2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT check oil

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front and Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
The windshield washer and the headlight washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is located in
the front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ensure 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 not
necessarily 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

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” in this
section 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.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•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 and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
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Anti-Lock (ABS)....................317,321
Fluid Check....................... 411,437
Hoses.............................. 410
Master Cylinder....................... 411
Parking............................. 315
Warning Light.....................201,317
Brakes.............................317,410
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 304
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 73
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 139
Bulb Replacement.....................427,428
Bulbs,Light .......................... 77,427
Calibration, Compass..................... 220
Capacities, Fluid........................ 435
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 361
Oil (Engine).......................... 392
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 406Car Washes............................ 415
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 75,360
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 364
Catalytic Converter...................... 395
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............232,251
Cellular Phone..................... 88,251,253
Certification Label....................... 364
Chains, Tire............................ 343
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 329
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 388
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 74
Checks, Safety........................... 74
Child Restraint.................. 64,65,66,69,71
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 68,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 358
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 416
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 402
460 INDEX

Jump Starting......................... 377
Overheating.......................... 371
Towing ............................. 381
Emergency Trunk Release................... 38
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,440
Engine............................... 386
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Block Heater......................... 301
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 391
Compartment......................... 386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................404,436
Cooling ............................. 404
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 75,360
Fails to Start.......................... 300
Flooded, Starting...................... 300
Fuel Requirements..................... 357
Jump Starting......................... 377
Oil ...........................391,435,436Oil Change Interval.................... 392
Oil Filler Cap......................... 392
OilFilter ............................ 393
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 393
Oil Selection.......................392,435
Overheating.......................... 371
Starting............................. 297
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 392
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 358
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 75,76,360,403
Exhaust System....................... 75,403
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 85
ExteriorLighting ........................ 132
ExteriorLights .......................... 77
INDEX 463
10

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Air Conditioning....................290,400
Engine Fuel.......................... 395
Engine Oil........................393,436
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 393
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 370
Turn Signal...................... 77,138,199
Flash-To-Pass........................... 138
Flooded Engine Starting................... 300
Floor Console.......................... 190
Fluid, Brake........................... 437
Fluid Capacities......................... 435
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 413
Brake............................... 411
Cooling System....................... 404Engine Oil........................... 391
Power Steering........................ 400
Fluids ................................ 436
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 436
Fog Lights..........................137,199
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 380
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 401
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 414
Fuel................................. 357
Adding............................. 361
Additives............................ 359
CleanAir ............................ 358
Ethanol............................. 358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 361
Filter ............................... 395
Gasoline............................ 357
Gauge.............................. 205
Hoses.............................. 409
464 INDEX