Chrysler 300 (2019 year). Manual — part 14

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 STARTING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
▫ Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or

−30°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
▫ After Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

䡵 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .225
䡵 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .225
䡵 PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
䡵 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

▫ Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .230

▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . .230

䡵 SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
䡵 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY — IF

EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

䡵 POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
䡵 SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . .241

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
▫ To Set A Desired Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
▫ To Resume Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243

䡵 ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF

EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244

▫ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation . . . . .246

6

▫ Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) . . . . .246
▫ To Activate/Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
▫ To Set A Desired ACC Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
▫ To Cancel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
▫ To Turn Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
▫ To Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
▫ To Vary The ACC Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
▫ Setting The Following Distance In ACC . . . . . . .252
▫ Overtake Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
▫ ACC Operation At Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
▫ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu . . . . . . . .255
▫ Display Warnings And Maintenance . . . . . . . . .256
▫ Precautions While Driving With ACC. . . . . . . . .258
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261
▫ Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode . . . .261

䡵 PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST

— IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264

▫ ParkSense Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
▫ ParkSense Warning Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
▫ ParkSense Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
▫ Enabling And Disabling ParkSense . . . . . . . . . .272
▫ Service The ParkSense Park Assist System . . . . .272
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System. . . . . . . . . . . . .273
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions . . . . . . . . .273

䡵 LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275

▫ LaneSense Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
▫ Turning LaneSense On Or Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
▫ LaneSense Warning Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
▫ Changing LaneSense Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .278

䡵 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA . . . . . . . .279
䡵 REFUELING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281

▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release . . . . . . . . . .283

䡵 VEHICLE LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285

▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285

218

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . . . . . . .285
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . . . . . . . . .285
▫ Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
▫ Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286

䡵 TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286

▫ Common Towing Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .290
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .291
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295

䡵 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND

MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296

䡵 DRIVING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296

▫ Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

219

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in “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. Leaving children 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 (of a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go) in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the PARK position before you
can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting into
any driving gear.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

220

STARTING AND OPERATING

Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch
with the push of a button, as long as the Remote Start/
Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is in the passenger
compartment.

Normal Starting

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the

ENGINE START/STOP button once.

3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle.

If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds.

4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to

the engine starting, push the button again.

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release

the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.

3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/

STOP button must be held for two seconds or three short
pushes in a row with the vehicle speed above 5 MPH
(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition
will remain in the ACC mode until the gear selector is in
PARK and the button is pushed twice to the OFF mode.

Keyless Push Button Ignition

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

221

4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE

START/STOP button is pushed once with the vehicle
speed above 5 MPH (8 km/h), the instrument cluster
will display a “ Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.

NOTE:

If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE

START/STOP button is pushed once with the vehicle
speed below 5 MPH (8 km/h), the engine will shut off and
the ignition will remain in the ACC position. If vehicle
speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the vehicle will
AutoPark. See AutoPark section for further details.

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With Driv-
er’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or NEUTRAL
Position)

The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN.
To change the ignition modes without starting the vehicle
and use the accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place

the ignition to the ACC mode.

3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time

to place the ignition to the RUN mode.

4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to

return the ignition to the OFF mode.

AutoPark
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in placing the
vehicle in PARK should the situations on the following
pages occur. It is a back up system and should not be relied
upon as the primary method by which the driver shifts the
vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will engage are
outlined on the following pages.

WARNING!

• Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the

vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid
(not blinking) “P” is indicated in the instrument
cluster display and near the gear selector. If the

ⴖPⴖ

indicator is blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK. As
an added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.

(Continued)

222

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not de-

signed to replace the need to shift your vehicle into
PARK. It is a back up system and should not be
relied upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off the
engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.

AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary selector and an 8-speed

transmission

• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC

NOTE:

For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The engine will

turn off and the ignition switch will change to ACC Mode.
After 30 minutes the ignition switches to OFF automati-
cally, unless the driver turns the ignition switch OFF.

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may Au-
toPark.

AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary selector and an 8-speed

transmission

• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed

The MESSAGE “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift
to Gear

”will display in the instrument cluster.

NOTE:

In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be

displayed in the instrument cluster. In these cases, the gear
selector must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.

If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle
may AutoPark.

AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less.

The MESSAGE “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to P”
will be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle speed
is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h).

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

223

WARNING!

If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the ve-
hicle speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle
left in the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking brake when
exiting the vehicle.

ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK

that your vehicle is in

PARK by looking for the

⬙P⬙ in the instrument cluster

display and near the gear selector. As an added precaution,
always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the

⬙Normal Starting⬙ or ⬙Extreme Cold Weather⬙ procedure it
may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine for no more

than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case
the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the RUN
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.

WARNING!

• Never 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.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged 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. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

224

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time.
Wait 60 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, 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 must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

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 near the air box.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, clutch, and rear axle) in your new
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory is high-quality and energy-
conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be
consistent with anticipated climate and conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended
viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubri-
cants” in “Technical Specifications”.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

225

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty. Please check your
oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the
break in period. Add oil as required.

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
PARK position.

The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, press the park brake pedal a second time
and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the transmission

is placed in gear, the Brake Warning Light will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting
to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.

It does not show the degree of brake application.

Parking Brake

226

STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake
before placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

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

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your 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 gear
selector.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

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

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

a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

227

CAUTION!

If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

• 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

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

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)

228

STARTING AND OPERATING

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!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF mode.

NOTE:

The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the

ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will
be off). Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the
ignition is OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

229

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be running and
the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must
also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds.

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

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)

230

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic
gear selector located on the center console. The transmis-
sion gear range (PRNDL/S) is displayed both above the
gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear
range, simply rotate the gear selector. To access the L or S
position, push down on the gear selector and then rotate it.
You must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmis-
sion out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is

stopped or moving at low speeds). To shift past multiple
gear ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE), simply
rotate the gear selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.

NOTE:

In the event of a mismatch between the gear

selector position and the actual transmission gear (for
example, driver selects PARK while driving), the position
indicator will blink continuously until the selector is re-
turned to the proper position, or the requested shift can be
completed.

The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

231

Standard Gear Selector

The standard transmission gear selector has PARK, RE-
VERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and LOW shift positions.
Using the LOW position manually downshifts the trans-
mission to a lower gear based on vehicle speed.

Premium Gear Selector With AutoStick

The premium transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and SPORT shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control (shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel).

Pressing the shift paddles (-/+) while in the DRIVE or
SPORT position will manually select the transmission gear,
and will display the current gear in the instrument cluster
as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information.

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

Gear Selector

232

STARTING AND OPERATING