ECU CHRYSLER 300 LX 2005 Owner's Manual

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap), and may result in a
malfunction indicator light on the instrument clus-
ter. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the
fuel system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
NOTE:
²
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
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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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Jack Location
The jack is stowed under an access cover in the trunk.
Follow these steps to access the jack.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to
access the jack.
²Open the trunk.
²Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
²Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 267
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²Remove the spare tire.
²Remove the fastener securing the jack.
Spare Tire Stowage
The spare tire is stowed under an access cover in the
trunk. Follow these steps to access the spare tire.
²Open the trunk.
²Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
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²Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, jack and lug wrench.3. Before raising the vehicle, use lug wrench to carefully
pry off wheel cover (if equipped with steel wheels) or
center cap (if equipped with aluminum wheels).WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with the metal
edges and retention teeth.
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²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator and the front of the A/C
condenser clean.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
²Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
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WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
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8. Pull the appropriate bulb to remove it from the socket.
9. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket, and reattach the
tail light assembly.
10. Close the trunk.
License Lamp
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly and pull the
bulb from the socket.3. Replace the bulb and reinstall the bulb and socket
assembly.
4. Reattach the light to the rear fascia.
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Adding Fuel.......................... 254
Adding Washer Fluid.................108,302
Additives, Fuel........................ 253
Adjustable Pedals....................... 98
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 299
Air Conditioning....................... 194
Air Conditioning Filter................203,300
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 204
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 299
Air Conditioning System................. 194
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 237
Airbag................................ 37
Airbag Deployment....................41,42
Airbag Light....................41,48,58,142
Airbag Maintenance...................... 44
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window......................37,43
Alarm System.......................... 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 242
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 189
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 306
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........304,305,332Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 225
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 24
Appearance Care....................... 311
Auto Down Power Windows............... 26
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 104
Automatic Temperature Control............ 197
Automatic Transaxle..................... 310
Adding Fluid........................ 334
Selection Of Lubricant................. 334
Automatic Transmission............209,214,311
Adding Fluid........................ 311
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 311
Fluid Change........................ 311
Fluid Level Check..................... 310
Gear Ranges......................... 210
Torque Converter..................... 212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 213
Autostick..........................216,222
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Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 59
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 356
Safety Information, Tire.................. 228
Safety Tips............................. 58
Satellite Radio......................... 187
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 189
Schedule, Maintenance................... 336
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 314
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 35
Seat Belts.............................. 30
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 34
And Pregnant Women.................. 36
Child Restraint......................50,55
Extender............................ 36
Front Seat............................ 31
Operating Instructions.................. 31
Reminder........................... 145
Seats................................. 89
Glide-To-Exit......................... 95
Heated.............................. 92
Lumbar Support....................... 91
Power.............................. 89
Rear Folding......................... 97Reclining............................ 90
Security Alarm......................... 24
Selection of Coolant..................... 333
Self-Sealing Tires....................... 243
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 352
Service Contract........................ 354
Service Engine Soon Light................ 146
Service Manuals........................ 356
Setting the Clock..............158,160,166,176
Settings, Personal....................... 154
Shift Speeds........................... 209
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 34
Side Airbag............................ 43
Signals, Turn.......................... 140
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 276
Snow Chains.......................... 248
Snow Tires............................ 249
Spare Tire............................ 268
Spark Plugs........................... 295
Speed Control......................... 115
Speedometer.......................... 140
Starting.............................. 207
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