towing CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect the transfer case fluid — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing.48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.7L and 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......436,473,475
Corrosion Protection..................... 446
Cruise Control (Speed Control)...........148,152
Cruise Light........................... 202
Cup Holder.........................189,450
Customer Assistance..................... 486
Customer Programmable Features............ 227
Data Recorder, Event...................... 65
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 137
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 420
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 41
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 40
Defroster, Rear Window................... 293
Defroster, Windshield................79,283,289
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 138
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 417
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........234,252Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 136
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................421,422
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 439
Engine Oil........................... 425
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage..................... 177
Drive Belts............................ 425
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 319
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................ 320
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 272
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 293
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 89
500 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
10

Heated Seats........................... 120
Heater............................... 282
Heater, Engine Block..................... 303
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 136
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 379
Holder, Coin........................... 190
Holder, Cup........................... 189
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 177
Hood Release.......................... 128
Hoses.............................440,441
Ignition............................... 14
Key ...............................12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Indicator, Traction Control................. 328
Infant Restraint........................67,68Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 210
Information Center, Vehicle................. 213
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 86
Instrument Cluster.................200,201,202
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 199
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 450
Interior Appearance Care.................. 448
Interior Fuses.......................... 451
Interior Lights.......................... 136
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 138
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 396
Jack Operation.......................... 398
Jacking Instructions...................... 398
Jump Starting.......................... 404
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
INDEX 505
10

Radio Remote Controls.................... 279
Radio, Satellite.................234,252,253,268
Radio (Sound Systems).................234,252
Rain Sensitive Wiper System................ 140
Rear Cup Holder........................ 189
Rear Park Sense System................... 172
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 123
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 446
Rear Window Defroster................... 293
Rear Window Features.................... 293
Rearview Mirrors........................ 86
Reception, Radio........................ 232
Reclining Front Seats..................... 118
Recorder, Event Data...................... 65
Recreational Towing...................... 389
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 366
Refrigerant............................ 431
Release, Hood.......................... 128
Reminder, Lights On..................... 134Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 49
Remote Control
Starting System........................ 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 279
Remote Starting System.................... 27
Remote Trunk Release..................... 40
Replacement Bulbs....................... 459
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 419
Replacement Tires....................... 351
Reporting Safety Defects................... 489
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........203,218
Restraint, Head......................... 120
Restraints, Child......................... 67
Restraints, Occupant...................... 42
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 407
Rotation, Tires.......................... 354
INDEX 511
10

Tires ............................79,344,492
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 350
Air Pressure.......................... 344
Alignment........................... 352
Chains.............................. 353
Changing.........................394,398
Compact Spare........................ 348
Flat Changing........................ 394
General Information.................... 344
High Speed.......................... 347
Inflation Pressures..................... 345
Jacking...........................395,398
Life of Tires.......................... 350
Load Capacity.....................340,341
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 355
Quality Grading....................... 492
Radial.............................. 347
Replacement......................... 351
Rotation............................. 354Safety...........................334,344
Self-Sealing.......................... 353
Sizes............................... 336
Snow Tires........................... 354
Spare Tire........................... 396
Spinning............................ 349
Trailer Towing........................ 384
Tread Wear Indicators................... 350
To Open Hood.......................... 128
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 381
Torque Converter Clutch................... 311
Towing............................... 375
Behind a Motor Home.................. 389
Disabled Vehicle....................... 408
Guide.............................. 380
Recreational.......................... 389
Weight.............................. 380
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 389
Traction Control......................... 328
INDEX 515
10

Traction Control Light.................... 328
Traction Control Switch................... 328
Trailer Towing.......................... 375
Cooling System Tips.................... 389
Hitches............................. 379
Minimum Requirements................. 383
Tips ................................ 388
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 381
Wiring.............................. 386
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 380
Trailer Weight.......................... 380
Transfer Case........................... 445
Fluid............................445,476
Maintenance.......................... 446
Transmission........................... 444
Automatic...................303,307,312,444
Fluid............................... 476
Range Indicator....................307,313
Shifting............................. 303Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 177
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 20
Transporting Pets........................ 76
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 350
Trip Odometer.......................202,208
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid)....................40,41
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 41
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 40
Turn Signals.........................135,202
UCI Connector......................... 275
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)...........91,252
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 492
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 275
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port...........234,252
516 INDEX

