2008 CHRYSLER 300 maintenance

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
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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
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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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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect the transfer case fluid — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing.48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.7L and 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
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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
Replace the timing belt on 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.7L engines. 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483
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SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you’re having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty, discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle’s
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle’s problems or the
specific work you want done. If you’ve had an accident,
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items, and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many dealers, you may obtain a rental vehicle at a
minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it is advisable
to make these arrangements when you call for an ap-
pointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its dealers are vitally interested in
your satisfaction. We want you to be happy with our
products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized
Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. We strongly recommend
that you take your vehicle to your selling dealer. They
know you and your vehicle best, and are most concerned
that you get prompt and high quality service. The
manufacturer’s dealers have the facilities, factory-trained
486 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

•Diagnostic Procedure Manuals.
Filled with diagrams, charts and detailed illustrations,
these practical manuals make it easy for students and
technicians to find and fix problems on computer-
controlled vehicle systems and features. They show
exactly how to find and correct problems the first time,
using step-by-step troubleshooting and driveability
procedures, proven diagnostic tests and a complete list
of all tools and equipment.
•Owner’s Manuals.
These manuals have been prepared with the assistance
of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with specific Chrysler group vehicles. Included are
starting, operating, emergency and maintenance pro-
cedures as well as specifications, capabilities and
safety tips.Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 491
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