2008 CHRYSLER 300 Engine

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............52
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR)...............65
▫Child Restraint........................67

Engine Break-In Recommendations...........76

Safety Tips............................77
▫Transporting Passengers.................77▫Lock Your Vehicle......................77
▫Exhaust Gas..........................78
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................79
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................79
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the selector lever in “P” (Park). Turn the key to the
LOCK position and then remove the key.
NOTE:
•For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power windowswitches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 60 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
The time for this feature is programmable. For details,
refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Fob with Integrated
Key and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent unau-
thorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only Fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two (2) seconds if someone uses an invalid Fob to start
the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for
three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid Fob to start the engine. Either of these condi-
tions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2)
seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
•The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.
•Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Fobs, or any
other transponder-equipped components on the same
key chain willnotcause a fault unless the additional
part isphysically held against the Fobbeing used tostart the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only Fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter fails to
operate from a normal distance, check for these two
conditions.
1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of
the battery is a minimum of three years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter to start the engine conveniently from outside the
vehicle while still maintaining security. The system has a
targeted range of 328 ft. (100 m).
NOTE:The vehicle must be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
•Gear selector lever in “P” (Park).
•Doors closed.
•Hood closed.
•Trunk closed.
•Hazard switch off.
•Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed).
•Ignition key removed from ignition switch.
•Battery at an acceptable charge level.
•RKE Panic button not pressed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
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To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the Remote Start button on
the RKE transmitter twice within 5 seconds.
The parking lights will flash and horn will
honk twice (if programmed). Then, the engine
will start and the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start
mode for a 15-minute cycle.
NOTE:
•The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
•For security, power window and power sunroof op-
eration (if so equipped) is disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.
•The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON position
before you can repeat the start sequence for a third
cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode without Driving the
Vehicle
Allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode & Drive the Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if
equipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15-minute cycle,
insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch
to the ON position.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON position
in order to drive the vehicle.
To Turn Off the Engine While in Remote Start
Mode
Press and release the remote start button one time.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)
If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their
seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other occu-
pants to buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is
triggered, the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert)
will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Reminder
Light for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is
buckled. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will
be reactivated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for
more than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h).
BeltAlertProgramming
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
performing the following steps:NOTE:DaimlerChrysler does not recommend deacti-
vating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert).
1. With all doors closed, and the ignition switch in any
position except ON or START, buckle the driver’s seat
belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
start the engine. Wait for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to
turn off and then proceed to the next step.
NOTE:You must perform the following steps within 60
seconds of turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the driver’s
seat belt at least three times within 10 seconds, ending
with the seat belt buckled.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
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