maintenance CHRYSLER 300 2021 Repair Manual

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

242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more
than 3 weeks, you may want to take these steps to
protect your battery.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (e.g., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri
-
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
d a

mage when the system is started again.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
A
GENTS
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice and those
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during
other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in
your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your
vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold
weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection. The following maintenance recommendations will
e
n

able you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
Stone and gravel impact.
Insects, tree sap and tar.
Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
BODY AND UNDERBODY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights
and fog lights that are lighter and less susceptible
to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
t h

erefore different lens cleaning procedures must
be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses
a n

d reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry
cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap
solution followed by rinsing. Do not use abrasive cleaning components,
s
ol

vents, steel wool or other aggressive material to
clean the lenses.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Washing
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your
vehicle in the shade using Mopar® Car Wash, or
a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels
completely with water.
If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, use Mopar®
Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover to remove.
Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar®
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to
protect your paint finish. Use care to never the
scratch the paint.
Avoid using abrasive compounds and power
buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out
the paint finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning mate -
rials such as steel wool or scouring powder
t h
at will scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8,274 kPa) can result in damage or removal
of
paint and decals.

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

244 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster
Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this
vehicle are molded in clear plastic. When cleaning
the lenses, care must be taken to avoid scratching
the plastic.
Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution
ma

y be used, but do not use high alcohol content
or abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean
with a clean damp cloth. Dry with a soft cloth.
LEATHER SURFACES
Mopar® Total Clean is specifically recommended
for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by
re
gular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small
particles of dirt can act as an abrasive and damage
the leather upholstery and should be removed
promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils can be
removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar® Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not
use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery.
NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to
s h
ow any foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye
transfer more so than darker colors. The leather is
designed for easy cleaning, and FCA recommends
Mopar® total care leather cleaner applied on a
cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.
GLASS SURFACES
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular
basis with Mopar® Glass Cleaner, or any
commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never
use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped with
electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio
antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp
instruments that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner
on

the towel or cloth that you are using. Do not
spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or
Ketone based cleaning products to clean leather
seats, as damage to the seat may result.

251
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE
FOR YOUR VEHICLE
PREPARE FOR THE APPOINTMENT
All work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty. Discuss additional charges with the
service manager. Keep a maintenance log of your
vehicle's service history. This can often provide a
clue to the current problem.
PREPARE A LIST
Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an
accident or work done that is not on your
maintenance log, let the service advisor know.
BE REASONABLE WITH REQUESTS
If you list a number of items and you must have
your vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the
situation with the service advisor and list the items
in order of priority. At many authorized dealers, you
may obtain a rental vehicle (additional charges
may apply). If you need a rental, it is advisable to
make these arrangements when you call for an
appointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
FCA US LLC and its authorized dealers are vitally
interested in your satisfaction. We want you to be
happy with our products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized
de

aler. We strongly recommend that you take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer. They know your
vehicle the best, and are most concerned that you
get prompt and high quality service. FCA US LLC’s
authorized dealers have the facilities,
factory-trained technicians, special tools, and the
latest information to ensure the vehicle is fixed
correctly and in a timely manner.

This is why you should always talk to an authorized
d e

aler’s service manager first. If for some reason
you are still not satisfied, talk to the general
manager or owner of the authorized dealer. They
want to know if you need assistance. If an authorized
dealer is unable to resolve the concern, you may
contact FCA US LLC's Customer Assistance center.

Any communication to FCA US LLC's customer
c e

nter should include the following information:
Owner's name and address
Owner's telephone number (home, mobile, and
office)
Authorized dealer name
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle delivery date and mileage
FCA U S LLC CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 21–8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321–8004
Phone: (800) 247-9753
FCA CANADA INC. CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: (800) 465-2001 English / (800) 387-9983
Fr

ench
MEXICO
Av. Prolongacion Paseo de la Reforma, 1240
Sante Fe C.P. 05109
Mexico, D. F.
In Mexico City: 800-505-1300
Outside Mexico City: +(52)55 50817568
10

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

257
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................41Dealer Service...............................................202Deck Lid
Power Release............................................60Defroster, Windshield....................................177Diagnostic System, Onboard...........................79Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................41DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................201Disable Vehicle Towing..................................193DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................211Door Ajar..........................................................73Door Ajar Light.................................................73Door LocksAutomatic....................................................22Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors....23Doors...............................................................19Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.....................................27DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
.....................................120
E
Electric Brake Control System.......................138Anti-Lock Brake System.............................137Electronic Roll Mitigation.................138, 142
Electric Remote Mirrors...................................35

Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)...214
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........93Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..................139Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........73Emergency Gas Can Refueling......................189Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck.....................192Hazard Warning Flasher...........................179Jacking.....................................................182Jump Starting..................................186, 187Towing......................................................193Emission Control System Maintenance...........79Engine..................................................199, 200Air Cleaner................................................203Block Heater................................................84Break-In Recommendations........................84Checking Oil Level....................................201Compartment..................................199, 200Compartment Identification......................199Coolant (Antifreeze).........................209, 249Cooling.....................................................209Exhaust Gas Caution................................178Fails To Start...............................................83Flooded, Starting.........................................83Fuel Requirements...................................246Jump Starting..................................186, 187Oil...........................................202, 248, 249Oil Filler Cap.............................................199Oil Filter....................................................203
Oil Selection....................................202, 248
Oil Synthetic..............................................203Overheating..............................................190Starting........................................................81Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................164, 194Ethanol..........................................................247Exhaust Gas Cautions...................................178Exhaust System...................................178, 208Exterior Lighting...............................................40Exterior Lights........................................40, 178
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................203Air Conditioning.................................50, 204Engine Oil........................................203, 249Engine Oil Disposal...................................203Flashers........................................................179Hazard Warning........................................179Turn Signals................................43, 78, 178Flash-To-Pass...................................................41Flooded Engine Starting...................................83Floor Console...................................................52Fluid Capacities............................................248Fluid Leaks....................................................178Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................212Cooling System.........................................209Engine Oil.................................................201
Transfer Case...........................................213
11

