check oil CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHRYSLER, Model Year: 2011, Model line: 300, Model: CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.GPages: 536, PDF Size: 6.15 MB
Page 88 of 536
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 277 of 536
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
•Charging System TelltaleThis telltale shows the status of the electrical
charging system. If the telltale stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-
essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at
idle). If the charging system telltale remains on, it means
that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See
an authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Telltale This telltale informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If the
telltale comes on while driving, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the telltale will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The telltale should turn off.
If the telltale remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the telltale
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service
is required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275
Page 335 of 536
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning 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 wa-
ter.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
Page 439 of 536
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 3.6L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
Page 462 of 536
All Wheel Drive (AWD) – If Equipped
The all wheel drive system consists of a transfer case and
front differential. The exterior surface of these compo-
nents should be inspected for evidence of fluid leaks.
Confirmed leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.
The transfer case fluid fill/inspection plug is located in
the middle of the rear housing. To inspect the transfer
case fluid level, remove the fill/inspection plug. The
fluid level should be even with the bottom of the hole.
Use this plug to add fluid as required.
The front differential fill plug is located on the outer
cover near the halfshaft attachment. To inspect the differ-
ential fluid level, remove the fill plug. The fluid level
should be even with or slightly below the bottom of the
hole.
Fluid Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Rear Axle
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 487 of 536
Your authorized 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 authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and add as
needed.
•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
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Headlights .................... 164
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 277
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 308
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 458
Automatic Transmission .............325,458,459
Adding Fluid .................... 459,482
Autostick .......................... 329
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 459
Fluid Change ....................... 459
Fluid Level Check .................... 459
Fluid Type ......................... 482
Gear Ranges ........................ 326
Shifting ........................... 325
Special Additives ..................... 458
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ..... 328
Autostick ............................. 329
Axle Fluid ............................. 482 Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)
............... 482
B-Pillar Location ........................ 354
Battery ............................... 441
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 23
Location ........................... 441
Belts, Seat ............................ 46,84
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 446
Brake Assist System ...................... 341
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 340
Brake Fluid ............................ 482
Brake System ........................... 456
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 338
Fluid Check ..................... 456,482
Master Cylinder ..................... 456
Parking ........................... 336
Warning Light ....................... 265
Brake, Parking .......................... 336
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 325
10
INDEX 513
Page 516 of 536
Brakes............................... 456
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 171
Bulb Replacement ..................... 475,476
Bulbs, Light .......................... 86,475
Camera, Rear ........................... 219
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 480
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... 438,439
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 453
Car Washes ............................ 461
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............83,384
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 391
Cellular Phone .......................... 301
Certification Label ....................... 391
Chains, Tire ............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 409
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 350 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
.............262,433
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint .................. 71,72,73,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 381
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 463
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 446
Climate Control ......................... 301
Clock ................................ 298
Coin Holder ........................... 246
Cold Weather Operation ................... 320
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 300
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 362
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 280
514 INDEX
Page 519 of 536
Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level ................... 437
Compartment .................... 431,432
Compartment Identification ............. 431
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 451,481
Cooling ........................... 450
Exhaust Gas Caution ................83,384
Fails to Start ........................ 321
Flooded, Starting ..................... 321
Fuel Requirements .................... 380
Jump Starting ....................... 418
Multi-Displacement ................... 335
Oil ......................... 437,480,481
Oil Change Interval ................ 277,438
Oil Filler Cap .................... 438,439
Oil Filter ........................... 440
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 440
Oil Selection ..................... 438,480
Oil Synthetic ........................ 439 Overheating
........................ 408
Starting ........................... 318
Temperature Gauge ................... 267
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 438,439
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 381
Event Data Recorder ...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 83,384
Exhaust System ....................... 83,448
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 95
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Exterior Lights .......................... 86
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 264
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 440
Air Conditioning .................. 31 1,444
Engine Oil ....................... 440,481
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INDEX 517