trailer CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.G Owners Manual

When the vehicle is started, the BSM warning light will
momentarily illuminate in both outside rear view mirrors
to let the driver know that the system is operational. The
BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle is in any
forward gear or REVERSE and enters stand by mode
when the vehicle is in PARK.The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
on both sides of the vehicle (11 ft or 3.35 m). The zone
starts at the outside rear view mirror and extends ap-
proximately 20 ft (6 m) to the rear of the vehicle. The BSM
system monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the driver of
vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
•The BSM system does NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the
detection zones.
•The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT change if
your vehicle is towing a trailer. Therefore, visually
verify the adjacent lane is clear for both your vehicle
and trailer before making a lane change. If the trailer
or other object (i.e., bicycle, sports equipment) extends
BSM Warning Light
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
You should switch off the ACC system:
•When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situations
(e.g., 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.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.The Cruise Control system has two control modes:
•Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintaining an
appropriate distance between vehicles.
•Normal (fixed speed) cruise control mode is for cruis-
ing at a constant preset speed. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control
Mode” in this section.
NOTE: The system will not react to preceding vehicles.
Always be aware of the mode selected.
You can change the mode by using the Cruise Control
buttons. The two control modes function differently.
Always confirm which mode is selected.
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Service ACC Warning
If the system turns off, and the EVIC displays “ACC/
FCW Unavailable Service Radar Sensor”, it indicates
there is an internal system fault. Although the vehicle is
still drivable under normal conditions, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or unexpect-
edly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need to
intervene.
Adding A Trailer Hitch
The weight of a trailer/hitch may affect the performance
of ACC. If there is a noticeable change in performance
following the installation of a trailer/hitch, or if the ACC
performance does not return to normal after removing
the trailer/hitch see your authorized dealer.
Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel. There will not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle
may move in and out of the line of travel, which can
cause your vehicle to brake or accelerate unexpectedly.
ACC/FCW Unavailable Warning
200 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•Clean the ParkSensesensors regularly, taking care
not to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not
be covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
•Objects such as bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc.,
must not be placed within 12 in (30 cm) from the rear
fascia/bumper while driving the vehicle. Failure to do
so can result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message to be displayed in
the instrument cluster.
CAUTION!
•ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable
to recognize every obstacle, including small ob-
stacles. Parking curbs might be temporarily de-
tected or not detected at all. Obstacles located
above or below the sensors will not be detected
when they are in close proximity.
•The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is detected. When backing up, it
is recommended that the driver looks over his/her
shoulder when using ParkSense.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 217

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20. O/D (Overdrive) OFF Indicator Light This light will illuminate when the O/D OFF
button has been selected and overdrive has been
turned off. 21. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will illuminate and the chime will sound. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
22. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 267

•Engine Temperature Warning TelltaleThis telltale warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this telltale will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H,the telltale will continuously flash and a continu-
ous chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the telltale turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Telltale illuminated will eventually
cause severe transmission damage or transmission
failure.
276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 381
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 382
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 383
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 383
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 383
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 384
 Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 385
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 385
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 386
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 386
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 387
▫ Starting ........................... 387 ▫
Cruising Range ...................... 387
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 387
▫ Maintenance ........................ 388
 Adding Fuel ......................... 388
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release ....... 390
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 391
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 391
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 392
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 392
▫ Overloading ........................ 392
▫ Loading ........................... 393
 Trailer Towing ........................ 393
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 393
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 396
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 397
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 397
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 399 ▫
Towing Tips ........................ 404
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 405
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 405
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STARTING AND OPERATING 317

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStickmode to
select a lower gear.
Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.
Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears. To reset the trans-
mission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the transmission cannot be reset, see your authorized
dealer.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
that offers manual gear shifting to provide you with 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
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply
move the shift lever to the right or left (D+/D-) while in
the DRIVE position. When AutoStick
is active, the
current transmission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster. In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up and down when right or left (+/-) is manually
selected by the driver, or as described below. It will
remain in the selected gear until another upshift or
downshift is chosen.
Fully pressing the accelerator pedal while in AutoStick
mode will downshift the transmission as needed for
maximum acceleration (3.6L Models Only).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 329