automatic transmission CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G User Guide

Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transaxle and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section for correct fluid type. It is impor-
tant that the transmission fluid be maintained at the
prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
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
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
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CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”–Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
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
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified (GF-3). Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Oil Filter MoparOil Filter
Fuel Selection 89 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (front-rear) MoparHypoid Gear Lubricant (SAE 80W-90). Do not use synthetic gear lu-
bricants.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT-3 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door pillar.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
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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, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle 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 automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule “A” 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule “B” 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
242 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 (96 000 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 schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 243
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Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 193
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 215
Engine Oil.......................... 205
Door Ajar............................. 114
Door Ajar Light........................ 114
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................75,80
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 211
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 58
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 191
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 157
With an Automatic Transmission.......... 157
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 55
Electronic Speed Control.................. 71
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 182
Emission Control System Maintenance . 199,207,240Engine
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 206
Block Heater......................... 157
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Cooling.......................... 114,214
Fails to Start......................... 156
Oil ............................. 113,201
Oil Change Interval................... 202
Oil Selection......................... 203
Oil Synthetic......................... 204
Overheating...................... 114,182
Timing Belt.......................... 207
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,214
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights.......................66,230
Filler Location Fuel..................... 113
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 206
Automatic Transaxle................... 223
INDEX 269
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Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 204
System, Navigation..................... 136
Tachometer........................... 113
Tape Player........................... 143
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant...... 114,183
Theft Alarm............................ 23
Theft System........................... 23
Tilt Steering Column..................... 70
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 67
Timing Belt........................... 207
Tires ...........................48,164,263
Air Pressure......................164,165
Alignment.......................... 174
Balancing........................... 174
Chains............................. 170
Changing........................183,184
Flat Changing........................ 183
High Speed......................... 168
Jacking............................. 184
Pressure Label....................... 165
Pressure Monitor System.............89,166
Quality Grading...................... 263Radial............................. 168
Replacement......................... 172
Rotation.........................167,173
Snow Tires.......................... 170
Spare Tire........................... 169
Spinning............................ 170
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 171
To Open Hood.......................... 63
Towing.............................. 179
Disabled Vehicle...................... 193
Trailering........................... 179
Traction Control...................70,113,163
Trailer Towing......................... 179
Transaxle
Additives........................... 223
Automatic........................157,221
Autostick........................... 159
Filter.............................. 223
Operation........................... 158
Selection of Lubricant.................. 221
Transmission
Range Indicator.................... 116,158
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
276 INDEX