2010 Chrysler 300 Owner Manual - Page 327

326 STARTING AND OPERATING NEUTRAL This range is used when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. DRIVE 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 fifth gear. 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 heavy trailers), use the AutoStick௡/ Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode to select a lower gear. Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures During cold temperature operation, you may notice delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency. CAUTION! Coasting the vehicle or driving for any other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in transmission damage. 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 an accident.