torque CHRYSLER 300 LX 2006 Owners Manual

The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor’s information varies from the
driver’s intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
ESP OFF Button
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the“Note”under“Torque Con-
verter 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 selec-
tions.
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 prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
•When“rocking”a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween“First”and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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 shift lever
into the“3”position will show that the transmission 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 torqueconverter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. 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
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) 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 PARK (P).
•Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
•Shift into“D”and resume driving.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE—IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time All Wheel Drive (AWD)
with Antilock 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.
SELF–SEALING TIRES—IF EQUIPPED
A non-hardening viscous sealant applied to the inner
liner of each tire fills punctures up to 0.19 in. (5 mm) to
minimize the loss of air pressure. This contributes to the
safety of the vehicle by significantly reducing the prob-
ability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5
ProCarManuals.com

7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and
tire. Remove the cover by hand, do not pry off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, see the wheel cover installation instruc-
tions. 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 counterclockwise.
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!
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.
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 281
6
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for
correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
Severe 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.
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 225
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 314
Adding Fuel.......................... 257
Adding Washer Fluid..............109,110,310
Additives, Fuel........................ 255
Adjustable Pedals....................... 98
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 307
Air Conditioning....................... 192
Air Conditioning Filter................202,308
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 203
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 308
Air Conditioning System................. 192
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 244
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment....................43,49
Airbag Light....................44,51,61,144
Airbag Maintenance...................... 50
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........40,47
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 25
Alignment and Balance.................. 250
All Wheel Drive (AWD)...............229,321
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 185
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............313,344
Disposal............................ 315
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 225
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 144
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 25
Appearance Care....................... 321
Auto Down Power Windows............... 27
Auto Up Power Windows................. 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 67
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 103
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 196
Automatic Transmission............210,215,320
Adding Fluid.....................320,347
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 320
Fluid Change........................ 320
Fluid Level Check..................... 320
Fluid Type.......................... 347
Gear Ranges......................... 211
Torque Converter..................... 214
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 214
Autostick..........................217,222
374 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......146,275
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 25
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 25
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 135
Tilt Steering Column.................. 111,112
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 239
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 238
Tire Markings......................... 234
Tire Safety Information................... 234
Tires ...........................61,243,371
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 249
Air Pressure......................... 243
Alignment.......................... 250
Chains............................. 251
Changing........................275,278
Compact Spare....................... 246
Flat Changing........................ 275
General Information................... 243
High Speed......................... 245
Inflation Pressures.................... 244
Jacking..........................276,278
Life of Tires......................... 249
Load Capacity....................239,240Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 230
Quality Grading...................... 371
Radial............................. 246
Replacement......................... 249
Rotation............................ 252
Safety...........................234,243
Self-Sealing.......................... 229
Sizes............................... 236
Snow Tires.......................... 252
Spare Tire........................... 277
Spinning............................ 247
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 248
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 266
Torque Converter Clutch................. 214
Towing.............................. 262
Behind a Motor Home................. 272
Disabled Vehicle...................... 286
Guide.............................. 264
Recreational......................... 272
Weight............................. 264
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 272
Traction Control........................ 113
Traction Control Switch.................. 113
INDEX 385
10
ProCarManuals.com