towing CHRYSLER 300 2021 Owners Manual

4
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ......................................... 81
Automatic Transmission .. ...............................81
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Ignition. . ....................81
Normal Starting . . ..............................................81
AutoPark . ..........................................................82
C old Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C) . ............................................................83
I
f Engine Fails To Start . . ...................................83
After Starting. . ...................................................84
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . ......... 84
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .. ......... 84
PARKING BRAKE .. ................................................. 84
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.. .............................. 85
Ignition Park Interlock .. ....................................86
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System . .............................................................87
8
-Speed Automatic Transmission . . .................87
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED . . ............................ 91
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY —
IF EQUIPPED ..
......................................................... 92
POWER STEERING .. ............................................... 92
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .. . 92
Cruise Control .. ................................................92
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) . . .......................94PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK

ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED. .
..................................... 103
ParkSense Sensors .. ..................................... 103
ParkSense Display . . ...................................... 103
ParkSense Warning Display . . ....................... 106
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense . . ............ 106
Service The ParkSense Park Assist
System . .......................................................... 106
C
leaning The ParkSense System . . ............... 107
ParkSense System Usage Precautions. . ...... 107
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED . . ........................... 108
LaneSense Operation .. ................................. 108
Turning LaneSense On Or Off . . ..................... 108
LaneSense Warning Message . . .................... 108
Changing LaneSense Status . . ...................... 110
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA. . ............. 110
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .. ................................. 111
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release .. .......... 112
VEHICLE LOADING . . ............................................ 113
Vehicle Certification Label .. .......................... 113
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . ........ 113
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . ............. 113
Overloading. . .................................................. 113
Loading . ......................................................... 113 T RAILER TOWING .
.
.............................................. 114
Common Towing Definitions.. ....................... 114
Trailer Hitch Classification. . .......................... 115
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) . .
........................................... 116
Trailer And Tongue Weight . . ........................ 116
Towing Requirements . . ................................. 116
Towing Tips . . ................................................. 118
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) . .
.................................................... 119
DRIVING TIPS .. ..................................................... 119
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .. ...................... 119
Driving Through Water . . ............................... 120
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ......................................... 121
CYBERSECURITY ................................................. 121
UCONNECT SETTINGS .. ...................................... 122
Customer Programmable Features —
Uconnect 4C/4C NAV Settings . .
.................. 122
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES. . .... 136
Regulatory And Safety Information .. ............ 136

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

66 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows the instrument cluster
display messages
Ú page 66.
3. S peedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. T emperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within the
normal range indicates that the engine
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature 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 oper
-
ating range. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel
d oor
is located.
NOTE:
The warning / indicator Lights will briefly illuminate
f or
a bulb check when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY

Your vehicle is equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver.
With the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/closing
of a door will activate the display for viewing, and
display the total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your instrument cluster display is
designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver
interactive display located on the instrument panel,
your instrument cluster display can show you how
systems are working and give you warnings when
they are not. The steering wheel mounted controls
allow you to scroll through the main menus and
submenus. You can access the specific information
you want and make selections and adjustments.

LOCATION AND CONTROLS
The instrument cluster display features an
interactive display which is located in the
instrument cluster.
This system conveniently allows the driver to select
a


variety of useful information by pushing the
arrow buttons located on the left side of the
steering wheel. The instrument cluster display
menu items consist of the following:
Speedometer
Vehicle Info
Driver Assist — If Equipped
Fuel Economy
Trip
Audio
Messages
Screen Setup
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on the “H,” turn the engine
off immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 71
NOTE:
The charging system is independent from load
reduction. The charging system performs a diag
-
nostic on the charging system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may
indicate a problem with the charging system
Ú page 73.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
e q

uipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seat/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel —
If Equipped
Heated/Cooled Cup Holders — If Equipped
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
m or

e of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system because
the electrical loads are larger than the capability
of the charging system. The charging system is
still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads
(e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior
lights, overloaded power outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during certain driving
c
on

