automatic transmission CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owners Manual

Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission is in gear.
3. All doors are closed.
4. The throttle is pressed.
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h).
6. The doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter.
The Automatic Door Lock feature can be enabled or
disabled. Refer to ªPersonal Settingsº (Customer Pro-
grammable Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) Ð if equipped section of this manual
for details.For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Automatic
Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by performing the
following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK position.
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3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.Auto Unlock
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:
1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.
4. The driver door is opened.
5. The doors were not previously unlocked.
6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled.
Refer to ªPersonal Settingsº (Customer Programmable
Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð if equipped section of this manual.
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so that pushing the lever up and releasing three times
will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is set, push the
lever down and hold (ªCOASTº). Release the lever when
the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be
set.
Pushing down and releasing the lever (ªCOASTº) once
will result in a 1 mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time
the lever is pushed down and released, speed decreases.
To Accelerate For Passing:
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
Four speed automatic transmissions will experience a
downshift to 3rd gear while climbing uphill or descend-
ing downhill. This downshift to 3rd gear is necessary to
maintain vehicle set speed.On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
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17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 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 seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to9Enhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlertŸ)9in the Occu-
pant Restraints section for more information.
19. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gearselector is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
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.
21. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will turn on continuously when
there is a Low tire pressure condition. The
light will also turn on if a problem exist with
any tire sensor. When a system fault is
detected, the indicator lamp will flash repetitively for
ten seconds. The flash cycle will repeat every ten
minutes or until the fault condition is removed and
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reset. The light will remain on or flashing until the tire
pressure is properly set or the problem with the sensor
is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the tire and loading information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard.
22. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns onwhile driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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functions and navigation system. Pressing the FUNC-
TION SELECT button while in this display selects En-
glish, Espanol, Deutsch, Italiano, or Francais. As you
continue the displayed information will be shown in the
selected language.
Display English or Metric
The EVIC, odometer, and navigation system units can be
changed between English and Metric.
Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button when
in this display until ªUSº or ªMETRICº appears to make
your selection.
Lock Doors Automatically at 15 MPH (24 Km/h)
When ON is selected all doors lock automatically when
the speed of the vehicle reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). Press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button when in this
display until ªONº or ªOFFº appears to make your
selection.
Auto Unlock On Exit
When ON is selected all the vehicle's doors will unlock
when the driver's door is opened if the vehicle is stopped
and the transmission is in P (Park) or N (Neutral)position. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button when in this display until ªONº or ªOFFº appears
to make your selection.
Remote Unlock Driver's Door 1st
WhenDRIVER'S DOOR 1STis selected only the driv-
er's door will unlock on the first press of the remote
keyless entry unlock button and require a second press to
unlock the remaining locked doors. WhenREMOTE
UNLOCK ALL DOORSis selected all of the doors will
unlock at the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button. Press and release the FUNCTION SE-
LECT button when in this display until ªDRIVER'S
DOOR 1STº or ªALL DOORSº appears to make your
selection.
Recall Memory with Remote Key Unlock
(Available with Memory Seat Only)
When ON is selected the memory seat, mirror, and radio
settings will return to the memory set position when the
remote keyless entry ªUnlockº button is pressed. If this
feature is not selected then the memory seat, mirror, and
radio settings can only return to the memory set position
using the door mounted switch. Press and release the
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................207
NNormal Starting......................207
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........209
mTransmission Shifting...................209
N4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........209
N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........214
NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................219
mAutoStick Ð If Equipped................222
NAutoStick Operation...................222
mParking Brake.........................222
mBrake System.........................224NAnti-Lock Brake System................225
mPower Steering........................227
mTire Safety Information..................228
NTire Markings........................228
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........231
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........232
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............236
NTire Pressure.........................236
NTire Inflation Pressures.................237
NRadial-Ply Tires......................239
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........239
NTire Spinning........................240
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WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. See section 6 of
this manual for the proper jump starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15
seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once
the engine is running smoothly. Do not overspeed en-
gine.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure
should be repeated.
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After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
4 Speed Automatic Transmission
Shifting from D (Drive) to P (Park) or R (Reverse) (or
from P or R to D) should be done only after the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the
shift lever between these gears.
Gear Selector
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3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The ª3º position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:
Using the ª3º 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 selec-
tions.
CAUTION!
²Never 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 prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
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
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.
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