check oil CHRYSLER 300 2012 2.G Owners Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation 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.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
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 if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

19. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will illuminate and the chime will sound. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
20. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H” and
you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call an authorized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
•Charging System Telltale
This telltale shows the status of the electrical
charging system. If the telltale stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-
essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at
idle). If the charging system telltale remains on, it means
that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See
an authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Telltale
This telltale informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If the
telltale comes on while driving, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the telltale will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The telltale should turn off.
If the telltale remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the telltale
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service
is required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 3.6L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479

Rear Axle
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and chemicals that are sprayed
on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are
highly corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside
parking, which exposes your vehicle to airborne contami-
nants, road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated,
extreme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and
underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 527

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S528 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Door Locks..................... 32
Automatic Headlights.................... 176
Automatic Oil Change Indicator............. 293
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 340
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 500
Automatic Transmission...........355,358,499,501
Adding Fluid....................501,523
Autostick.......................... 365
Fluid and Filter Changes............... 501
Fluid Change....................... 501
Fluid Level Check.................... 500
Fluid Type......................... 523
Special Additives..................... 500
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..... 357
Autostick............................. 365
Axle Fluid............................. 523
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 523B-Pillar Location........................ 393
Battery............................... 483
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 25
Location........................... 483
Belts, Seat............................47,84
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 488
Brake Assist System...................... 380
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 379
Brake Fluid............................ 523
Brake System........................... 497
Anti-Lock (ABS)..................... 377
Fluid Check.....................498,523
Master Cylinder..................... 498
Parking........................... 375
Warning Light....................... 281
Brake, Parking.......................... 375
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 354
Brakes............................... 497
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 81
10
INDEX 553

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 184
Bulb Replacement.....................516,517
Bulbs, Light..........................86,516
Camera, Rear........................... 235
Capacities, Fluid........................ 521
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)........................ 481
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............. 495
Car Washes............................ 503
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,424
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 431
Cellular Phone.......................... 332
Certification Label....................... 431
Chains, Tire............................ 406
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 449
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 389
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............279,475Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint..................71,72,73,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............75,76
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 421
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 504
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 488
Climate Control......................... 332
Clock................................ 328
Coin Holder........................... 262
Cold Weather Operation................... 351
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 331
Compact Spare Tire...................... 401
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 297
Connector
UCI .............................. 328
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 328
554 INDEX

Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 32
Door Opener, Garage..................... 238
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 370
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water............................. 371
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy.... 294
E-85 Fuel............................. 424
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 267
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 97
Electrical Power Outlets................... 254
Electronic Brake Control System............. 379
Anti-Lock Brake System................ 379
Brake Assist System................... 380
Traction Control System................ 380
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 508
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....196,199Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............. 381
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................235,285
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 43
Emergency Trunk Release................... 43
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 462
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 448
Jacking............................ 449
Jump Starting....................... 458
Overheating........................ 448
Towing............................ 467
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 475
Engine............................... 474
Air Cleaner......................... 482
Block Heater........................ 352
Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level................... 479
Compartment....................473,474
556 INDEX