check transmission fluid CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following before
doing so:CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water before driving
through it. Never drive through standing water that is deeper
than the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under
water and if there are any obstacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
•Driving through standing water may cause damage to your
vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always inspect your vehi-
cle’s fluids (i.e. engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for signs
of contamination (i.e. fluid that is milky or foamy in appear-
ance) after driving through standing water. Do not continue
to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as
this may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to
lockup and stall out and cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the new vehicle
limited warranty.STARTING AND OPERATING 321
5

correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N. m).
If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a
service station.
7. For vehicles equipped with center caps, install the
center cap by hand. Do not use a hammer or excessive
force to install the center cap.
8. Stow the jack, tools, and spare tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt
by the fan.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid
to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when
attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explo-
sive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an
output that exceeds 12 volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not be
disconnected and should only be replaced with a battery of the
same type (vented).
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............430
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............431
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............432
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........432
▫Steering Linkage......................433
▫Body Lubrication.....................433
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................433
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers —
If Equipped.........................434
▫Exhaust System......................434
▫Cooling System.......................435
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
▫Fuel System.........................441▫Brake System........................441
▫Automatic Transmission................444
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....445
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........446
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................446
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 450

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........451
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....451
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......453

Vehicle Storage........................458

Replacement Bulbs......................459

Bulb Replacement......................460
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•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 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled
oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of
this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under
“Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Section 3 of this
manual.At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 479
8
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Audio Systems (Radio).................234,252
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 86
Automatic Door Locks...................31,32
Automatic Headlights.................... 131
Automatic Oil Change Indicator..........203,218
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 284
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 445
Automatic Transmission...........307,312,444,445
Adding Fluid......................445,476
Autostick.........................315,318
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 445
Fluid Change......................... 445
Fluid Level Check...................... 444
Fluid Type........................... 476
Gear Ranges.......................307,313Overdrive........................... 309
Shifting..........................307,312
Special Additives...................... 445
Torque Converter...................... 311
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode...........................312,316,317
Autostick...........................315,318
Axle Fluid............................. 476
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 476
Ball Joints............................. 432
Battery............................... 428
Emergency Starting..................... 404
Jump Starting......................... 404
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location..........................405,428
Bearings.............................. 446
Belts, Drive............................ 425
Belts, Seat............................43,79
INDEX 497
10

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

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

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