warning CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is notnecessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MoparTotal Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MoparGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

WARNING!
A transient high tension occurs at the bulb sockets of
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights when the
headlight switch is turned ON. It may cause serious
electrical shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with High Intensity Dis-
charge Headlights (HID), when the headlights are turned
on, there is a blue hue to the lights. This diminishes and
becomes more white after approximately 10 seconds, as
the system charges.
1. Open the hood.NOTE:Removal of the air cleaner filter housing may be
necessary prior to replacing bulbs in the headlight assem-
bly on the driver side of the vehicle.
2. Twist the appropriate bulb and socket assembly
counter-clockwise, and then pull it out of the headlight
assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the head-
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
7

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the timing belt on 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.7L engines. 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483
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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.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet for the terms and
provisions of DaimlerChrysler’s warranties applicable to
this vehicle.
MOPARPARTS
Moparfluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from your dealer. They will help you keep your
vehicle operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In the 50 United States and Washington D.C.: If you
believe that your vehicle has a defect, which could cause
a crash or cause injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-
tion (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the manufacturer.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, and the
manufacturer.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 489
9

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
492 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 493
9

About Your Brakes....................322,324
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 325
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 152
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 437
Adding Fuel........................... 369
Adding Washer Fluid...............141,143,434
Additives, Fuel......................... 367
Adjustable Pedals....................... 147
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 426
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning.....................282,284
Air Conditioning Controls................. 282
Air Conditioning Filter.................291,431
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 292
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System.............282,284,430
Air Pressure, Tires....................210,345
Airbag................................ 52
Airbag Deployment.....................58,62Airbag Light.....................59,64,79,205
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64
Airbag, Side..........................53,60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............53,60
Alarm, Panic............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,209
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 352
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................319,445
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........436,437,473
Disposal............................ 439
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 325
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............204,326
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 209
Appearance Care........................ 446
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
496 INDEX

Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 433
B-Pillar Location........................ 340
Brake Assist System...................... 330
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 330
Brake Fluid............................ 476
Brake, Parking.......................... 322
Brake System........................324,441
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 325
Fluid Check.......................443,476
Hoses.............................. 442
Master Cylinder....................... 443
Parking............................. 322
Warning Light.....................205,324
Brakes.............................324,441
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 306
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 137
Bulb Replacement.....................459,460
Bulbs, Light..........................79,459Calibration, Compass..................... 222
Capacities, Fluid........................ 473
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 369
Oil (Engine).......................423,424
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 447
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............78,368
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 372
Catalytic Converter...................... 427
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............234,252
Cellular Phone.....................91,252,253
Certification Label....................... 372
Chains, Tire............................ 353
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 394
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 336
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 418
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 77
498 INDEX