engine CHRYSLER 300 2006 1.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged 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 you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this 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

▫Power Windows.......................26

Trunk Lock And Release..................29

Trunk Safety Warning....................30
▫Trunk Emergency Release................31

Occupant Restraints.....................31
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................32
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners...................36
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................37
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............38▫Seat Belt Extender......................38
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............39

Engine Break-In Recommendations..........60

Safety Tips............................60
▫Exhaust Gas..........................60
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................61
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................61
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

vehicle information center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer to
Personal Settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Section for details.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition
switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
positions.
Horn
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position to
operate the horn.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked.
During normal operation, the Vehicle Theft Alarm Indi-
cator Light will come on for three (3) seconds immedi-
ately after the ignition switch is turned on for a bulb
check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this indicates a
problem with the electronics.
If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running. Keep in
mind that a key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.
If the Vehicle Theft Alarm Indicator Light comes on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been run-
ning for longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been
detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible.NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
•Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain willnot
cause a key-related (tran-
sponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally held against the ignition keybeing used
when starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or
other RF electronics will not cause interference with
this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis-
closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high
quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. The recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades are shown in Section
7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MIN-
ERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the trunk open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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▫Using HomeLink.....................127
▫Erasing HomeLink Buttons..............127
▫Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button . . . 127
▫Security............................128

Power Sunroof—If Equipped............128
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............129
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............129
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................129
▫Pinch Protect Override.................130
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............130
▫Sunshade Operation...................130
▫Wind Buffeting.......................130
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................130▫Ignition Off Operation..................131
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................131

Electrical Power Outlets.................131
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......133

Cup Holders.........................133
▫Front Seat Cup Holders—Standard........133
▫Front Seat Cup Holders—300 Touring And
300C Models........................134
▫Rear Seat Cup Holders.................134

Storage..............................135
▫Console Features......................135
▫Cargo Tie-Down Hooks.................135

Load Leveling System—If Equipped.......136
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights
Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first detent
for parking light and instrument panel light operation.
Turn to the second detent for headlight, park light and
instrument panel light operation.
Automatic Headlights–If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights ON or
OFF based on ambient light levels. To turn the system ON,
rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the AUTO
(A) position. When the system is ON, the Headlight Time
Delay feature is also ON. This means your headlights will
stay ON for up to 90 seconds after you turn the ignition
switch OFF. To turn the Automatic System OFF, move the
headlight switch out of the AUTO (A) position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.
Headlights On With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
The headlights will turn on approximately 10 seconds
after the wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. The headlights will also
turn off when the wipers are turned off if they were
turned on by this feature. This feature can be turned on or
off using the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)—If equipped. Refer to”Headlights On With
Wipers”in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
section of this manual for details.
Headlight Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103
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Windshield Wiper Operation
Rotate the end of the lever to the second detent for Low
speed wiper operation, or to the third detent for High
speed operation.
Intermittent Wiper System
Use the intermittent wiper when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause be-
tween cycles, desirable. Rotate the end of the lever to the
first detent position, then turn the end of the lever to
select the desired delay interval. There are 6 possible
delay wiper positions. The delay can be regulated from a
maximum of approximately 23 seconds between cycles,
to a cycle every second.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check for fluid level in the reservoir
at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.The fluid reservoir will hold 1 gallon (3.8L) of washer
fluid when the message“Low Washer Fluid”appears in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—if
equipped.
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109
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