warning CHRYSLER 300 2021 Owners Manual

236 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified
by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the original
eq

uipment tires. Use snow tires only in
sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
w h

at was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph
( 1

20 km/h) refer to original equipment or an a
u thorized tire dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice,
s k

id and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces
may be poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local
laws should be checked before using these tire
types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú page 117.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and
wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an authorized
tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation
pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
e
q

uipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
con
ventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any
given time.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions.
You could lose vehicle control, resulting in
severe injury or death. Driving too fast for
conditions also creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car
wash with a compact or limited use temporary
spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 237
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a collapsible spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example:
165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
e
q

uipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
pr
operly installed to the vehicle. Inflate the
collapsible tire using the electric air pump before
lowering the vehicle. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
c
on

ventional tire on the collapsible spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
collapsible spare tire.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use
only. This tire may look like the originally equipped
tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is
not. This spare tire may have limited tread life.
When the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the temporary use full size spare tire
needs to be replaced. Since it is not the same as
your original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary
emergency use only. This tire is identified by a label
located on the limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This
tire may look like the original equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as your
original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.WARNING!

Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary
us

e spares have limited tread life. When the tread
is worn to the tread wear indicators, the
temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be
sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
WARNING!

Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary
us

e spares have limited tread life. When the tread
is worn to the tread wear indicators, the
temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be
sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.

WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive
more than the speed listed on the limited use
spare wheel. Keep inflated to the cold tire
inflation pressures listed on your Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the
driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the original
equipment tire at the first opportunity and
reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could
result in loss of vehicle control.
8

240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, driving, and braking functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of
ti
res. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as
those on all season type tires. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow
and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride. For the proper maintenance intervals. The reasons
f
or

any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected
prior to rotation being performed
Ú page 195.
The suggested rotation method is the “rearward
c r

oss” shown in the following diagram. This
rotation pattern does not apply to some directional
tires that must not be reversed.

Tire Rotation (Rearward Cross)

WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can cause
unpredictable handling. You could lose control
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe
the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device clear -
ance between tires and other suspension
c om
ponents, it is important that only traction
devices in good condition are used. Broken
devices can cause serious damage. Stop the
vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
A u
tosock traction devices do not require
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s
instructions on the method of installation,
operating speed, and conditions for use.
Always use the suggested operating speed of
the device manufacturer’s if it is less than
30
mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
CAUTION!

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 241
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by the
tire's manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to

Federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
TREADWEAR
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well on
the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TRACTION GRADES
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement, as measured under
controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat, when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause
t
h

e material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance, which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,
or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 243
Special Care
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you
drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage
at least once a month.
It is important that the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be
kept clear and open.
If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the
paint, touch them up immediately.
If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or
similar cause that destroys the paint and protec -
tive coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon
a s

possible.
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
Use Mopar® Touch Up Paint on scratches as
soon as possible. An authorized dealer has
touch up paint to match the color of your
vehicle.
INTERIORS
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Use Mopar® Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with
chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use Mopar® Total
Cl

ean, a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do
not remove the belts from the vehicle to wash
them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric. Replace
th
e belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
Use Mopar® Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable, and
if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a col -
lision and leave you with no protection. Inspect
t h
e seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must
be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or
modify the seat belt system. If your vehicle is
involved in a collision, or if you have questions
regarding seat belt or retractor conditions, take
your vehicle to an authorized FCA dealer or
authorized FCA Certified Collision Care Program
facility for inspection.
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repel -
lents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the
p l
astic, painted, or decorated surfaces of the
interior may cause permanent damage. Wipe
away immediately.
Damage caused by these type of products
may not be covered by your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
8

245
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
The VIN is on the left front corner of the instrument
panel. The VIN is visible from outside of the vehicle
through the windshield.