ditions (city driving, towing, frequent stop -
ping).
Installing options like additional lights, upfitter
electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms
and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by
long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended period
of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was not
charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical load
left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appliances
like vacuum cleaners, game consoles and
similar devices.
What to do when an electrical load reduction
a c

tion message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exte -
rior)
Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review
specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw
currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecutive
trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and
driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
The instrument cluster display can be used to view
or change the following settings. Push the up
or
down arrow button to scroll through the main
menus, then push the ri
ght arrow button to
scroll through the submenus of each menu item.
P u
sh the left arrow button to scroll back to a
previous menu or submenu.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when applicable.
These indications are indicative and precautionary
3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 73
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the
driver or passenger seat belt is
un
buckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When
driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound
Ú page 151.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on

while the engine is running, there may
be a malfunction with the charging
system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
e l

ectrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
c h
ime.
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning
Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the Electric Power
St
eering (EPS) system Ú page 92.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC system.
I
f
a problem is detected while the vehicle
is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is placed
in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If
the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
p e
dals are pressed at the same time. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
r
u

nning, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
e n
gine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the
upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four
minutes or until the engine is able to cool,
whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
a n

d stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service
Ú page 190.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.3

74 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Trunk Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
trunk is open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
c h
ime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
li
ght turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
c or

rected. This light does not indicate how much oil
is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
h i
gh. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine
as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to
return to normal levels.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
T h
is may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or
NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
V e
hicle Security system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is
disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when a ACC is not
operating and needs service Ú page 94.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The
light will turn on when the ignition is
p
l
aced in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
dr
iving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is required as
soon as possible. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally,
assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 75
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position,
have the brake system inspected by an authorized
dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the
Electronic Stability Control system is
Ac
tive. The ESC Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position, and when ESC is activated. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator
Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this warning light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer
a s

soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi -
cator Light come on momentarily each time the
ig nition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in an
ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/
R U

N or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system
will be on, even if it was turned off previously.
Service LaneSense Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
LaneSense system is not operating and
r e
quires service. Please see an
authorized dealer.
LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense system provides the
driver with visual and steering torque
w a
rnings when the vehicle starts to drift
out of its lane unintentionally without the
use of a turn signal.
When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift
situation, the LaneSense indicator changes
from solid green to solid yellow.
When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane departure
situation, the LaneSense indicator changes
from solid white/green to flashing yellow
Ú page 108.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches
approximately 1.9 gal (7.13 L), this light
wi
ll turn on and a single chime will sound.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low
Ú page 201.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard
Di
agnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
c a

p, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.
3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 79
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government
regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
sy

stem will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in
making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually
be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
(OBD II) C
YBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system
Ú page 121.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an inspection of your vehicle's emissions
control system. Failure to pass could prevent
vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies
th

e Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is
functioning and is not on when the
engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may n
ot
be ready if your vehicle was
recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a
battery replacement. If the OBD II system should
be determined not ready for the I/M test, your
vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test,
w h

ich you can use prior to going to the test station.
To check if your vehicle's OBD II system is ready,
you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, b
ut do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
s t
art this test over.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control
system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced
before any emissions tests can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection
port in order to read the VIN, diagnose, or
service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could be
impaired or a loss of vehicle control could
occur that may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
i n
cluding personal information.
3

STARTING AND OPERATING 89
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position,
and is not blinking.
With the brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts through all
forward gears. The DRIVE position provides
optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as

when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control (if equipped) to select a
lower gear

Ú page 90. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear will improve performance and
e x
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[ -

30°C] or below), transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
SPORT (S) — IF EQUIPPED
This mode alters the transmission's automatic
shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds
are increased to make full use of available engine
power.
To access SPORT mode, push down on the gear
se
lector and rotate it fully clockwise, or push the
SPORT button in the center stack.
LOW (L) — IF EQUIPPED
Use this range for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, the
transmission will downshift for increased engine
braking. To access the LOW position, push down
on the gear selector and rotate it fully clockwise.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must start the engine, and
also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.
For “Recreational Towing”
Ú page 119
For “Towing A Disabled Vehicle”
Ú page 193
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