steering CHRYSLER 300 M 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

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 System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master CylinderThe fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
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CAUTION!
The use of vinyl, leather or plastic protectants may
cause excessive gloss and/or discoloration of interior
trim parts.
Leather Seat Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an
abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking the leather
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners
to clean the leather. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condition.
Wooden Steering Wheel Care — If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with a wood steering wheel,
it is finished with a clear topcoat. Please take care to
avoid scratching the surface with sharp or abrasive
materials.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.XX
Replace the drive belts. X
Replace the power steering fluid. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*‡X
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and fil-
ter.X
SCHEDULE “B” 247
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Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting....................... 46
Power
Distribution Center.................... 228
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet.............................. 105
Seats............................... 57
Steering............................ 163
Steering, Checking.................... 210
Sunroof............................. 86
TrunkLid ............................ 26
Windows............................ 25
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 32
Programmable Electronic Features.....76,79,81,83
Programming Transmitters........20,76,79,81,83
Radial Ply Tires........................ 168
Radiator Cap.......................... 216
Radio.......................... 119,126,132
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 118
Radio Operation.....................143,145
Radio Remote Controls.................. 142
Radio, Satellite......................... 137Rear Seat, Folding....................... 62
Reclining Front Seats..................... 58
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 237
Reformulated Gasoline................... 175
Refrigerant............................ 209
Reminder, Lights On..................... 66
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 18
Remote Trunk Release.................... 26
Replacement Tires...................... 172
Reporting Safety Defects................. 259
Restraint, Head......................... 62
Restraints, Occupant..................... 27
Rotation, Tires......................167,173
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 48
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 48
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 47
Safety Tips............................. 47
Satellite Radio......................... 137
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 139
Schedule, Maintenance................... 240
Scheduled Maintenance.................. 201
274 INDEX

Seat Belt Maintenance................... 227
Seat Belts.........................27,28,48
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 32
Child Restraint........................ 45
Extender............................ 32
Inspection........................... 48
Reminder........................... 114
Seats................................. 57
Cleaning............................ 225
Glide-To-Exit......................... 58
Heated.............................. 59
Lumbar Support....................... 59
Power.............................. 57
Rear Folding......................... 62
Reclining............................ 58
Sentry Key............................. 9
Sentry Key Programming.................. 11
Sentry Key Replacement.................. 10
Service Assistance...................... 256
Service Contract........................ 258
Service Engine Soon Light................ 198
Service Manuals........................ 261
Setting the Clock....................... 118Shoulder Belts.......................... 32
Side Airbag............................ 38
Side View Mirror Adjustment............... 56
Side Window Demisters.................. 150
Signals, Turn........................... 68
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 191
Snow Chains.......................... 170
Snow Tires............................ 170
Spare Tire............................ 169
Spark Plugs........................... 205
Speed Control.......................... 71
Speedometer.......................... 114
Starting.............................. 155
Steering
Linkage............................ 210
Power...........................163,210
Tilt Column.......................... 70
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 142
Stuck, Freeing......................... 192
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 177
Sun Roof............................86,87
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 33
INDEX 275
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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