Windshield VIN Location

NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems
loses normal capability, the remaining system will
still function. There will be some loss of overall
braking effectiveness. This may be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
ex

ample, repeated brake applications with the
engine OFF), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system
operating.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to the
vehicle. Any time a wheel has been removed and
reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug nuts/bolts
should be torqued using a properly calibrated
torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
**Use only authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until
ea
ch nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt
(do not insert it halfway).
NOTE:
If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
c h
ecked with a torque wrench by an authorized
dealer or service station.
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt
t or

que to be sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are
properly seated against the wheel.
Lug Nut/Bolt Torque**Lug Nut/Bolt Size Lug Nut/Bolt
Soc ket Size
130 ft-lb
( 1

76 N·m) M14 x 1.50
22 mm
9

246 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Torque Patterns

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
While operating on gasoline with the required
octane number, hearing a light knocking sound
from the engine is not a cause for concern.
However, if the engine is heard making a heavy
knocking sound, see a dealer immediately. Use of
gasoline with a lower than recommended octane
number can cause engine failure and may void the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
h
a

rd starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand of
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
3.6L ENGINE
This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
e x
cellent fuel economy and performance
when using high-quality unleaded regular
gasoline having an octane rating of 87 as specified
by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of higher octane
pr

emium gasoline will not provide any benefit over
regular gasoline in these engines.
5.7L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater
than 15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
sa

tisfactory fuel economy and
performance when using high-quality
unleaded gasoline having an octane range of 87 to
89 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of
89

octane plus gasoline is recommended for
optimum performance and fuel economy.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as “reformulated gasoline”. Reformulated gasoline
contains oxygenates and are specifically blended
to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended.
P
r

operly blended reformulated gasoline will
provide improved performance and durability of
engine and fuel system components.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper
octane rating, gasolines that contain detergents,
corrosion and stability additives are
recommended. Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce
emissions, and maintain vehicle performance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
contains a higher level of detergents to
fu

rther aide in minimizing engine and
fuel system deposits. When available,
the usage of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. Visit www.toptiergas.com for a list
of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents
s h

ould be avoided. Many of these materials
intended for gum and varnish removal may contain
active solvents or similar ingredients. These can
harm fuel system gasket and diaphragm materials.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow
this warning may result in personal injury.

252 CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
PUERTO RICO AND US VIRGIN ISLANDS
FCA Caribbean LLC
P.O. Box 191857
San Juan 00919-1857
Phone: (800) 247-9753
Fax: (787) 782-3345
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE FOR THE
H
EARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED
(TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties,
the FCA US LLC has installed special TDD
(Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf)
equipment at its customer center. Any hearing or
speech impaired customer, who has access to a
TDD or a conventional teletypewriter (TTY) in the
United States, can communicate with the FCA US
LLC by dialing 1-800-380-2479.
Canadian residents with hearing difficulties that
r e

quire assistance can use the special needs relay
service offered by Bell Canada. For TTY
teletypewriter users, dial 711 and for Voice callers,
dial 1-800-855-0511 to connect with a Bell Relay
Service operator.
SERVICE CONTRACT

You may have purchased a service contract for a
vehicle to help protect you from the high cost of
unexpected repairs after FCA US LLC's New Vehicle
Limited Warranty expires. The Mopar Vehicle
Protection plans are the ONLY vehicle extended
protection plans authorized, endorsed and backed
by FCA US LLC to provide additional protection
beyond your vehicle’s warranty. If you purchased a
Mopar Vehicle Protection Plan, you will receive Plan
Provisions and an Owner Identification Card in the
mail within three weeks of the vehicle delivery date.
If you have any questions about the service
contract, call the FCA US LLC’s Service Contract
National Customer Hotline at 1-800-521-9922
(Canadian residents, call (800) 465-2001 English /
(800) 387-9983 French).

FCA US LLC is not responsible for any service
c on

tract you may have purchased from another
manufacturer. If you require service after the FCA
US LLC New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires,
please refer to the contract documents, and
contact the person listed in those documents.
We appreciate that you have made a major
i n

vestment when you purchased the vehicle. An
authorized dealer has also made a major
investment in facilities, tools, and training to
assure that you are absolutely delighted with the
ownership experience.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
See the Warranty Information for the terms and
provisions of FCA US LLC warranties applicable to
this vehicle and market. Refer to www.mopar.com/
om for further information.
See the Warranty Information for the terms and
p r

ovisions of FCA Canada Inc. warranties
applicable to this vehicle and market. Refer to
www.owners.mopar.ca/en for further information.
Use this QR code to access your
digital experience.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust (internal combustion engines
only), some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain, or
emit, chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

