checking oil CHRYSLER 300 LX 2006 Owners Manual

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level—2.7L, 3.5L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart (.9L) of oil when the reading
is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level—5.7L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the“SAFE”range. Adding one quart (.9L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the“SAFE”
range will result in an oil level at the top of the“SAFE”
range on these engines.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
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Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
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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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Hazard Warning Flasher................ 274
Jacking............................. 275
Jump Starting........................ 282
Overheating......................... 274
Towing............................. 286
Emission Control System Maintenance....296,350
Engine.........................292,293,294
Air Cleaner.......................... 304
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 304
Block Heater......................... 210
Break-In Recommendations............... 60
Checking Oil Level.................298,299
Compartment..................292,293,294
Coolant (Antifreeze)................312,346
Cooling............................ 312
Exhaust Gas Caution................60,256
Fails to Start......................... 209
Fuel Requirements.................253,344
Oil ..........................298,344,346
Oil Change Interval................... 300
Oil Selection......................300,344
Oil Synthetic......................... 302
Overheating......................... 274Temperature Gauge................... 146
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 50
Event Data Recorder..................... 51
Exhaust Gas Caution...............60,256,311
Exhaust System........................ 311
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 304
Air Conditioning..................202,308
Engine Fuel......................... 304
Engine Oil.......................303,346
Engine Oil Disposal................... 302
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 274
Turn Signal.......................... 143
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 106
Flat Tire Changing...................... 275
Floor Console.......................... 135
Fluid Capacities........................ 344
Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 318
INDEX 377
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Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 56
Lubrication, Body....................... 309
Lumbar Support........................ 92
Maintenance Free Battery................. 306
Maintenance Procedures.................. 298
Maintenance Schedule................... 350
Schedule“A”........................ 361
Schedule“B”........................ 353
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................149,296
Manual, Service........................ 369
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 95
Memory Seat........................... 95
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 95
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 153
Mirrors............................... 67
Automatic Dimming.................... 67
Electric Remote....................... 69
Exterior Folding....................... 68
Heated.............................. 69
Outside............................. 68Rearview............................ 67
Vanity.............................. 70
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 230
Mopar Parts........................297,368
Multi-Displacement Engine System.......... 229
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 102
Navigation System...................... 188
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 60
Occupant Restraints...................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 253
Oil, Engine.........................298,346
Capacity............................ 344
Change Interval...................... 300
Checking........................298,299
Disposal............................ 302
Filter...........................303,346
Filter Disposal....................... 302
Identification Logo.................... 301
Materials Added to.................... 302
Recommendation..................300,344
INDEX 381
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