maintenance CHRYSLER 300 LX 2006 Owner's Guide

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for
correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
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All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped
The all wheel drive system consists of a Transfer Case,
and Front Differential. The exterior surface of these
components should be inspected for evidence of fluid
leaks. Confirmed leaks should be repaired as soon as
possible.
The transfer case fill plug is located on the rear housing
near the output shaft. The level can be verified by the
service plug in the middle of the rear housing, even with
the bottom of the hole. The front differential fill plug is on
the outer cover near the halfshaft attachment. The level
can be verified by removing the plug and inspecting the
level. The level should be even with or slightly below the
bottom of the hole.
Fluid Changes
The fluid should be changed as follows:
Normal UsageNo Service Required
Severe Usage
Front Differential No Service Required
Transfer Case Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”Severe Usage is defined as:
1. More than 50% of vehicle operation in stop and go
traffic where vehicle is driven regularly for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, such as in heavy city or
in construction zone traffic.
2. Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Front And Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic 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
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hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
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.
Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MoparCar Wash or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
•If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MoparSuper Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
•Use MoparCleaner Wax to remove road film, stains
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
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 materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
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Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning use MoparTotal Clean, a mild
soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove the
belts from the vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders—300
Models
Perform the following steps to clean the center console
cup holders:
•Grab the center of the rubber portion of the cup holder
firmly and lift upward to remove.
•Soak the rubber cup holder liner in a mixture of
medium hot tap water and one teaspoon of mild liquid
dish soap. Let soak for approximately one hour.
•After one hour pull the liner from the water and dip it
back into the water about six times. This will loosen
any remaining debris.
•Rinse the liner thoroughly under warm running water.
Shake the excess water from the liner and dry the
outer surfaces with a clean soft cloth.
•Carefully tuck the front, followed by the rear, then side
edges of the cup holder into the center console.
Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders—
300C and 300 Touring Models
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild detergent
with the cup holder in the center console.
NOTE:The cup holder cannot be removed.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS

Emission Control System Maintenance......350

Maintenance Schedules..................350▫Schedule“B”........................353
▫Schedule“A”........................361
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
NOTE:
•
For 2.7L engines with Federal Certified Emission Con-
trol Systems, and all 6.1L engines, follow Schedule“A”
from 0 to 102,000 miles, or Schedule“B”from 0 to
105,000 miles.
•For 2.7L engines with California Certified Emission
Control Systems, and all 3.5L and 5.7L engines follow
Schedule“A”
or“B”from 0 to 120,000 miles.
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B.”It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule“B”in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule“B”in this
section.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A.”It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 351
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
352 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow Schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated
under one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule“B”in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule“B”in this
section.
SCHEDULE“B”353
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*XXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Replace thespark plugs.5.7L Engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months,
if not replaced at 102,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
360 SCHEDULE“B”
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