battery CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

TRIP ODOMETER 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 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 that require an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance), this check verifies the MIL is func-
tioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced or recently had a dead battery or had a batteryreplacement. If the OBD II 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 II 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 the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 II system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II
system isready, and you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD IIsystem to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation, you should have your vehicle
serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPARparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPARparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
Battery Location
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

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 imme-
diately 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.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take these steps to protect your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lights.............. W5W
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Light............. 579
Overhead Console Reading Lights............. 578
Visor Vanity Lights.....................A6220
Glove Box Light......................... 194
Door Courtesy.......................... 562
Shift Indicator Light................. JKLE14140
Optional Door Map Pocket / Cupholder
Lighting........ LED(ServicedatAuthorized Dealer)
NOTE:For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass
cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved
and should not be used for replacement.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 30
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Door Locks................... 29,30
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 284
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 414
Automatic Transmission.............305,413,414
Adding Fluid......................414,437
Autostick.........................308,310
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 414
Fluid Change......................... 414
Fluid Level Check...................... 413
FluidType ........................... 437
Shifting ............................. 305
Special Additives...................... 414
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 309,310
Autostick...........................308,310AxleFluid ............................. 437
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 437
BallJoints ............................. 401
Battery............................... 397
Emergency Starting..................... 377
Jump Starting......................... 377
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Location..........................377,397
Bearings.............................. 414
Belts,Drive ............................ 393
Belts, Seat............................ 40,76
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 401
B-Pillar Location........................ 332
Brake Assist System...................... 322
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 320
Brake Fluid............................ 437
Brake, Parking.......................... 315
Brake System........................317,410
INDEX 459
10

Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 347
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 68,69
Lubrication, Body....................... 401
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 397
Maintenance, General..................... 390
Maintenance Procedures................... 390
Maintenance Schedule.................... 440
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 186
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 208,388
Manual, Service......................... 454
Map/Reading Lights..................138,176
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 411
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 126
Memory Seat........................... 126
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 126Methanol............................. 358
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 215
Mirrors ................................ 84
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 86
Electric Remote........................ 86
Exterior Folding........................ 85
Heated.............................. 87
Outside.............................. 85
Vanity ............................... 88
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 347
Mopar Parts.........................389,453
MP3 Player.........................232,251
MTBE/ETBE........................... 358
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 137
Navigation Radio........................ 251
Navigation System....................... 251
INDEX 469
10

Rotation............................. 345
Safety...........................328,336
Sizes ............................... 329
Snow Tires........................... 344
Spinning ............................ 340
Tread Wear Indicators................... 340
To Open Hood.......................... 131
Towing ............................... 367
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 101
Behind a Motor Home.................. 367
Disabled Vehicle....................... 381
Recreational.......................... 367
Towing Assistance....................... 101
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 367
Traction Control......................... 322
TrailerTowing .......................... 367
Transmission........................... 413
Automatic......................301,305,413
Fluid ............................... 437Shifting ............................. 301
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 177
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 20
Transporting Pets........................ 73
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 340
Trip Odometer.......................... 204
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).................... 37,38
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 38
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 37
Turn Signals.........................138,199
UCI Connector......................... 277
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)........... 88,251
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 455
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 277
476 INDEX