2006 CHRYSLER 300 SRT power steering

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures....................183
▫Normal Starting......................183

Transmission Shifting...................185
▫5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........185
▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................190

AutoStick............................192
▫AutoStick Operation...................192
▫AutoStick General Information............193

Parking Brake.........................194

Brake System.........................195
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................195

Power Steering........................198

Tire Safety Information..................199
▫Tire Markings........................199
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........203
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........204

Tires—General Information...............208
▫Tire Pressure.........................208
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................209
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................211
▫Tire Spinning........................211
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................212
▫Life Of Tire.........................212
5

WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

6.1L Engine..........................243

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......244

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................245

Replacement Parts.....................246

Dealer Service........................246

Maintenance Procedures.................247
▫Engine Oil..........................247
▫Engine Oil Filter......................250
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................250
▫Spark Plugs.........................250▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................251
▫Fuel Filter..........................251
▫Catalytic Converter....................251
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................253
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............254
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............255
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............255
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........256
▫Steering Linkage......................256
▫Body Lubrication.....................256
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................256
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
7

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 Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7

Rear Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 60 Amp Clear Ignition Off Draw
2 40 Amp Green Battery
3— —
4 40 Amp Green Battery
5 30 Amp Pink Heated Seat/Steering Col-
umn
6 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
7— —
8 15 Amp Dk. Blue Ignition Start/Run - Start
9 20 Amp Yellow Console Power Outlet
10 10 Amp Red Rear Fog Lamp — If
Equipped
11 25 Amp C/BRKR Memory Module/Door
Locks
12 25 Amp C/BRKR Passenger Power Seat
13 30 Amp C/BRKR Door Module Run/Acc/
Delay
14 10 Amp Red Sentry Key/Remote Key-
less Entry/Cluster
Cavity Fuse Circuits
15 — —
16 — —
17 — —
18 20 Amp Yellow Selectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp Red Stop Lamp
20 — —
21 — —
22 — —
23 — —
24 — —
25 — —
26 — —
27 10 Amp Red Airbag/Occupant Classifi-
cation Module
28 10 Amp Red Curtain Airbag - if
equipped
29 5 Amp Orange Sentry Key/Remote Key-
less Entry/Powertrain
Control Module Ignition
Feed
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273
7

Cavity Fuse Circuits
30 10 Amp Red Steering Column Module/
Power Mirrors
31 — —
32 — —
33 — —
34 — —
35 5 Amp Orange Power Antenna/Garage
Door Opener/Ignition De-
lay
36 20 Amp Yellow Radio/Navigation
37 15 Amp Dk. Blue Transmission
38 5 Amp Orange Analog Clock/Garage
Door OpenerCavity Fuse Circuits
39 10 Amp Red Heated Mirror
40 5 Amp Orange Power Mirror
41 10 Amp Red Climate Control Module/
Headlamp Leveling — if
equipped/Rear Park As-
sist
42 30 Amp Pink Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) Blower Mo-
tor
43 30 Amp Pink Rear Defroster
44 20 Amp Lt. Blue Audio Amplifier
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE