2005 CHRYSLER 300 check oil

2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the
new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case, join the two halves
of the case together. Install and tighten the screw until
snug. Make sure there is an even ªgapº between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition
switch for unauthorized entry or operation. When the
alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and
visual signals. The horn will pulse, headlights/park
lights will flash, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer
light, located on the instrument panel below the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center buttons will flash, and
the vehicle will not start. If the alarm is triggered and no
action is taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the
horn after three minutes and after 15 minutes of light
only operation the system will then rearm itself.To arm the system:Remove the key from the ignition
switch and either:
1. Press a power door lock switch while the driver's or
passenger's door is open.
2. Press the LOCK button on the keyless entry transmit-
ter.
After the last door is closed, or if all doors are closed, the
system will arm itself in about 16 seconds. During that
time, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light will
flash. If it does not illuminate, the system is not arming.
If you open a door during this arming period, the system
will cancel the arming process. You must repeat one of
the previously described arming sequences to rearm the
system.
To disarm the system:Press the UNLOCK button on the
keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key
and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START posi-
tion will disarm the system. If something has triggered
the system in your absence, the horn will sound three
times when you disarm the system. Check the vehicle for
tampering.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
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 controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the trunk open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
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.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision 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
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
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 tread and sidewall for cuts or
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 fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A continuous chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when there is
approximately 2 gallons (9 liters) of fuel remain-
ing in the tank. This light will remain on until
fuel is added.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to Electronic Vehicle Information Center
for specific messages (only on vehicles equipped with
steering wheel mounted switches).
NOTE:On non-EVIC equipped vehicles the odometer
is located here.
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.7L Engine..........................284
m3.5L Engine..........................285
m5.7L Engine..........................286
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......287
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................288
mReplacement Parts.....................289
mDealer Service........................289
mMaintenance Procedures.................290
NEngine Oil..........................290
NEngine Oil Filter......................295NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................295
NSpark Plugs.........................295
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................295
NFuel Filter..........................296
NCatalytic Converter....................296
NMaintenance-Free Battery................297
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............299
NA/C Air Filter.......................300
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............300
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........301
7

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
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 Ð 2.7L, 3.5L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintainthe 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.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
2.7L, 3.5L Engines
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Checking Oil Level Ð 5.7L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the ªSAFEº range. Adding one quart of oil
when the reading is at the bottom of the ªSAFEº range
will result in an oil level at the top of the ªSAFEº range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
5.7L Engines
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

CAUTION!
Operating the engine with the oil levels below the
safe zone, or operating with oil levels that exceed the
top of the safe zone by 25% may cause engine
damage.
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 see if any apply to you.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-Road or desert operation.
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 ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE