Chrysler 200 Convertible (2013 year). Manual

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STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A

child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.

Normal Starting

The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine does not require pumping or pressing the accel-
erator pedal.

Tip Start

Do not

press the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly

to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the

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starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or −29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warning effect on the engine.

The engine block heater cord is bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle

has come to a complete stop and the engine is at
idle speed.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-

TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly pressing on the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You MUST press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing 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 pressing on the brake
pedal.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key and lock your vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle.

A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF position. The key can only be removed from the

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ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and once removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition switch to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK unless
the brakes are applied. To move the shift lever out of
PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON/
RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped

The shift lever position display (located in the instrument
cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You must
press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of PARK
(refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System” in
this section). To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or
NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. 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
moving the shift lever between these gears.

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Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine 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 accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK

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 leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to

move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with the brake pedal
released) after you have placed it in PARK. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before leaving
the vehicle.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever 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.

• 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 apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the shift
lever.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle.

A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.

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CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.

• 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 engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever

all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.

• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that

it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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WARNING! (Continued)

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. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.

DRIVE

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission

automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), select the

⬙3⬙ range. Under

these conditions, using the

⬙3⬙ range will improve perfor-

mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
DRIVE and “3” range shift points. This is done to prevent
transmission damage due to overheating.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to

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achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re-
sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.

DRIVE 3

This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear.
Shifts into third may be delayed to provide second gear
operation at higher speeds. Using the

⬙3⬙ range while

operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. The

⬙3⬙

range should also be used when descending steep grades
to avoid brake system distress.

LOW

Use this range for engine braking when descending very
steep grades. In this range, the transmission will down-
shift for maximum engine braking, and upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed.

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 remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.

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In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/ OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 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 recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:

• the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate

temperature,

• the engine coolant has reached an adequate

temperature,

• vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.

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Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

The torque converter clutch will not engage until

the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Shifting between the DRIVE and 3 ranges, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

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The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick

威 shift positions. Manual

shifts can be made using the AutoStick

威 shift control

(refer to “AutoStick

威” in “Starting And Operating” for

further information). Moving the shift lever to the left or
right (-/+) while in the AutoStick

威 position (below the

Drive position) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Shift Lever

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Chrysler 200 Convertible (2013 year). Manual - part 19