2008 CHRYSLER 300 brake fluid

5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Coolant Bottle 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Washer Fluid Bottle 416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is notnecessarily 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.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic 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.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Oil Filter (3.5 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Oil Filter (5.7 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Fuel Selection (2.7 Liter) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5 Liter) 87 to 89 Octane
Fuel Selection (5.7 Liter) 87 to 89 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 or equivalent should be used. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Front Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MoparTransfer Case Lubricant LX, P/N 05170055AA, or equivalent.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled
oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of
this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under
“Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Section 3 of this
manual.At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 479
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the rear axle fluid. 18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
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About Your Brakes....................322,324
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 325
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 152
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 437
Adding Fuel........................... 369
Adding Washer Fluid...............141,143,434
Additives, Fuel......................... 367
Adjustable Pedals....................... 147
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 426
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning.....................282,284
Air Conditioning Controls................. 282
Air Conditioning Filter.................291,431
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 292
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System.............282,284,430
Air Pressure, Tires....................210,345
Airbag................................ 52
Airbag Deployment.....................58,62Airbag Light.....................59,64,79,205
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64
Airbag, Side..........................53,60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............53,60
Alarm, Panic............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,209
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 352
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................319,445
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........436,437,473
Disposal............................ 439
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 325
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............204,326
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 209
Appearance Care........................ 446
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
496 INDEX