2005 Chrysler 300 Owner's Manual - Page 216

216 STARTING AND OPERATING Neutral No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage in NEUTRAL position while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads). The engine may be started in this range. Use this range for starting your vehicle if it is moving or being towed. The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs when using the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers, use the AutoStick mode and select the "3" range. AutoStick Gear selection The transmission gear can be selected by pressing the selector lever to the right or the left with the selector lever in the DRIVE position. The gear currently selected is indicated in the instrument cluster display. Briefly press selector lever in the "D -" direction. The transmission will shift from the current gear to the next lower gear. Shifting into another gear that allows for quicker acceleration or to slow the vehicle down is possible. Downshifts can also be performed. Press and hold the selector lever in the "D-" direction. The transmission will shift from the current gear directly to the best gear for acceleration. CAUTION! Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in NEUTRAL can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the Limited Warranty. Drive This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy.