2004 CHRYSLER 300 M engine

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys................. 9
▫Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer — If Equipped . 9
▫Ignition Key Removal...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................12
▫Floor Shift Ignition Interlock System.........13
Glove Compartment Lock.................13
Illuminated Entry System.................14
Door Locks...........................14
▫Power Door Locks.....................14
▫Central Locking Feature — If Equipped......15
▫“Child-Protection” Lock System (Rear Doors) . .16
▫Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks............16▫Automatic Unlock On Exit (Only Available If
Automatic Door Locks Enabled)............18
Remote Keyless Entry....................18
▫To Unlock The Doors...................19
▫Enable/Disable Lamp Flash...............19
▫To Lock The Doors.....................19
▫Enable/Disable Horn Chirp...............19
▫To Unlock The Trunk....................19
▫Enable/Disable Trunk Press And Hold.......20
▫Panic Alarm..........................20
▫To Use The Panic Alarm.................20
▫To Program Additional Transmitters.........20
2

▫Transmitter Linked To Memory Programming . .21
▫General Information....................22
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............23
Security Alarm System...................23
▫To Set The Alarm......................24
▫To Disarm The System...................24
▫Security System Manual Override...........25
Power Windows........................25
Remote Trunk Lid Release................26
Trunk Safety Warning....................26
▫Trunk Emergency Release................27
Occupant Restraints.....................27▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................28
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
▫Seat Belt Extender......................32
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............33
▫Child Restraint........................40
Engine Break-In Recommendations..........47
Safety Tips............................47
▫Exhaust Gas..........................47
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................48
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................48
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys only from your dealer.
Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a
safe place.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer — If Equipped
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine down after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys thathave been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle for more than the two second
validation time period.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Sentry Key
Indicator light, located on the instrument panel upper
cover, will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the
bulb remains on solid, this indicates a problem with the
electronics. If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check,
this indicates that an invalid key has been used to start
the vehicle or there is a communication failure between
the transponder and the Sentry Key Immobilizer module.
Both of these lamp conditions will result in the engine
being shut down after 2 seconds of running. Keep in
mind that a key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition for that vehicle. All of the keys provided with
your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2

Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is DL 2016 or its
equivalent.
•Pry the transmitter halves apart with a dime or similar
object. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket
during removal.
•Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
•Reassemble the transmitter case. Snap the halves to-
gether and test transmitter operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The system monitors the doors, trunk key cylinder, and
ignition for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
up to 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the foglights, park and tail lights and the SET
light will flash. The horn will stop and if the source of the
trigger is still present, the lights will continue to flash for
another 15 minutes.
NOTE:The engine will not start until you disarm the
system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.
Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

Automatic system off, turn the headlight switch clock-
wise, to the off position.
The engine must be running before the headlights will
come on in the automatic mode.
NOTE:The Automatic Headlight System will turn on
the headlights if it detects that the windshield wipers
have been in operation for more than 10 seconds.
NOTE:Your 300M Special vehicle may be equipped
with high intensity headlights (HID). When first turned
on these lights take on a blue hue for about 15 seconds
after which they brighten to a clear light.
Headlight Time Delay
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for about 90 seconds when leaving your vehicle in an
unlighted area. For vehicles equipped with Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), this is customer pro-
grammable to Off, 30, 60, or 90 seconds. (See the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) section of this
manual.)To activate the delay, turn off the ignition while the
headlights are still on. Then turn off the headlights within
45 seconds. The delay interval begins when the ignition is
turned off.
If the headlights are turned off before the ignition, they
will go off in the normal manner.
Battery Saver Feature
If an exterior light is left on when the ignition switch is
moved to the Off position, it will automatically turn off
after 10 minutes. Normal operation will resume when the
ignition is turned On or when the headlight switch is
turned to another position.
Fog Lights
Turn the headlight switch to any ON position,
then pull out the headlight switch knob to turn on
the fog lights. A light near the switch will illumi-
nate to show that the Fog Lights are On.
NOTE:Turning on the high beam headlights will turn
off the fog lights. Fog light operation will resume when
the high beams are turned off and the lights return to the
low beam, parking light, or automatic positions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
3

To Activate:
Push the ON/OFF button to turn the system ON. The
CRUISE light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
when the system is ON.
NOTE:You must press the ON/OFF button to activate
the system each time the engine is started.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you are not using it.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, and the
system is activated, press and release the SET button.
Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the
selected speed.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button or normal brake pressure while slowing the
vehicle will deactivate the speed control without erasing
the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning off
the ignition turns the speed control system off and erases
the memory.
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE