ECU CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and it will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause
a loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 383
5

Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage
The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an access
cover in the trunk. Follow these steps to access the jack
and spare tire.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to
access the jack.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
3. Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
Opening The Access Panel
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. Remove the spare tire.
5. Remove the fastener securing the jack.
Spare Tire FastenerJack Fastener
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 397
6

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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
7

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

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
9 — 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet
10———
11*———
12*———
13*———
14 — 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/
Cluster/Security Mod-
ule - if equipped
15 — 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow Brake Mod-
ule - if equipped
16———
17 — 20 Amp
YellowClusterCavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
18 — 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 — 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20———
21———
22———
23———
24———
25———
26———
27 — 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC)
28 — 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
7

License Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — Socket 472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 79
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 79
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 489
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 78
Safety Information, Tire................... 334
Safety Tips............................. 77
Satellite Radio..................234,252,253,268
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 269
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 478
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 450
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 49
Seat Belts..........................42,43,79
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 47
And Pregnant Women................... 51
Child Restraint...................67,68,69,74
Extender............................. 51
Front Seat..........................43,44
Inspection............................ 79
Operating Instructions................... 44Pretensioners.......................... 48
Rear Seat............................. 43
Reminder............................ 209
Untwisting Procedure.................... 48
Seats................................. 117
Adjustment.......................... 117
Easy Entry........................... 127
Head Restraints....................... 120
Heated............................. 120
Height Adjustment..................... 117
Lumbar Support....................... 119
Memory............................. 124
Power.............................. 117
Rear Folding......................... 123
Reclining............................ 118
Seatback Release....................... 123
Tilting.............................. 117
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............18,209
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........436,475
512 INDEX