towing CHRYSLER 300 2009 1.G Owner's 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 (MIL). 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate 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
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 the 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.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

42,000 Miles (70,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
48,000 Miles (80,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped)
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the
front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.7L and 5.7L Engines).
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped)
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped)
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the
front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the spark plugs (3.5L
Engines).
❏Replace the timing belt (3.5L Engine).
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant if
not done at 60 months.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped)
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.7L and 5.7L Engines).
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
❏Replace the accessory drive belt (2.7L/3.5L Engines).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
126,000 Miles (210,000 km) or
126 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 487
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144,000 Miles (240,000 km) or 144 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped)
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the
front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
150,000 Miles (250,000 km) or
150 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.7L and
5.7L Engines).
❏Inspect the transfer case fluid — All
Wheel Drive (AWD).
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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About Your Brakes....................... 332
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 334
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 154
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 437
Adding Fuel........................... 375
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 431
Additives, Fuel......................... 373
Adjustable Pedals....................... 149
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 427
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 429
Air Conditioning.....................294,296
Air Conditioning Controls................. 294
Air Conditioning Filter.................303,430
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 304
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............429,430
Air Conditioning System..........294,296,297,429
Air Pressure, Tires....................217,351
Airbag................................ 51
Airbag Deployment.....................57,61Airbag Light.....................58,63,77,212
Airbag Maintenance....................... 62
Airbag, Side..........................52,59
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............52,59
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,216
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................326,443
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 283
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........436,437,468
Disposal............................ 439
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............334,336
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 211
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 444
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 104
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
502 INDEX

Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 143
Daytime Running Lights................... 140
Dealer Service.......................... 422
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 40
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 39
Defroster, Rear Window................... 198
Defroster, Windshield................78,295,301
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 144
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 420
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 142
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................423,424
Power Steering........................ 332
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 412
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 439
Engine Oil........................... 426
Door Locks............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30Door Opener, Garage..................... 181
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................... 327
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 328
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 288
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 198
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 88
Electrical Power Outlets................... 191
Electronic Brake Control System............. 336
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 336
Brake Assist System.................... 337
Electronic Stability Program............... 338
Traction Control System................. 337
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 449
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....150,154
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 338
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 216
506 INDEX

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 220
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 411
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 396
Jacking............................. 397
Jump Starting......................... 408
Overheating.......................... 396
Towing............................. 412
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......421,474
Engine..........................417,418,419
Air Cleaner.......................... 427
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................423,424
Compartment...................417,418,419
Coolant (Antifreeze).................435,470
Cooling............................. 435Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,374
Fails to Start.......................... 311
Flooded, Starting...................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 370
Jump Starting......................... 408
Oil ...........................423,468,470
Oil Change Interval...............209,225,424
Oil Filler Cap......................... 425
Oil Filter............................ 426
Oil Filter Disposal..................... 426
Oil Selection.......................425,468
Oil Synthetic......................... 426
Overheating.......................... 396
Starting............................. 309
Temperature Gauge.................... 214
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 425
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 371
INDEX 507
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