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

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

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
NOTE:If so equipped, turn on the Traction Control
System to accelerate on slippery surfaces.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Only two ways of towing are approved; front towing and
flat bed towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
If damage to the vehicle prevents towing from the front,
move the vehicle onto a flat bed tow truck.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193
6

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

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
7

•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and rear deck lid be kept
clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches or chips as
soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•Aluminum and chrome wheels should be cleaned
regularly with mild soap and water to prevent corro-
sion. To remove heavy soil, select a non abrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads or metal
polishes. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheels’ protective finish.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
Interior Care
Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use a mild soap and warm water solution to clean vinyl
or leather upholstery. For stubborn stains, use Mopar
Vinyl Cleaner.
Mopar Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
vinyl trim.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

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

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
264 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Headlights.......................... 226
Instrument Panel..................... 226
Seat Belts........................... 227
Vinyl.............................. 225
Washing............................ 224
Waxing............................. 224
Wheels............................. 225
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 212
Climate Control........................ 146
Clock................................ 118
Coat Hook............................. 54
Coin Holder........................... 53
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 145
Compact Disc Player................. 119,124
Compact Spare Tire..................... 169
Compass.......................100,103,104
Compass Calibration.................100,104
Compass Variance...................... 101
Computer, Trip/Travel.................98,102
Console............................... 53
Console, Overhead....................... 74
Contract, Service....................... 258
Cooling System........................ 214Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 215
Coolant Level........................ 217
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 215
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 215
Inspection........................... 214
Points to Remember................... 217
Pressure Cap........................ 216
Radiator Cap........................ 216
Rubber and Plastic Components.......161,218
Selection of Coolant................... 215
Corrosion Protection.................... 223
Courtesy Lights......................... 65
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 207
Cruise Light.........................72,114
Cup Holder............................ 53
Customer Assistance.................... 256
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 65
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 200
Defroster, Windshield..................48,149
Diagnostic System, Onboard............ 115,198
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 68
268 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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