2005 Chrysler 300 Owner Manual SRT8 - Page 189

STARTING AND OPERATING 189 self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the break-in period. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few shift cycles. applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the selector lever is in DRIVE or REVERSE position. Stopping For brief stops, leave the transmission in gear and hold the vehicle with the brake pedal. For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into the NEUTRAL or PARK position and hold the vehicle with the parking brake. When stopping the vehicle uphill, do not hold it with the accelerator; use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build-up. Maneuvering To maneuver in tight areas, control the vehicle speed by gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the accelerator. To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow), alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunction indicator light to come on. Turn off the engine and restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication. WARNING! It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. The selector lever is automatically locked while in the PARK position. To move the selector lever out of the PARK position, the brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift the selector lever to the desired position only when the engine is idling normally and the brake pedal is 5