259
Keyless Enter 'n Go™................................20, 81Enter The Trunk...........................................13Passive Entry...............................................20Passive Entry Programming.........................20Keys.................................................................12Replacement...............................................14
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................43Lane Change Assist.........................................43LaneSense....................................................108Lap/Shoulder Belts.......................................153Latches..........................................................178Hood...........................................................59Lead Free Gasoline........................................246Leaks, Fluid...................................................178Life Of Tires...................................................234Light Bulbs...........................................178, 221Lights.............................................................178Air Bag.......................................72, 158, 176Automatic Headlights..................................41Brake Assist Warning................................140Brake Warning...................................72, 245Bulb Replacement.....................................221Cruise...................................................77, 78Daytime Running.........................................41Dimmer Switch, Headlight....................40, 41Engine Temperature Warning......................73Exterior......................................................178
Fog..............................................................42Hazard Warning Flasher...........................179Headlight Switch..........................................40Headlights...................................40, 42, 222Headlights On With Wipers..........................42High Beam...................................................41High Beam/Low Beam Select......................41Instrument Cluster.......................................40Intensity Control..........................................44Interior.........................................................43License.....................................................224Lights On Reminder.....................................42Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)..........75Map.............................................................43Park......................................................41, 78Passing........................................................41Reading.......................................................43Seat Belt Reminder.....................................73Security Alarm.............................................74Service.....................................................221Traction Control........................................140Turn Signals.........................40, 43, 78, 178Vanity Mirror................................................34Warning Instrument Cluster
Descriptions.....................................73, 78Load Leveling System......................................63Load Shed Battery Saver On............................70Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction..............70
Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor...............70Loading Vehicle.............................................113Capacities.................................................113Tires..........................................................229Locks Auto Unlock.................................................22Automatic Door............................................22Child Protection...........................................23Power Door..................................................20Low Tire Pressure System.............................148Lubrication, Body..........................................206Lug Nuts........................................................245
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................201Maintenance Schedule........................195, 196Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).....75ManualPark Release............................................190Service......................................................253Media Hub.......................................................53Memory Feature (Memory Seats).....................27Memory Seat....................................................27Memory Seats And Radio.................................27Methanol.......................................................247Mirrors.............................................................34Electric Powered..........................................35Electric Remote...........................................35Heated.........................................................36
11

261
Remote Keyless Entry
Arm The Alarm.............................................18Unlatch The Trunk.......................................13Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode..............................17Uconnect Customer Programmable
Features..................................................17Uconnect Settings.......................................17Remote Trunk Release....................................60Replacement Bulbs.......................................221Replacement Keys...........................................14Replacement Tires.........................................235Reporting Safety Defects...............................253Restraints, Child............................................166Restraints, Head.......................................32, 33Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.........................192Rotation, Tires...............................................240
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle.........................176Safety Checks Outside Vehicle......................177Safety Defects, Reporting..............................253Safety Information, Tire.................................225Safety Tips.....................................................176Safety, Exhaust Gas.......................................178Schedule, Maintenance.......................195, 196Seat Belt Reminder.........................................73Seat Belts............................................152, 176Adjustable Shoulder Belt...........................156
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage......156
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt
Anchorage............................................156Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)...........157Child Restraints........................................166Energy Management Feature...................157Extender...................................................156Front Seat...............................152, 153, 155Inspection.................................................176Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation....................155Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................155Lap/Shoulder Belts..................................153Operating Instructions..............................155Pregnant Women......................................157Pretensioners...........................................157Rear Seat.................................................153Reminder..................................................152Seat Belt Extender....................................156Seat Belt Pretensioner.............................157Untwisting Procedure...............................155Seat Belts Maintenance...............................243Seats.................................................27, 29, 30Adjustment...........................................27, 29Easy Entry....................................................30Head Restraints....................................32, 33Heated.........................................................30Height Adjustment.......................................28Power..........................................................28Rear Folding................................................27Seatback Release.......................................27
Tilting....................................................27, 28
Vented.........................................................31Ventilated....................................................31Security Alarm...........................................18, 74Arm The System...........................................18Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..................249Sentry Key (Immobilizer)..................................14Sentry Key Replacement..................................14Service Assistance........................................251Service Contract............................................252Service Manuals...........................................253Shifting.............................................................85Automatic Transmission.......................85, 87Shoulder Belts..............................................153Side View Mirror Adjustment............................35Signals, Turn...................................43, 78, 178Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................239Snow Tires....................................................236Spare Tires..................................183, 236, 237Spark Plugs...................................................249Specifications Fuel (Gasoline)..........................................249Oil.............................................................249Speed ControlAccel/Decel.................................................93Accel/Decel (ACC Only)................................97Cancel..........................................................94Resume.......................................................94Set...............................................................93Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........92, 93, 94
Sport Mode......................................................91
11