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)Fob with Integrated KeyTip Start FeatureIgnition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key (Fob) ProgrammingGeneral InformationSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the
SystemTo Arm the SystemTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsTo unlatch the trunkUsing The Panic AlarmProgramming Additional TransmittersTransmitter Battery ServiceGeneral Information
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How To Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power WindowsWind BuffetingTRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE TRUNK SAFETY WARNING Trunk
Emergency Release OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Automatic Locking Mode - If EquippedSeat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt Extender
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONSSAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Inside Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature - If Equipped
Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer - If EquippedOutside Mirrors with Turn Signal and Approach Lighting - If EquippedTilt in Reverse Feature - If EquippedPower Remote Control MirrorsHeated Remote Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE
COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Power SeatsPower Reclining SeatsLumbar Support
Head RestraintsHeated Seats - If EquippedFolding Rear Seat DRIVER MEMORY SEAT - IF EQUIPPED Programming The Memory FeatureLinking and Unlinking theRemote Keyless Transmitter to the Memory FeatureMemory Position RecallEasy Entry/Exit Seat (Available
with Memory Seat Only)TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Headlight SwitchAutomatic Headlights - If EquippedHeadlights On with Wipers (Available withAuto Headlights Only)SmartBeams - If EquippedHeadlight Time DelayDaytime Running Lights - If Equipped
Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedMulti-Function LeverOverhead Console Map/Reading LightsInterior LightsWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemMist FeatureWindshield WashersHeadlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)Rain Sensing Wipers - If EquippedAdding Washer FluidHEADLIGHT WASHERS - IF EQUIPPED Adding Washer FluidTILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN POWER TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN - IF EQUIPPED ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
- IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Electronic Speed Control OperationTo ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary the Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) - IF EQUIPPED Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) OperationActivating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)To ActivateTo Set a Desired SpeedTo CancelTo Turn OffTo Resume SpeedTo Varythe Speed SettingSetting the Following Distance in ACCAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC) MenuDisplay Warnings and
MaintenancePrecautions While Driving with ACCGeneral InformationREAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED OVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading LightsSunglasses StorageGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate
Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening Sunroof - ExpressClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch Protect FeaturePinch Protect
OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceIgnition Off OperationSunroof Fully ClosedELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCUP HOLDERS Front Seat Cup HoldersRear Seat Cup Holders
STORAGE Console FeaturesCargo AreaLOAD LEVELING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF EQUIPPED Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) DisplaysOil ChangeRequiredTrip FunctionsCompass DisplayTelephone - If EquippedNavigation - If EquippedPersonal
Settings (Customer Programmable Features)SETTING THE ANALOG CLOCK RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REN - MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock SettingProcedureSALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating
Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions
- Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (REQ AND RES RADIOS ONLY) System Activation
Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System
(VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED UNIVERSAL CONSUMER INTERFACE (UCI) - IF EQUIPPED Connecting the iPodControlling the iPod using Radio ButtonsPlay ModeList or Browse ModeREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS
- IF EQUIPPED CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System Automatic Temperature Control - If Equipped Operating TipsREAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear
Window DefrosterSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Automatic TransmissionNormal Starting (Tip Start)Extremely Cold Weather (below -20degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - General InformationBrake/Transmission Shift Interlock System4 Speed Automatic Transmission5Speed Automatic TransmissionAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick OperationALL WHEEL DRIVE - IF EQUIPPED
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System - If EquippedPOWER STEERING MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
- 5.7L Engine Only TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) - IF EQUIPPED BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) - IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) -
IF EQUIPPED Synchronizing ESPESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator and ESP/TCS Indicator LightsTIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation
PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSELF-SEALING TIRES - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) -
IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.7L Engine3.5L and 5.7L EnginesReformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon
Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Vehicle Certification LabelGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)OverloadingLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing
DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
(Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Preparations For JackingJack Location/Spare Tire StowageJacking and Changing a Tire
Compact Spare TireWheel Cover or Center Cap Installation (If Required)JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEYTOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE (Flat towing
with all four wheels on the ground)TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLYMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler CapEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES EngineOilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsEngine
Air Cleaner FilterFuel FilterCatalytic ConverterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceA/C Air Filter - If EquippedPower Steering - Fluid CheckFront and Rear Suspension Ball JointsSteering LinkageBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield
Washers/Headlight Washers - If EquippedExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses and Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesFuel SystemBrake SystemAutomatic TransmissionAll Wheel Drive (AWD) - If EquippedFront and Rear Wheel BearingsAppearance Care and Protection from
CorrosionCleaning the Center Console Cup HoldersFUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTERS) Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center)Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Low Beam Headlight,
High Beam Headlight, Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, and Outer Park Light - 300 ModelsLow Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, and Park/Turn Light- 300CBackup Light, Side Marker Light, and Tail/Stop Turn Light - 300 ModelsTail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, and
Backup Light - 300C ModelsLicense LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONCONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance
IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles
Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX