check engine light CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G User Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers — If
Equipped
The windshield washer and the headlight washer (if
equipped) share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid
reservoir is located in the front of the engine compart-
ment. Be sure to check the 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.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gallon (4 liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
434 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

•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
480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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

Electrical Power Outlets................... 187
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 330
Electronic Stability Program............... 331
Traction Control System................. 328
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 451
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 331
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 209
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 213
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 41
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 407
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 392
Jacking............................. 394
Jump Starting......................... 404
Overheating.......................... 393
Towing............................. 408
Emergency Trunk Release................... 41Emission Control System Maintenance......418,478
Engine........................76,414,415,416
Air Cleaner.......................... 426
Block Heater......................... 303
Break-In Recommendations................ 76
Checking Oil Level..................421,422
Compartment...................414,415,416
Coolant (Antifreeze).................436,475
Cooling............................. 435
Exhaust Gas Caution..................78,368
Fails to Start.......................... 302
Flooded, Starting...................... 302
Fuel Requirements..................... 365
Jump Starting......................... 404
Multi-Displacement..................... 328
Oil ...........................421,473,475
Oil Change Interval...............203,218,423
Oil Filler Cap......................423,424
Oil Filter............................ 425
INDEX 501
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Oil Filter Disposal...................... 425
Oil Selection.......................423,473
Oil Synthetic......................... 424
Operation............................ 76
Overheating.......................... 393
Starting............................. 299
Temperature Gauge..................... 207
Engine Oil Viscosity...................423,424
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 63
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 366
Event Data Recorder...................... 65
Exhaust Gas Caution................78,368,435
Exhaust System.......................78,434
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 88
Exterior Lighting........................ 130
Exterior Lights.......................... 79
Filler Location Fuel...................... 369Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 426
Air Conditioning....................291,431
Engine Fuel.......................... 426
Engine Oil........................425,475
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 425
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 392
Turn Signal......................79,135,202
Flash-To-Pass........................... 136
Flat Tire Changing....................... 394
Flooded Engine Starting................... 302
Floor Console.......................... 190
Fluid, Brake........................... 476
Fluid Capacities......................... 473
Fluid Leaks............................. 80
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 444
Brake............................... 443
502 INDEX

Headlights On With Wipers............132,139
High Beam........................136,208
High Beam Indicator.................... 208
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 136
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................130,202
Intensity Control....................... 137
Interior..........................136,176
License............................. 472
Lights On Reminder.................... 134
Low Fuel............................ 202
LowTire ............................ 210
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 212
Map Reading......................136,176
Oil Pressure.......................... 212
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 137
Passing............................. 136
Reading..........................136,176
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 209Service...........................459,460
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 212
SmartBeams.......................... 132
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........210,355
Traction Control....................... 333
Turn Signal...................79,134,135,202
Vanity Mirror.......................... 90
Voltage............................. 211
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 202
Load Leveling System.................... 193
Loading Vehicle......................372,374
Capacities........................... 374
Tires ............................... 340
Locks................................. 29
Auto Unlock.......................... 32
Automatic Door........................ 31
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 29
Power Door........................... 30
INDEX 507
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Low Tire Pressure System.................. 355
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................71,72
Lubrication, Body....................... 433
Lumbar Support........................ 119
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 428
Maintenance, General..................... 420
Maintenance Procedures................... 420
Maintenance Schedule.................... 478
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 186
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 212,418
Manual, Service......................... 490
Map/Reading Lights..................136,176
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 443
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 124
Memory Seat........................... 124
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 124
Methanol............................. 366Mini-Trip Computer...................... 219
Mirrors................................ 86
Automatic Dimming..................... 86
Electric Powered....................... 89
Electric Remote........................ 89
Exterior Folding........................ 88
Heated.............................. 90
Outside.............................. 87
Rearview............................. 86
Vanity............................... 90
Mode
Fuel Saver........................... 219
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 355
Mopar Parts.........................419,489
MP3 Player.........................234,252
MTBE/ETBE........................... 366
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 328
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 134
508 INDEX