2004 CHRYSLER 300 M checking oil

must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident
if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
brake fluid, fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are present, the cause should be corrected
immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7

The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX
markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when
the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX
reading on these engines.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•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)
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
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.
Brake Master CylinderThe fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
7

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:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 241
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Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 193
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 215
Engine Oil.......................... 205
Door Ajar............................. 114
Door Ajar Light........................ 114
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................75,80
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 211
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 58
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 191
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 157
With an Automatic Transmission.......... 157
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 55
Electronic Speed Control.................. 71
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 182
Emission Control System Maintenance . 199,207,240Engine
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 206
Block Heater......................... 157
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Cooling.......................... 114,214
Fails to Start......................... 156
Oil ............................. 113,201
Oil Change Interval................... 202
Oil Selection......................... 203
Oil Synthetic......................... 204
Overheating...................... 114,182
Timing Belt.......................... 207
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,214
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights.......................66,230
Filler Location Fuel..................... 113
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 206
Automatic Transaxle................... 223
INDEX 269
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Malfunction Indicator Light............ 115,199
Manual, Service........................ 261
Memory Feature........................ 60
Memory Seat........................... 21
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 98
Mirrors............................... 54
Automatic Dimming.................... 54
Electric Remote....................... 55
Outside............................. 56
Rearview............................ 54
Vanity.............................. 57
Monitor, Tire Pressure System...........89,166
Mopar Parts........................200,259
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 68
Navigation System...................... 136
Occupant Restraints...................... 27
Odometer............................. 116
Trip ............................... 116
Oil, Engine........................... 201
Change Interval...................... 202
Checking........................... 201Dipstick............................ 201
Disposal............................ 205
Filter.............................. 205
Identification Logo.................... 204
Materials Added to.................... 204
Quality............................. 204
Recommendation..................... 203
Synthetic........................... 204
Onboard Diagnostic System............198,199
Opener, Garage Door...................75,80
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Overhead Console....................74,102
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 102
Overheating, Engine..................... 182
Owner’s Manual......................4,261
Paint Care............................ 223
Paint Damage......................... 223
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 161
Parking On Hill........................ 161
Passing Light........................... 68
Pencil Holder.......................... 53
INDEX 273
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