2004 CHRYSLER 300 M service indicator

If the Sentry Key Immobilizer System indicator light
comes on during normal vehicle operation (it has been
running for longer than 10 seconds) a fault has been
detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Immobilizer System is not compatible with
remote starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security
protection.
•Mobil SpeedPass, additional sentry keys, or any other
transponder equipped components on the same key-
chain willnot
cause a key-related (transponder)
fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting
the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF Elec-
tronics will also not cause interference with this
system.
The Theft Alarm Light, located on top of the instrument
panel, will illuminate for about 3 seconds when the
ignition switch is first turned to the On position. If the
vehicle electronics do not receive a valid signal from theignition key, the theft alarm light will flash continuously
to signal that the vehicle has been immobilized. If the
Theft Alarm Light remains On during vehicle operation,
it indicates a fault in the system electronics.
Important Note about Service
A four digit PIN is needed to service the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System. This number can be obtained by the
dealership. However, this number can also be found on
your customer invoice that you were given upon receipt
of your vehicle. YOU MUST BRING ALL SENTRY KEYS
that are programmed to your vehicle with you when
bringing your vehicle in for service.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will 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,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4

have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The Trip Odometer shows individual trip mileage and is
accessed by pressing the reset button.
20. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or RearDefroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system and should be serviced immedi-
ately. See your local authorized dealer.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
22. ABS Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake system
described elsewhere in this manual. The yellow
ABS light will come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for several
seconds. If the ABS light does not come on have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure that it is
operating properly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the red BRAKE warning light is not on.
116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Sulfur in Gasoline
If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate. The manufac-
turer recommends that you try a different brand ofunleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light is flashing, imme-
diate service is required. See the On Board Diagnos-
tics paragraph in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and
automatic transaxle control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excel-
lent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator or Service Engine
Soon Light. It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be driveable
and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon
as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it “click.”
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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
system isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199
7

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary. See your dealer for
service.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. If the Malfunction Indicator light is flashing,
immediate service is required.
206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cruise...........................72,114
Daytime Running...................... 68
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 68
Dome............................... 74
Door Ajar........................... 114
Exterior Check........................ 48
Fog .............................67,233
Front Replacement.................... 230
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 182
Headlight Switch...................... 66
Headlights........................66,230
High Beam Indicator................... 114
Illuminated Entry...................... 14
Instrument Cluster..................... 65
Interior...........................14,64
Low Fuel........................... 113
Low Washer Fluid..................... 114
Malfunction Indicator............... 115,198
Map Reading......................... 65
Oil Pressure......................... 113
Park.............................66,233
Passing............................. 68
Reading............................. 74Seat Belt Reminder.................... 114
Security Alarm........................ 24
Service Engine Soon................... 198
Side Marker......................... 230
Theft Alarm.......................... 10
Traction Control.................70,113,164
Trunk Ajar.......................... 113
Turn Signal....................... 114,233
Voltage............................. 116
Locks
Cylinder Maintenance.................. 16
Door.............................14,15
Glove Compartment.................... 13
Lubricants............................ 211
Luggage Carrier........................ 179
Luggage Rack......................... 179
Lumbar Support........................ 59
Maintenance Free Battery................. 208
Maintenance Schedule................... 240
Light Duty ScheduleB................ 243
ScheduleA......................... 250
ScheduleB......................... 243
272 INDEX