torque CHRYSLER 300 2007 1.G Owners Manual

vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly ter-
rain, traveling into strong head winds, or while tow-
ing heavy trailers.
NOTE:
•
If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” later in this section.
•If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The “3” position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.NOTE:
Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
L (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the transmission.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops, or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into “Overdrive” when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the selector
lever into the “3” position will show that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into and out of “Overdrive.”
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and it will not cause damage to thetransmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts into second gear. The transmission
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected. P
(Park), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) will continue to operate.
This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer
for service without damaging the transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into P (Park).
•Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
•Shift into D (Drive) and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

move the selector lever to the Right or Left (D+/D-) while
in the D (Drive) position. The transmission will remain in
the current gear until an upshift or downshift is chosen.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time All Wheel Drive (AWD)
with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)/Traction Control.
The front wheels provide 38% of the torque, and the rear
wheels provide 62% of the torque. The system is auto-
matic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills
required.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the front differential and/or
the transfer case.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

When ESP is switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. However, a fea-
ture of the system remains active. This feature controls
wheel spin across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip
differential. If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This wheel slip
control is active at vehicle speeds between approximately
24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION!
When the ESP/TCS indicator light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Avoid spin-
ning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction
indicator light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

6. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove the flat tire
and install the spare tire.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped), and
tire. Remove the cover by hand. Do not pry it off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, refer to “Wheel Cover Installation.” Do not
attempt to install a wheel cover on a compact spare.
9. Tighten all the lug nuts on the mounting studs.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counter-clockwise.
11. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135 N. m).12. Store the flat tire, jack, and tools.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire is for temporary emergency use
with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
•Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
•Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
•This tire is designed as an emergency spare only. Do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
320 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufac-
turer will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessarySevere Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

Autostick........................... 249
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 357
Fluid Change........................ 357
Fluid Level Check..................... 356
Fluid Type.......................... 384
Gear Ranges......................... 241
Shifting..........................240,245
Special Additives..................... 357
Torque Converter..................... 243
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 244
Autostick..........................247,249
Ball Joints............................ 346
Battery............................... 343
Emergency Starting.................... 322
Jump Starting........................ 322
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................322,343
Bearings.............................. 358
Belts, Drive........................... 340
Belts, Seat............................. 33
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 346
B-Pillar Location....................... 267Brake Assist System..................... 258
Brake, Parking......................... 251
Brake System.......................253,354
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 253
Fluid Check......................355,384
Hoses.............................. 354
Master Cylinder...................... 355
Parking............................ 251
Warning Light....................165,253
Brakes............................... 253
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 240
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 58
Bulb Replacement...................... 372
Bulbs, Light........................... 371
Calibration, Compass.................... 178
Capacities, Fluid....................... 382
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 293
Oil (Engine)......................338,339
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 351
Car Washes........................... 359
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............59,292
INDEX 415
10

Chains............................. 279
Changing........................314,317
Compact Spare....................... 274
Flat Changing........................ 314
General Information................... 271
High Speed......................... 273
Inflation Pressures.................... 272
Jacking..........................314,317
Life of Tires......................... 277
Load Capacity....................267,268
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 281
Quality Grading...................... 410
Radial............................. 274
Replacement......................... 277
Rotation............................ 280
Safety...........................262,271
Self-Sealing.......................... 279
Sizes............................... 264
Snow Tires.......................... 280
Spare Tire........................... 315
Spinning............................ 275
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 276
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 303Torque Converter Clutch................. 243
Towing.............................. 298
Behind a Motor Home................. 309
Disabled Vehicle...................... 325
Guide.............................. 301
Recreational......................... 309
Weight............................. 301
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 309
Traction Control........................ 257
Traction Control Light................... 257
Traction Control Switch.................. 257
Trailer Towing......................... 298
Cooling System Tips................... 309
Hitches............................. 301
Minimum Requirements................ 304
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 303
Wiring............................. 307
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 301
Trailer Weight......................... 301
Transmission.......................... 356
Automatic.....................240,245,356
Fluid.............................. 384
Shifting............................ 237
INDEX 427
10