check engine light CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2007 1.G User Guide

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). If this occurs, tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn off the message. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in Section 7 of this
manual for more information.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273
7

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant 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.
Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
The windshield washer and the headlight washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is located in
the front of the engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gallon (4 liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285
7

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 operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, 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.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic 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.
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.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
7

Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean, and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, 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 coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
320 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 211
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 289
Adding Fuel.......................... 249
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,106,285
Adjustable Pedals....................... 108
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 279
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 282
Air Conditioning Filter................189,283
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 190
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........282,283
Air Conditioning System..............183,282
Air Pressure, Tires...................141,230
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment.................... 42,44
Airbag Light.................... 43,46,58,137
Airbag Maintenance...................... 45
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 38,43
Alarm (Security Alarm).................. 140
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 15
Alignment and Balance.................. 235
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 179
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........288,289,313
Disposal............................ 290
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......... 211,214
Anti-Lock Warning Light..............137,213
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 15
Anti-Theft System...................... 140
Appearance Care....................... 296
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................. 22,23
Automatic Headlights.................... 95
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 183
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 295
Automatic Transmission............203,294,295
Adding Fluid.....................295,315
Autostick ........................... 207
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 295
Fluid Change........................ 295
Fluid Level Check..................... 294
FluidType .......................... 315
346 INDEX

Shifting............................ 203
Special Additives..................... 295
Autostick ..........................205,207
BallJoints ............................ 284
Battery ............................... 281
Emergency Starting.................... 262
JumpStarting ........................ 262
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 19
Location.........................263,281
Bearings.............................. 295
Belts,Drive ........................... 278
Belts, Seat............................. 30
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 284
B-Pillar Location....................... 225
Brake Assist System..................... 215
Brake Control System, Electronic........... 214
Brake, Parking......................... 210
Brake System....................... 211,292
Anti-Lock (ABS)................... 211,214
Fluid Check......................293,315
Hoses.............................. 292
Master Cylinder...................... 293Parking............................ 210
Warning Light.....................138,211
Brakes............................... 211
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 202
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 55
Bulb Replacement...................... 307
Bulbs,Light ........................... 307
Calibration, Compass.................... 149
Capacities, Fluid....................... 313
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 249
Oil (Engine)......................... 277
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 289
Car Washes........................... 296
Carbon Monoxide Warning............. 56,248
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 181
Catalytic Converter..................... 279
CD (Compact Disc) Player................ 159
Cellular Phone.......................... 66
Chains, Tire........................... 235
Chart,TireSizing ....................... 222
INDEX 347
10

Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 273
Child Restraint................... 47,49,52,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors........... 50,52
Child Safety Locks....................... 23
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 246
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 297
Climate Control........................ 183
Clock ..........................157,160,171
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 182
Compass............................. 149
Compass Calibration.................... 149
Compass Variance...................... 149
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 147
Console.............................. 127
Console, Floor......................... 127
Console, Overhead...................... 115
Contract, Service....................... 340
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 289
Cooling System........................ 287
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 289
Coolant Capacity..................... 313Coolant Level.....................287,290
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 290
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 287
Inspection........................... 290
Points to Remember................... 290
Pressure Cap........................ 289
Radiator Cap........................ 289
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....288,313,314
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 109
CruiseLight ........................... 136
CupHolder ........................126,299
Customer Assistance.................... 338
Data Recorder, Event..................... 46
Daytime Running Lights.................. 98
Dealer Service......................... 274
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 191
Defroster, Windshield.................. 58,187
Delay(Intermittent)Wipers ............... 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 272
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 99
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 290
348 INDEX

Door Locks............................ 21
Door Locks, Automatic................... 22
Door Opener, Garage.................... 116
DriveBelts ............................ 278
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 209
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 174
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 64
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 124
Electronic Brake Control System............ 214
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 216
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 141
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 144
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 265
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 256
JumpStarting ........................ 262
Overheating......................... 256
Towing ............................. 266
Emission Control System Maintenance....273,318
Engine............................... 271Air Cleaner.......................... 279
Block Heater......................... 199
Break-In Recommendations............... 55
Checking Oil Level.................... 275
Compartment........................ 271
Coolant (Antifreeze)................287,314
Cooling ............................ 287
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 56,248
FailstoStart ......................... 197
Flooded, Starting..................... 197
Fuel Requirements.................246,313
Oil ..........................275,313,314
Oil Change Interval................... 276
Oil Filler Cap........................ 277
OilSelection ......................277,313
Overheating......................... 256
Temperature Gauge................... 139
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 45
Ethanol.............................. 247
Event Data Recorder..................... 46
Exhaust Gas Caution............. 56,57,248,286
Exhaust System...................... 56,286
ExteriorFoldingMirrors .................. 64
INDEX 349
10