. Extended use of
this mode is not recommended.
2

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

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 119
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control (if equipped) to
manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
u n
der heavy loading conditions will improve perfor -
mance and extend transmission life by reducing
e x

cessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will
also provide better engine braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
d i
sengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick — If Equipped
When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate perfor -
mance and avoids frequent downshifts. For
e x

ample, choose “5” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “4” or “3” if needed to
maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle
speed as necessary to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle
speed when grade and road conditions allow.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME)
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a tow dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. The
only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with
all four wheels OFF the ground.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Information in this section will aid in safe
controlled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon
occurs when there is a difference in the surface
traction under the rear (driving) wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible
for a wedge of water to build up between the tire
and road surface. This is known as hydroplaning
and may cause partial or complete loss of vehicle
control and stopping ability. To reduce this
possibility, the following precautions should be
observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads
are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden
pulling of the front wheels. You could lose
control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
4

SAFETY 141
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer
as
soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
s t

arts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESC system becomes active. The ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes
when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
customer has elected to have the
El

ectronic Stability Control (ESC) in a
reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on
momentarily each time the ignition is placed in
the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON posi -
tion, the ESC system will be on even if it was
t u
rned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a
complete stop while on an incline. If the driver
releases the brake while stopped on an incline,
HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for a
short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will
release brake pressure and the vehicle will roll
down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order for
HS A

to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The parking brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed.
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward
gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the trans -
mission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles
e q

uipped with a manual transmission, if the
clutch is pressed, HSA will remain active.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting using Uconnect
Settings, see
Ú page 122 for further information.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement. It
is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the vehicle
under all road conditions. Your complete
attention is always required while driving to
maintain safe control of your vehicle. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
6