battery CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G User Guide

•Move the fuse slightly right and insert it in the fuse #6
“BAT” location in the fuse block.
•Reinstall the fuse cover.
There may be an additional power outlet, if equipped,
inside and on the back side of the bin below the armrest.
This power outlet is available for accessory power only
and may not be converted to a cigar lighter. The power
outlet is powered continuously by the battery. Accesso-
ries on this outlet are protected by a 15 amp fuse.
106 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the “START” position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the “OFF” position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
For reliable starting at these temperatures, use externally
powered battery and electric engine block heaters that
are available from your dealer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher.................182
If Your Engine Overheats................182
Jacking And Tire Changing...............183
▫Preparations For Jacking................184
▫Jacking And Changing a Tire.............184
▫Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only...........................188
▫Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)......188
Jump-Starting The Battery...............189
Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............191
▫Acceleration.........................191
▫Traction............................192
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................192
Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............193
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Push in the flasher
switch and all front and rear directional signals
will flash. Press the flasher switch a second time to turn
the flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
182 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
axle or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle has a
discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush the contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output that exceeds
12 volts.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment in front
of the tire in the right front fender and is accessible
through the engine compartment. The tire and wheel
need not be removed to gain access to the battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
6

Remote jump starting terminals are located in the
engine compartment.Check the Battery Test Indicator. If a light or bright
colored dot is visible in the indicator, DO NOT jump-start
the battery.
If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, proceed as
follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake,
place automatic transaxle in PARK, and turn ignition to
OFF for both vehicles.
Remote Jump Starting Terminals
190 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

3. Turn off heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
jump start attachment of the booster battery. Connect the
other end of the same cable to the positive jump start
attachment of the discharged battery.5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative jump start
attachment of the booster battery and then to the engine
of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you
have a good contact on the engine.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 191
6

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD
system isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199
7

If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment in front
of the tire in the right front fender and is accessible
through the engine compartment. The tire and wheel
need not be removed to access the battery.
To access the battery:
1. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right.
2. Remove the battery access panel from the inner fender
shield.
3. Remove the air cleaner.
4. Remove the battery tie down bracket.
5. Move the battery into the opening and lift it out.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Battery gas is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Don’t use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output greater than 12 volts.
Don’t allow cable clamps to touch each other.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE