CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2010 1.G Owners Manual

VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341

NOTE:
•Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to the
rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWRs.
•Refer to the “Tire Placard” for your vehicle’s proper
tire pressure.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft
is removed.Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even
if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause
serious injury or death.
The parking brake must be firmly engaged and the
wheels chocked during driveshaft removal and installa-
tion. The parking brake must remain engaged unless the
vehicle is securely and properly connected to the tow
vehicle, or the driveshaft is completely reinstalled. See
your authorized dealer for proper driveshaft removal
and reinstallation procedures, including flange
orientation/alignment, use of thread-locking compound,
proper bolt torque specifications, etc.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ................ 344
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 344
 TIREFIT Kit ......................... 345
▫ TIREFIT Storage ..................... 346
▫ TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation . . . 346
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions ............. 348
▫ Sealing a Tire With TIREFIT ............. 350
 Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 355
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 356▫
Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 357
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 359
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 360
▫ Without The Ignition Key FOB ........... 360
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ 361
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .................... 362
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
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
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
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 flasher.
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 flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
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 ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
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.
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 try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures up to14” (6 mm) in the tire tread can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 345

This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/hr).
TIREFIT Storage
The TIREFIT kit is located in the trunk.
TIREFIT Kit Components and Operation
1. Sealant Bottle
2. Deflation Button — If Equipped
3. Pressure Gauge
4. Power Button
TIREFIT Location
346 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5. Mode Select Knob
6. Sealant Hose (Clear with Yellow Cap)
7. Air Pump Hose (Black)
8. Power Plug
Using the Mode Select Knob and Hoses
Your TIREFIT kit may be equipped with either of the
following symbols to indicate the air or sealant mode.
Selecting Air ModeTurn the Mode Select Knob (5) to this
position for air pump operation only.
Use the Black Air Pump Hose (7)
when selecting this mode. Selecting Sealant Mode
Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to this
position to inject the TIREFIT Sealant
and to inflate the tire. Use the Sealant
Hose (clear hose with the yellow cap)
(6) when selecting this mode.
Using the Power Button Push and release the Power Button (4) once to
turn ON the TIREFIT kit. Push and release the
Power Button (4) again to turn OFF the TIRE-
FIT kit.
Using the Deflation Button — If Equipped Press the Deflation Button (2) to reduce the air
pressure in the tire if it becomes over-inflated.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 347

TIREFIT Usage Precautions
•
Replace the TIREFIT Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant
Hose (6) prior to the expiration date (printed on the
bottle label) to assure optimum operation of the sys-
tem. Refer to “Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT” section (F)
“Sealant Bottle and Hose Replacement”.
•The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6) is a one tire
application use. After each use, always immediately
replace these components at an authorized dealer.
•When the TIREFIT sealant is in a liquid form, clean
water, and a damp cloth will remove the material from
the vehicle or tire and wheel components. Once the
sealant dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.
•For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem
on the wheel is free of debris before connecting the
TIREFIT kit.
•You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle
tires. The kit also comes with two needles located in
the Accessory Storage Compartment (located on the
bottom of the air pump) for inflating sport balls, rafts,
or like inflatable items. However, use only the Air
Pump Hose (7) and make sure the Mode Select Knob
(5) is in the Air Mode when inflating such items to
avoid injecting sealant into them. The TIREFIT Sealant
is only intended to seal punctures less than
14” (6mm)
diameter in the tread of your vehicle.
•Do not lift or carry TIREFIT kit by hoses.
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to traffic. Pull far enough off the road
to avoid the danger of being hit when using the
TIREFIT kit.
(Continued)
348 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use TIREFIT or drive the vehicle under the
following circumstances:
If the cut or puncture in the tire tread is approxi-
mately 0.24 in. (6 mm) or larger.
If the tire has any sidewall damage.
If the tire has any damage from driving with
extremely low tire pressure.
If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat
tire.
If the wheel has any damage.
If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or
the wheel.
•Keep TIREFIT away from open flame or heat
source.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•A loose TIREFIT kit thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the TIREFIT kit in the place
provided. Failure to follow these warnings can
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
•Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to
come in contact with hair, eyes, or clothing. TIRE-
FIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin: It causes skin, eye, and respira-
tory irritation. Flush immediately with plenty of
water if there is any contact with eyes or skin.
Change clothing as soon as possible, if there is any
contact with clothing.(Continued)
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 349