2021 Chrysler 300 Transmission Guidelines

Introduction

A prominent member of the Chrysler family, the 2021 Chrysler 300 provides a distinctive fusion of contemporary style, cutting-edge technology, and traditional American luxury. As a premier sedan, it captures the spirit of timelessly elegant design while combining modern technology to meet the needs of modern drivers. We’ll go over the essential features of the 2021 Chrysler 300 in this introduction, including its striking exterior design, updated interior, cutting-edge technology, and potent performance, demonstrating why it continues to be a significant option for those looking for a luxury driving experience. The 2021 Chrysler 300 is sure to catch your eye and make a lasting impression, whether you’re a seasoned Chrysler aficionado or a brand newcomer.

Interior of the 2021 Chrysler 300 is luxurious and oozes elegance. This interior has been painstakingly designed. The mood of the cabin is enhanced with high-end materials like plush leather and decorations made of real wood. The roomy inside ensures plenty of space for both people and cargo, making for a relaxing and useful driving experience. Additional luxury features include dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and programmable ambient lighting. The 2021 Chrysler 300 offers more than just luxury; it also has the newest gadgets to keep you connected and secure while driving. You may access your preferred apps, navigation, and entertainment through the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamless integration offered by the Uconnect infotainment system, which is shown on a big touchscreen that is optional.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.

WARNING

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmission gear position indi-cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
4. 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 reverse. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil-dren 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 transmis-sion gear selector.
8. 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

1. Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
2. Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
3. Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

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.

BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM

This vehicle is equipped with 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.

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic gear selector located on the center console. The transmission 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 transmission 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 returned 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.

Standard Gear Selector
The standard transmission gear selector has PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and LOW shift positions. Using the LOW position manually downshifts the transmission to a lower gear based on vehicle speed.

Premium Gear Selector

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.

Gear Ranges
Do not press 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 acceler-ating. 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.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precaution, 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:

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Remove the key fob from the vehicle.

WARNING

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmission gear position indi-cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
4. 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 reverse. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil-dren 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 transmis-sion gear selector.
8. 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

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position, and is not blinking.
2. 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.

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.
For “Recreational Towing”
For “Towing A Disabled Vehicle”

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) to select a lower gear Ú page 89. 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 below), transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.

SPORT (S) — IF EQUIPPED
This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift schedule 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.

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 clockwise.

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for abnormal 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 location (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 recommend 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.

AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature providing manual shift control, giving you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking, 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.

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 temporary 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. 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.

Paddle Shifters

1. Shift Paddle Downshift
2. Shift Paddle Upshift

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as follows:

1. If AutoStick is engaged while in DRIVE mode, the transmission will automatically shift up when maximum engine speed is reached. If the accel-erator is fully pressed, the transmission will downshift when possible (based on current vehicle speed and gear). Lack of accelerator pedal activity will cause the transmission to revert to automatic operation.
2. If AutoStick is engaged while the transmission gear selector is in the SPORT position, manual gear selection will be maintained until the gear selector is returned to DRIVE, or as described below. The transmission will not upshift auto-matically at redline in this mode, nor will down-shifts be obtained if the accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor.
3. In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmis-sion will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will display the current gear.
4. The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans-mission as the vehicle is accelerated.
5. 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.
6. If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur.
7. The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
8. Holding the (-) paddle pressed will downshift the transmission to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
9. Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick is enabled.
10. 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 accelerator 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.

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full PDF: 2021 Chrysler 300 Owner’s Manual
2021 Chrysler 300 Seat Setup Guide