Chrysler 300 2012 User manual

300
Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL
   
2012 300
12C481-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
905579_300_OM cover.indd 1 3/15/11 3:26 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name Chrysler
Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name Chrysler
Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol
levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t drive.
Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use
public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your percep-
tions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower, and your judg-
ment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink
and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of features and
equipment that are either standard or optional on this vehicle. This
manual may also include a description of features and equipment
that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle.
Please disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in design
and specifications, and/or make additions to or improvements to its
products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them
on products previously manufactured.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................. 87
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................275
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................333
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 441
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................465
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................519
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 535
10
INDEX ...................................................................545
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............. 6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7
1

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

1
INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the
vehicle registration, and the title. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also located
on the right front strut tower inside the engine compart-
ment.
VIN Location
6 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) ............. 12
▫KeyFob............................ 13
▫Ignition Or Accessory On Message ......... 14
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫General Information ................... 17
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17
▫Rearming Of The System ................ 18
▫To Arm The System ................... 18
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
䡵Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 20
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 22
▫To Unlatch The Trunk .................. 22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 22
2

▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 23
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 23
▫General Information ................... 24
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 25
䡵Door Locks ........................... 28
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 28
▫Power Door Locks .................... 29
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors .......................... 31
䡵Keyless Enter-N-Go ..................... 32
䡵Windows ............................ 36
▫Power Windows ...................... 36
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 39
䡵Trunk Lock And Release ................. 39
䡵Trunk Safety Warning ................... 40
▫Trunk Emergency Release ............... 40
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 44
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 50
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 50
▫Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 51
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 52
▫Seat Belt Pretensioner .................. 52
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 53
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 54
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 54
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags ............................ 54
▫Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 61
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 68
▫Child Restraints ...................... 69
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 80
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 81
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 81
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 82
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 83
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 85
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).
Keyless Enter-N-Go Feature
This vehicle is equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go
feature, refer to “Starting Procedure” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition
switch with the push of a button, as long as the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.
The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) has four operating
positions, three of which are labeled and will illuminate
when in position. The three positions are OFF, ACC, and
ON/RUN. The fourth position is START, during start
RUN will illuminate.
NOTE: In case the ignition switch does not change with
the push of a button, the RKE transmitter (Key Fob) may
have a low or dead battery. In this situation a back up
method can be used to operate the ignition switch. Put
the nose side (side opposite of the emergency key) of the
Key Fob against the ENGINE START/STOP button and
push to operate the ignition switch.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key Fob
The Key Fob also contains the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in
the rear of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the Key Fob go dead.
The emergency key is also for locking the glove box. You
can keep the emergency key with you when valet park-
ing.
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
on the back of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out with your other hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key
into the lock cylinders with either side up.
Ignition Or Accessory On Message
Opening the driver’s door when the ignition is in ACC or
ON (engine not running), a chime will sound to remind
you to cycle the ignition to OFF. In addition to the chime,
the ignition or accessory on message will display in the
cluster.
NOTE: With the Uconnect Touch™ system, the power
window switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition is cycled to the OFF position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time for this
feature is programmable. Refer to “Uconnect Touch™
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Emergency Key Removal
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
• When leaving 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. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the Key Fob from vehicle, cycle the ignition
OFF and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system prevents unauthor-
ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter, a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) and a
RF receiver to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

After cycling the ignition to the ON/RUN position, the
Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check,
it indicates that someone used an invalid Key Fob to start
the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the
engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
All of the Key Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the
vehicle. Once a Key Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Always remove the keys from the vehicle and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of Key Fobs.
Duplication of Key Fobs may be performed at an autho-
rized dealer, this procedure consists of programming a
blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank Key Fob
is one that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
system serviced, bring all vehicle Key Fobs with you to
an authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters may be
performed at an authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
for unauthorized entry and the Keyless Enter-N-Go
Start/Stop button for unauthorized operation. While the
Vehicle Security Alarm is armed, interior switches for
door locks and decklid release are disabled. If something
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

triggers the alarm, the Vehicle Security Alarm will pro-
vide the following audible and visible signals: the horn
will pulse, the park lamps and/or turn signals will flash,
and the Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Rearming Of The System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn the horn
off after three minutes, turn all of the visual signals off
after 15 additional minutes, and then the Vehicle Security
Alarm will rearm itself.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security Alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system (refer to
⬙Starting Procedures⬙in ⬙Starting And Operating⬙for
further information).
•For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go, make
sure the vehicle ignition system is ⬙OFF⬙.
•For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system is ⬙OFF⬙and the
key is physically removed from the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the
vehicle:
•Press LOCK on the interior power door lock switch
with the driver and/or passenger door open.
•Press the LOCK button on the exterior Passive Entry
Door Handle with a valid Key Fob available in the same
exterior zone (refer to ⬙Keyless Enter-N-Go⬙in ⬙Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle⬙for further informa-
tion).
•Press the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE