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

WARNING!
The 300M Special is equipped with tires that are
optimized for driving in dry and wet weather con-
ditions. However, these tires have reduced traction
capability in snow and ice. When driving a 300M
Special in these conditions with these tires, you must
take special care to maintain control and avoid
accidents. We recommend that you equip your ve-
hicle with “SNOW” or “ALL SEASON” tires on all
four wheels for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
It is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. “SNOW”
tires may have lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum
vehicle speed. Do not use tires or wheels other than
the size recommended by the manufacturer for this
vehicle.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
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These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replace-
ment is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indica-
tors). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire
size listed on your vehicle’s tire label located on
the driver’s door. Using a smaller tire could result
in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like under
inflation, overloading can cause tire failure. Use
tires of the recommended load capacity for your
vehicle and never overload them.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall
of the tire.
The required rotation method for directional tires is to
swap the front tire with the rear on the same side of the
vehicle. Do not cross switch tires without dismounting
the tires and re-mounting them in the correct rotational
direction.Alignment And Balance
The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed to obtain full tire
tread mileage.
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•fast tire wear;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vehicle vibration may be a result of tire and wheel
out-of-balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration
and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
300M Special Only
174 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
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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

Preparations For Jacking
•
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers and park the
vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery
areas.
•Put the gear shift in PARK (Automatic transmission)
or REVERSE (Manual Transmission).
•Set the parking brake and turn off the engine.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, scissors, jack and lug wrench.
184 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove the flat tire
and install the spare tire.
6. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and
tire. Remove the cover by hand, do not pry off.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Death or serious injury can occur if magnetically
sensitive devices are exposed to this magnet. Mag-
nets can affect pacemakers.
7. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, see the wheel cover installation instruc-
tions. Do not attempt to install a wheel cover on a
compact spare.
8. Tighten all the lug nuts on the mounting studs.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
10. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135N. m).
11. Store the flat tire, jack and tools.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187
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Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only
•
Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
•Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
•This tire is designed as an emergency spare only-do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)
1. Tighten the two lug nuts on the mounting studs on
each side of the stud which is in alignment with the valve
stem.
2. Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with the
valve stem on the wheel.
3. Install the cover by hand, snapping the cover over the
two lug nuts. Do not use a hammer or excessive force to
install the cover.
4. Return to Changing a Tire Section, Item #8 above.
188 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
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