Chrysler 300 (2019 year). Instruction — part 15

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the ignition OFF.
• Remove the key fob from the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the
transmission gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is
in PARK before exiting the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• The transmission may not engage PARK if the ve-

hicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify
that the transmission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the
vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK posi-
tion is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF mode, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

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.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

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 (P), 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.

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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.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.

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, refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.

During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or be-
low), transmission operation may be modified depending
on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmis-
sion temperature has risen to a suitable level.

SPORT (S) — If Equipped

This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift sched-
ule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are increased to
make full use of available engine power.

To access SPORT mode, push down on the gear selector
and rotate it fully clockwise, or push the SPORT button in
the center stack.

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235

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 clock-
wise.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal 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 transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

NOTE:

In cases where the instrument cluster message

indicates the transmission may not re-engage after engine
shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired loca-
tion (preferably, at an authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift

the transmission to NEUTRAL.

3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns

OFF.

4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend 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 dealer
service is required.

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AutoStick — If Equipped

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding instruction shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove 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.

Operation

When the transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT mode, it 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 tempo-
rary 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 be-
low). 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.

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when (+/-) is instructionly selected by the driver, unless an
engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will
remain in the selected gear until another upshift or down-
shift is chosen, except as described below.
• If AutoStick is engaged while in DRIVE mode, the

transmission will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. If the accelerator is fully
depressed, the transmission will downshift when pos-
sible (based on current vehicle speed and gear). Lack of
accelerator pedal activity will cause the transmission to
revert to automatic operation.

• If AutoStick is engaged while the transmission gear

selector is in the SPORT position, instruction gear selection
will be maintained until the gear selector is returned to
DRIVE, or as described below. The transmission will not
upshift automatically at redline in this mode, nor will
downshifts be obtained if the accelerator pedal is
pressed to the floor.

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237

• In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmission will

automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent
engine lugging) and will display the current gear.

• The transmission will automatically downshift to first

gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should instructionly upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.

• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.

Tapping (+) at a stop will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.

• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to

over-speed, that shift will not occur.

• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of

a vehicle speed.

• Holding the (-) paddle depressed will downshift the

transmission to the lowest gear possible at the current
speed.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is enabled.

• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault

or overheat condition is detected.

To disengage AutoStick mode, press and hold the (+) shift
paddle until

⬙D⬙ or ⬙S⬙ is once again indicated in the

instrument cluster. Shifting out of SPORT mode will also
disable AutoStick. You can shift in or out of AutoStick
mode at any time without taking your foot off the accel-
erator pedal.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

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SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Mode feature. This
mode is a configuration set up for typical enthusiast
driving. The engine, transmission and steering systems are
all set to their SPORT settings. Sport Mode will provide
improved throttle response and modified shifting for an
enhanced driving experience, as well the greatest amount
of steering feel. This mode may be activated and deacti-
vated by pushing the Sport button on the instrument panel
switch bank.

FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY — IF
EQUIPPED

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:

This system may take some time to return to full

functionality after a battery disconnect.

POWER STEERING

The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle instructionly.

Sport Mode Button

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239

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

Alternate electric power steering efforts can be selected
through the Uconnect System. Refer to ”Customer Pro-
grammable Features” within “Uconnect Settings” in “Mul-
timedia” for further information.

If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING” or the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF –
SERVICE SYSTEM” message is displayed within

the instrument cluster display, this indicates the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:
• Even if the power steering assistance is no longer

operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking

maneuvers.

• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for

service.

If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster screen, they indicate that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred which caused an over
temperature condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle
idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off.

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SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).

The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed

Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control on/off button and resetting the
desired vehicle set speed.

To Activate

Push the on/off button to activate the Speed Control.
“CRUISE CONTROL READY” will appear in the instru-
ment cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is on. To
turn the system off, push the on/off button a second time.
“CRUISE CONTROL OFF” will appear in the instrument
cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use
is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
OFF when you are not using it.

