manual transmission CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G Owners Manual

have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The Trip Odometer shows individual trip mileage and is
accessed by pressing the reset button.
20. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or RearDefroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system and should be serviced immedi-
ately. See your local authorized dealer.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
22. ABS Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake system
described elsewhere in this manual. The yellow
ABS light will come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for several
seconds. If the ABS light does not come on have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure that it is
operating properly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the red BRAKE warning light is not on.
116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When frequent transaxle shifting occurs when using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers, use the AutoStick mode and select the “3” range.
AUTOSTICK
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, 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 situations.
Autostick Operation
The autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi-
tion. When you place the shift lever in the AutoStick
position, it can be moved from side to side. Moving the
lever to the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right
(+) an upshift.You can shift in or out of the autostick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you
choose the Overdrive mode, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically; shifting between the four available
gears. When you wish to engage autostick, simply move
the autostick lever to the AutoStick position. The trans-
mission will remain in the current gear until an upshift or
downshift is chosen. The gear selection will be displayed
on the instrument cluster.
Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out
of the Autostick mode.
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5

adequate performance. For Example, choose “4” if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM’s should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be necessary to avoid extended driving at
high RPMs. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allow.
•
The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the tow vehicle load capacity when loading the ve-
hicle.
•If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), it
should have its own brakes.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

Preparations For Jacking
•
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers and park the
vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery
areas.
•Put the gear shift in PARK (Automatic transmission)
or REVERSE (Manual Transmission).
•Set the parking brake and turn off the engine.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, scissors, jack and lug wrench.
184 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”–Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

SCHEDULE “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 243
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