255
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes.........................................245Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................94Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...............210Adding Fuel....................................................111Adding Washing Fluid....................................201Additives, Fuel...............................................246Adjust Forward.......................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Air Bag...........................................................159Advance Front Air Bag...............................159Air Bag Operation......................................160Air Bag Warning Light................................158Driver Knee Air Bag...................................161Enhanced Accident Response.........164, 194Event Data Recorder (EDR).......................194Front Air Bag.............................................159If Deployment Occurs................................164Knee Impact Bolsters................................161Maintaining Your Air Bag System..............165Maintenance.............................................165Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............159Side Air Bags.............................................161Transporting Pets......................................176
Air Bag Light..................................72, 158, 176
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..203
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................204Air Conditioner Refrigerant...........................204Air Conditioner System...........................47, 204Air Conditioning Filter..............................50, 204Air Conditioning, Operating Tips.......................50Air Filter........................................................203Air PressureTires.........................................................232AlarmArm The System...................................18, 19Rearm The System......................................19Security Alarm......................................18, 74Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18All Wheel DriveTowing......................................................194All Wheel Drive (AWD)...................................213Alterations/ModificationsVehicle...........................................................8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).................210, 248Disposal...................................................211Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)......................137Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................74
Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18Assist, Hill Start.............................................141Audio Systems (Radio)..................................121Auto Down Power Windows..............................56Automatic Door Locks......................................22Automatic Headlights.......................................41Automatic High Beams.....................................41Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............49Automatic Transmission...................................87Adding Fluid.....................................213, 250Fluid And Filter Change.............................213Fluid Change.............................................213Fluid Level Check.............................212, 213Fluid Type........................................213, 250Special Additives......................................212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..22, 90
AutoPark..........................................................82AutostickOperation.....................................................90AUX Cord..........................................................53Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........54AWDTowing......................................................194Axle Fluid.......................................................250Axle Lubrication............................................250
11

256
B
Back-Up.........................................................110Battery....................................................73, 201Charging System Light.................................73Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................13Location....................................................201Belts, Seat.....................................................176Beverage Holder Cooled (Cupholder)..............53Beverage Holder Heated (Cupholder)..............53Body Mechanism Lubrication........................206B-Pillar Location.............................................229Brake Assist System......................................138Brake Control System....................................138Brake Fluid..........................................212, 250Brake System......................................212, 245Fluid Check.....................................212, 250Master Cylinder.........................................212Parking........................................................84Warning Light.....................................72, 245Brake/Transmission Interlock.........................87Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.......84Brightness, Interior Lights................................44Bulb Replacement.........................................221Bulbs, Light..........................................178, 221
C
Camera, Rear................................................110Capacities, Fluid............................................248
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...............................................199Radiator (Coolant Pressure).....................210Car Washes...................................................242Carbon Monoxide Warning............................178CargoVehicle Loading........................................113Cargo Area Cover.............................................61Cargo Compartment........................................61Cellular Phone..............................................136Certification Label.........................................113Chains, Tire...................................................239Chart, Tire Sizing...........................................226Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................................................79Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................176Checks, Safety..............................................176Child Restraint..............................................166Child Restraints Booster Seats...........................................168Child Seat Installation..............................174How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt....172Infant And Child Restraints.......................167Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children..169Older Children And Child Restraints.........167Seating Positions......................................169Child Safety Locks...........................................23Clean Air Gasoline.........................................246
CleaningWheels......................................................238Climate Control................................................47Automatic....................................................47Coin Holder......................................................52Cold Weather Operation...................................83Compact Spare Tire......................................236ConsoleFloor............................................................52Contract, Service...........................................252Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............210Cooling System.............................................209Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)......................210Coolant Capacity.......................................248Coolant Level...................................209, 211Disposal Of Used Coolant.........................211Drain, Flush, And Refill.............................209Inspection.................................................211Points To Remember................................211Pressure Cap............................................210Radiator Cap.............................................210Selection Of Coolant
(Antifreeze).........................210, 248, 249Corrosion Protection.....................................242Cruise Control (Speed Control)..................92, 94Cruise Light...............................................77, 78Customer Assistance....................................251Cybersecurity................................................121