Speed Control Buttons

1 — On/Off

4 — SET (-)/Decel

2 — SET (+)/Accel

5 — CANC/Cancel

3 — RES/Resume

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To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate
at the selected speed. Once a speed has been set, a message
“CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear
indicating what speed was set. A cruise indicator lamp,
along with set speed will also appear and stay on in the
instrument cluster when the speed is set.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET (+) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument cluster display. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The speed incre-
ment shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit of U.S.
(mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Decrease Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by
pushing the SET (-) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument cluster display. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The speed decre-
ment shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit of U.S.
(mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.

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• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

Using Speed Control On Hills

The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.

NOTE:

The Speed Control system maintains speed up and

down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is
normal.

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
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button,
or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.

Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.

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243

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF
EQUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving con-
venience provided by cruise control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions. Speed
Control function performs differently. Please refer to the
proper section within this chapter.

ACC will allow you to keep cruise control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need to
reset your cruise control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a
forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle directly
ahead of you.

NOTE:
• If the sensor does not detect a vehicle ahead of you, ACC

will maintain a fixed set speed.

• If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will

apply limited braking or accelerate (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.

The Cruise Control system has two control modes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintaining an ap-

propriate distance between vehicles.

• Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode for cruising

at a constant preset speed. For additional information,
refer to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in
this section.

NOTE:

Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control 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. Al-
ways confirm which mode is selected.

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WARNING!

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience

system. It is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility
to be attentive of road, traffic, and weather condi-
tions, vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead;
and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision and death or serious personal injury.

• The ACC system:

• Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehicles,

and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped vehicle in a
traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).

• Cannot take street, traffic, and weather conditions

into account, and may be limited upon adverse
sight distance conditions.

• Does not always fully recognize complex driving

conditions, which can result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while

following a target vehicle and hold the vehicle for
2 seconds in the stop position. If the target vehicle
does not start moving within two seconds the ACC
system will display a message that the system will
release the brakes and that the brakes must be
applied instructionly. An audible chime will sound
when the brakes are released.

You should switch off the ACC system:
• When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,

heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (i.e., 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.

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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation

The Speed Control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operates the ACC system.

NOTE:

Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications

to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.

Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).

The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).

When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”

When the system is off, the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

NOTE:

You cannot engage ACC under the following con-

ditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE

or NEUTRAL.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

1 — Normal (Fixed Speed)
Cruise Control On/Off

5 — Distance Setting Increase

2 — SET (+)/Accel

6 — Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) On/Off

3 — RES/Resume

7 — Distance Setting Decrease

4 — SET (-)/Decel

8 — CANC/Cancel

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• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
• When the brakes are overheated.
• When the driver’s door is open at low speeds.
• When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds.

To Activate/Deactivate

Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
on/off button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster
displays “ACC Ready.”

To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the
system will turn off and the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

WARNING!

Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have a collision. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

Adaptive Cruise Control Off

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To Set A Desired ACC Speed

When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET
(+)

button or the SET (-) button and release. The instrument

cluster display will display the set speed.

If the system is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h), the set speed shall be defaulted to 20 mph
(32 km/h). If the system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current
speed of the vehicle.

NOTE:

ACC cannot be set if there is a stationary vehicle in

front of your vehicle in close proximity.

Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. If you do not,
the vehicle may continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed. If this occurs:
• The message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the

instrument cluster display.

• The system will not be controlling the distance between

your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed
will only be determined by the position of the accelera-
tor pedal.

To Cancel

The following conditions cancel the system:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC button is pushed.
• An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event occurs.
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over-

heated).

• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-

tem (ESC/TCS) activates.

• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• Driver seatbelt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.

NOTE:

If your vehicle stays at standstill for longer than

two seconds, then the system will cancel and the brake
force will be ramped-out. The driver will have to apply the
brakes to keep the vehicle at a standstill.

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