2008 CHRYSLER 300 check oil

Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.
Inspect belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or
frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of dam-
age, which could result in belt failure. Also, check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components. See your authorized
dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
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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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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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•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Audio Systems (Radio).................234,252
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 86
Automatic Door Locks...................31,32
Automatic Headlights.................... 131
Automatic Oil Change Indicator..........203,218
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 284
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 445
Automatic Transmission...........307,312,444,445
Adding Fluid......................445,476
Autostick.........................315,318
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 445
Fluid Change......................... 445
Fluid Level Check...................... 444
Fluid Type........................... 476
Gear Ranges.......................307,313Overdrive........................... 309
Shifting..........................307,312
Special Additives...................... 445
Torque Converter...................... 311
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode...........................312,316,317
Autostick...........................315,318
Axle Fluid............................. 476
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 476
Ball Joints............................. 432
Battery............................... 428
Emergency Starting..................... 404
Jump Starting......................... 404
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location..........................405,428
Bearings.............................. 446
Belts, Drive............................ 425
Belts, Seat............................43,79
INDEX 497
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Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 433
B-Pillar Location........................ 340
Brake Assist System...................... 330
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 330
Brake Fluid............................ 476
Brake, Parking.......................... 322
Brake System........................324,441
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 325
Fluid Check.......................443,476
Hoses.............................. 442
Master Cylinder....................... 443
Parking............................. 322
Warning Light.....................205,324
Brakes.............................324,441
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 306
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 137
Bulb Replacement.....................459,460
Bulbs, Light..........................79,459Calibration, Compass..................... 222
Capacities, Fluid........................ 473
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 369
Oil (Engine).......................423,424
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 447
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............78,368
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 372
Catalytic Converter...................... 427
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............234,252
Cellular Phone.....................91,252,253
Certification Label....................... 372
Chains, Tire............................ 353
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 394
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 336
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 418
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 77
498 INDEX

Electrical Power Outlets................... 187
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 330
Electronic Stability Program............... 331
Traction Control System................. 328
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 451
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 331
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 209
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 213
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 41
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 407
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 392
Jacking............................. 394
Jump Starting......................... 404
Overheating.......................... 393
Towing............................. 408
Emergency Trunk Release................... 41Emission Control System Maintenance......418,478
Engine........................76,414,415,416
Air Cleaner.......................... 426
Block Heater......................... 303
Break-In Recommendations................ 76
Checking Oil Level..................421,422
Compartment...................414,415,416
Coolant (Antifreeze).................436,475
Cooling............................. 435
Exhaust Gas Caution..................78,368
Fails to Start.......................... 302
Flooded, Starting...................... 302
Fuel Requirements..................... 365
Jump Starting......................... 404
Multi-Displacement..................... 328
Oil ...........................421,473,475
Oil Change Interval...............203,218,423
Oil Filler Cap......................423,424
Oil Filter............................ 425
INDEX 501
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Oil Filter Disposal...................... 425
Oil Selection.......................423,473
Oil Synthetic......................... 424
Operation............................ 76
Overheating.......................... 393
Starting............................. 299
Temperature Gauge..................... 207
Engine Oil Viscosity...................423,424
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 63
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 366
Event Data Recorder...................... 65
Exhaust Gas Caution................78,368,435
Exhaust System.......................78,434
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 88
Exterior Lighting........................ 130
Exterior Lights.......................... 79
Filler Location Fuel...................... 369Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 426
Air Conditioning....................291,431
Engine Fuel.......................... 426
Engine Oil........................425,475
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 425
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 392
Turn Signal......................79,135,202
Flash-To-Pass........................... 136
Flat Tire Changing....................... 394
Flooded Engine Starting................... 302
Floor Console.......................... 190
Fluid, Brake........................... 476
Fluid Capacities......................... 473
Fluid Leaks............................. 80
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 444
Brake............................... 443
502 INDEX