weight CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 User Guide

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations andnumber and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
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WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
charts that follow. This information should be used for
passenger and luggage loading as indicated.
If the seatbacks are folded for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver's door.
The label contains the following information:
²Name of manufacturer
²Month and year of manufacture
²Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
²Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
²Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
²Type of Vehicle
²Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
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The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
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driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2054 lbs
(932 kg)1805 lbs
(819 kg )
Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)271 lbs
(123 kg)579 lbs
(263 kg)
Total 2325 lbs
(1055 kg)2384 lbs
(1081 kg)
GAWR 2546 lbs
(1155 kg)2708 lbs
(1228 kg)
NOTE:Refer to the Vehicle Certification Label attached
to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR
and GAWRs. This table is only an example.
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TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
32 square feet (2.97 square meters).
²The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
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TRAVEL
CONDI-
TIONMAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT-
(TRAILER FRONTAL AREA NOT TO
EXCEED 32 SQ. FT.)
2.7L EN-
GINE3.5L EN-
GINE5.7L EN-
GINE
UP TO 3
PERSONS
& LUG-
GAGE1000 lbs
(454 kg)2000 lbs
(907 kg)2000 lbs
(907 kg)
UP TO 4
PERSONS
& LUG-
GAGE1000 lbs
(454 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)
UP TO 5
PERSONS
& NO LUG-
GAGE1000 lbs
(454 kg)1000 lbs
(454 kg)1000 lbs
(454 kg)
A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational towing on this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing make sure all 4
wheels are off the ground.
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Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 277
Fuel................................. 250
Adding............................. 254
Additives........................... 253
Clean Air........................... 251
Filler Cap........................... 254
Filter.............................. 296
Gasoline............................ 250
Gauge............................. 145
Hoses.............................. 310
Octane Rating.....................250,333
Requirements.....................250,332
Tank Capacity........................ 332
Fueling.............................. 254
Fuses................................ 315
Garage Door Opener.................... 119
GasCap .............................. 254
Gasoline............................. 250
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 251
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 251
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 143Fuel............................... 145
Speedometer......................... 140
Tachometer.......................... 141
Gear Ranges.......................... 210
General Information.................14,23,247
Glass Cleaning......................... 314
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 257
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 257
Hands-Free Phone....................... 68
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 264
Head Restraints......................... 96
Headlights............................ 324
High Beam.......................... 106
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 106
On With Wipers...................104,107
Passing............................. 106
Switch............................. 103
Time Delay.......................... 104
Heated Seats........................... 92
Heater, Engine Block.................... 209
Holder, Cup........................... 129
Homelink Transmitter................... 119
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Safety...........................228,236
Self-Sealing.......................... 243
Sizes............................... 229
Snow Tires.......................... 249
Spare Tire........................... 268
Spinning............................ 240
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 241
Torque Converter Clutch................. 212
Towing.............................. 259
Disabled Vehicle...................... 278
Recreational......................... 261
Trailering........................... 259
Traction Control........................ 110
Traction Control Switch.................. 110
Trailer Towing......................... 259
Minimum Requirements................ 259
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 259
Transaxle............................. 310
Automatic.......................... 310
Autostick........................... 222
Selection of Lubricant.................. 334
Transmission
Automatic........................209,214Shifting............................ 209
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 119
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 20
Transporting Pets........................ 57
Tread Wear Indicators................... 241
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 144
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 29
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 28
Turn Signals........................105,140
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 358
Universal Joints........................ 301
Universal Transmitter.................... 119
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 250
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 68
Variance, Compass...................... 151
Vehicle Certification Label................ 256
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................233,256,257
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
INDEX 373
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