Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in Section 7 of this
manual for more information.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
If the seatbacks are folded for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.7L Engine Compartment...............329
3.5L Engine Compartment...............330
5.7L Engine Compartment...............331
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......332
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap..................332
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................333
Replacement Parts.....................334
Dealer Service........................334
Maintenance Procedures.................335
▫Engine Oil..........................335
▫Engine Oil Filter......................340▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 340
▫Spark Plugs.........................340
▫lp;&-2qEngine Air Cleaner Filter...........341
▫Fuel Filter..........................341
▫Catalytic Converter....................341
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................343
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............344
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............345
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............346
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........346
▫Steering Linkage......................346
▫Body Lubrication.....................346
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................347
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▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers — If
Equipped...........................347
▫Exhaust System......................348
▫Cooling System.......................349
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......353
▫Fuel System.........................354
▫Brake System........................354
▫Automatic Transmission................356
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....358
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........358
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................359
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders —
300 Models..........................362
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders —
300C And 300 Touring Models............363
Fuses (Power Distribution Centers).........363
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....363▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......366
Vehicle Storage........................370
Replacement Bulbs.....................371
Bulb Replacement......................372
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, And Outer
Park Light – 300 Models................372
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light – 300C.............374
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, And Tail/Stop
Turn Light — 300 Models...............376
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And Backup
Light — 300C Models..................378
▫License Light........................381
Fluids And Capacities...................382
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts......383
▫Engine.............................383
▫Chassis............................384
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
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A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.7L and 5.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multiple Displacement System (MDS).
Refer to “Multi Displacement System” under “Starting
and Operating” for details.
In areas where these grades are not generally available,
higher SAE grades may be used. Lubricants that have
both an SAE grade number and the API Certification
Symbol or ACEA category shown on the container
should be used.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number
should not be used.
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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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
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.
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.7 Liter Engine 18 gal-
lons68 liters
3.5 Liter Engine 18 gal-
lons68 liters
5.7 Liter Engine 19 gal-
lons72 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20,
API Certified)6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30,
API Certified)6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
5.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20,
API Certified)7.0 qts. 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
2.7 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.9.9 qts 9.4 liters
3.5 Liter Engine without All
Wheel Drive (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.11.1 qts 10.5 li-
ters
3.5 Liter Engine with All Wheel
Drive (MoparAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.11.4 qts 10.8 li-
ters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe
Duty II Cooling System (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.14.7 qts 13.9 li-
ters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe
Duty II Cooling System (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.15.1 qts 14.3 li-
ters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
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