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

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”–Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Front And Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
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 the inside rear window equipped with electric
defrosters and radio antenna. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
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Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild detergent
with the cup holder in the center console.
NOTE:The cup holder cannot be removed.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
Front Power Distribution Center
A power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment. This center contains fuses and relays.
CAUTION!
•When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
Front Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 20 Amp Yel-
lowLeft High Beam Headlight
2 20 Amp Yel-
lowRight High Beam Headlight
Front Power Distribution Center
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule. Change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (96 000 km) if
the vehicle is usually operated under one or more of the
conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
278 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 281
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Cooling System........................ 252
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 253
Coolant Capacity..................... 275
Coolant Level.....................252,255
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 255
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 252
Inspection........................... 255
Points to Remember................... 255
Pressure Cap........................ 254
Radiator Cap........................ 254
Selection of Coolant.............253,275,276
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 111
Cup Holder........................125,264
Customer Assistance.................... 294
Data Recorder, Event..................... 47
Dealer Service......................... 240
Defroster, Windshield..................57,175
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 104
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 238
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 101
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 255Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage.................... 115
Drive Belts............................ 244
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 91
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 231
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 64
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 123
Electronic Speed Control.................. 111
Electronic Stability Program............... 109
Electronic Vehicle Information Center........ 140
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 232
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 224
Jump Starting........................ 229
Overheating......................... 225
Towing............................. 233
Emission Control System Maintenance....239,278
Engine............................... 237
Air Cleaner.......................... 245
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 244
306 INDEX

Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 34
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 33
Programmable Electronic Features..... 115,119,147
Programming Transmitters............. 115,119
Radial Ply Tires........................ 208
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 254
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 168
Radio Operation.....................151,171
Radio Remote Controls.................. 166
Radio, Satellite......................... 163
Radio (Sound Systems)................... 151
Rain Sensitive Wiper System.............. 103
Rear Park Assist System................... 85
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 93
Reclining Front Seats..................... 88
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 276
Recorder, Event Data..................... 47
Recreational Towing..................... 222
Refrigerant............................ 249
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 33Remote Keyless Entry.................... 19
Remote Sound System Controls............ 166
Remote Trunk Release.................... 26
Replacement Tires...................... 209
Reporting Safety Defects................. 299
Restraint, Head......................... 92
Restraints, Occupant..................... 28
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 232
Rotation, Tires......................... 212
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 57
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 57
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 299
Safety Information, Tire.................. 197
Safety Tips............................. 56
Satellite Radio......................... 163
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 165
Schedule, Maintenance................... 278
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 263
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 33
Seat Belts.............................. 29
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 32
And Pregnant Women.................. 34
312 INDEX

Storing Your Vehicle..................... 268
Sun Roof............................. 120
Sunglass Storage....................... 114
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 35
System, Navigation..................... 166
Tachometer........................... 134
Telescoping Steering Column.............. 106
Temperature Control, Automatic............ 171
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......137,225
Theft Alarm............................ 22
Theft System........................... 22
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 126
Tilt Steering Column.................... 106
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 201
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 200
Tire Markings......................... 197
Tire Safety Information................... 197
TIREFIT.............................. 226
Tires ...........................57,205,301
Air Pressure......................... 205
Alignment.......................... 210
Chains............................. 211General Information................... 205
High Speed......................... 207
Inflation Pressures.................... 206
Load Capacity....................201,202
Quality Grading...................... 301
Radial............................. 208
Replacement......................... 209
Rotation............................ 212
Safety...........................197,205
Sizes............................... 198
Snow Tires.......................... 212
Spinning............................ 208
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 209
Towing
Behind a Motor Home................. 222
Disabled Vehicle...................... 233
Recreational......................... 222
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 222
Traction Control........................ 107
Traction Control Switch.................. 107
Transmission.......................... 259
Automatic........................183,259
Fluid.............................. 276
314 INDEX