steering CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2005 1.G Owner's Guide

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

6.1L Engine..........................237

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......238

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................239

Replacement Parts.....................240

Dealer Service........................240

Maintenance Procedures.................241
▫Engine Oil..........................241
▫Engine Oil Filter......................243
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................244
▫Spark Plugs.........................244▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................244
▫Fuel Filter..........................245
▫Catalytic Converter....................245
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................247
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............248
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............249
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............249
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........250
▫Steering Linkage......................250
▫Body Lubrication.....................250
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................250
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249
7

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing otherunderhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality MoparLock Cylinder Lubri-
cant or equivalent directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this 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 Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7

Cavity Fuse Circuits
4 40 Amp Green Battery
5 30 Amp Pink Heated Seat/Steering
Column
6 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
7— —
8 15 Amp Dk.
BlueIgnition Start/Run - Start
9 20 Amp Yellow Console Power Outlet
10 10 Amp Red Rear Fog Lamp — If
Equipped
11 25 Amp
C/BRKRMemory Module/Door
Locks
12 25 Amp
C/BRKRPassenger Power Seat
13 30 Amp
C/BRKRDoor Module Run/Acc/
Delay
14 10 Amp Red Sentry Key/Remote Key-
less Entry/Cluster
15 — —
16 — —
17 — —Cavity Fuse Circuits
18 20 Amp Yellow Selectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp Red Stop Lamp
20 — —
21 — —
22 — —
23 — —
24 — —
25 — —
26 — —
27 10 Amp Red Airbag/Occupant Classi-
fication Module
28 10 Amp Red Curtain Airbag - if
equipped
29 5 Amp Orange Sentry Key/Remote Key-
less Entry/Powertrain
Control Module Ignition
Feed
30 10 Amp Red Steering Column
Module/Power Mirrors
31 — —
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
7

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND
GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (6.1 Liter) Use API rated SL/CF full synthetic engine oil. SAE 0W-40 is recommended.
Refer to the engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10725.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Oil Filter (6.1 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Fuel Selection (6.1 Liter) Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 or equivalent should be used. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Rear Axle API rated GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.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
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt
and tensioner. Replace if required.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*‡X
Change the power steering fluid. X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months
if not done at 102,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
SCHEDULE “B” 285
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Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................... 241
Compartment........................ 237
Coolant (Antifreeze)................252,276
Cooling............................ 252
Exhaust Gas Caution................56,217
Fails to Start......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................214,275
Oil ..........................241,275,276
Oil Change Interval................... 242
Oil Selection......................242,275
Overheating......................... 225
Temperature Gauge................... 137
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 243
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 243
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...............56,217,251
Exhaust System........................ 251
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 64
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 244Air Conditioning..................177,249
Engine Fuel......................... 245
Engine Oil.......................243,276
Engine Oil Disposal................... 243
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 224
Turn Signal.......................... 134
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 101
Floor Console.......................... 126
Fluid Capacities........................ 275
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 258
Cooling System....................... 252
Engine Oil.......................... 241
Power Steering....................... 249
Fluids............................... 276
Fog Lights.........................101,134
Folding Rear Seat....................... 93
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 232
Fuel................................. 214
Adding............................. 218
Additives........................... 216
INDEX 307
10

Multi-Function Control Lever............... 99
Navigation System...................... 166
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 56
Occupant Restraints...................... 28
Oil, Engine.........................241,276
Capacity............................ 275
Change Interval...................... 242
Checking........................... 241
Disposal............................ 243
Filter...........................243,276
Filter Disposal....................... 243
Materials Added to.................... 243
Recommendation..................242,275
Viscosity............................ 275
Onboard Diagnostic System............238,239
Opener, Garage Door.................... 115
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 114
Overheating, Engine..................137,225
Owner’s Manual......................4,299Panic Alarm........................... 20
Park Assist System, Rear.................. 85
Parking Brake......................... 191
Parking On Hill........................ 192
Passing Light.......................... 101
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 94
Personal Settings....................... 147
Pets.................................. 55
Phone, Cellular......................... 66
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 66
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 201
Power
Brakes............................. 193
Distribution Center.................... 264
Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 64
Outlet.............................. 123
Seats............................... 87
Steering............................ 196
Steering, Checking.................... 249
Sunroof............................ 120
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 106
Windows............................ 23
INDEX 311
10

Child Restraint......................49,54
Extender............................ 34
Front Seat............................ 29
Operating Instructions.................. 29
Pretensioners......................... 33
Reminder........................... 138
Seats................................. 87
Glide-To-Exit......................... 91
Heated.............................. 88
Lumbar Support....................... 88
Power.............................. 87
Rear Folding......................... 93
Reclining............................ 88
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 22
Selection of Coolant..................253,276
Selection of Oil........................ 242
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 294
Service Contract........................ 296
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 139
Service Manuals........................ 299
Setting the Clock....................151,152Settings, Personal....................... 147
Shift Speeds........................... 183
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 32
Side Airbag............................ 44
Signals, Turn.......................... 134
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 231
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 211
Snow Tires............................ 212
Spark Plugs........................... 244
Speed Control......................... 111
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 181
Engine Fails to Start................... 182
Starting and Operating................... 181
Steering
Linkage............................ 250
Power...........................196,249
Tilt Column......................... 106
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 106
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 166
Storage...........................126,268
Storage, Vehicle.....................177,268
INDEX 313
10