2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT service indicator

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
5

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity
than what was originally equipped on your vehicle.
Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You could lose control
and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “MIL” on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the “MIL” is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take these steps to protect your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lights.............. W5W
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Light............. 579
Overhead Console Reading Lights............. 578
Visor Vanity Lights.....................A6220
Glove Box Light......................... 194
Door Courtesy.......................... 562
Shift Indicator Light................. JKLE14140
Optional Door Map Pocket / Cupholder
Lighting........ LED(ServicedatAuthorized Dealer)
NOTE:For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass
cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved
and should not be used for replacement.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

Headlight Switch...................... 132
Headlights........................132,428
Headlights On Reminder................. 136
Headlights On With Wipers............134,142
High Beam........................138,205
High Beam Indicator.................... 205
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................132,199
Intensity Control....................... 139
Interior..........................139,176
License............................. 434
Lights On Reminder.................... 136
Low Fuel............................ 199
LowTire ............................ 206
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 208
Map Reading......................138,176
Oil Pressure.......................... 208
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 140
Passing............................. 138Reading..........................138,176
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 205
Service...........................427,428
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 208
SmartBeams.......................... 134
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........206,347
Traction Control....................... 327
Turn Signal................... 77,137,138,199
VanityMirror .......................... 88
Voltage............................. 208
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 199
Loading Vehicle......................364,365
Capacities........................... 365
Tires ............................... 332
Locks................................. 27
AutoUnlock .......................... 30
Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
468 INDEX

Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 347
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 68,69
Lubrication, Body....................... 401
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 397
Maintenance, General..................... 390
Maintenance Procedures................... 390
Maintenance Schedule.................... 440
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 186
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 208,388
Manual, Service......................... 454
Map/Reading Lights..................138,176
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 411
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 126
Memory Seat........................... 126
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 126Methanol............................. 358
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 215
Mirrors ................................ 84
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 86
Electric Remote........................ 86
Exterior Folding........................ 85
Heated.............................. 87
Outside.............................. 85
Vanity ............................... 88
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 347
Mopar Parts.........................389,453
MP3 Player.........................232,251
MTBE/ETBE........................... 358
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 137
Navigation Radio........................ 251
Navigation System....................... 251
INDEX 469
10

Seat Belt Reminder....................... 46
Seat Belts.......................... 39,40,76
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 44
And Pregnant Women................... 48
Child Restraint................... 64,65,66,71
Extender............................. 48
Front Seat.......................... 40,41
Inspection............................ 76
Operating Instructions................... 41
Pretensioners.......................... 46
Rear Seat............................. 40
Reminder............................ 205
Untwisting Procedure.................... 45
Seats................................. 120
Adjustment.......................... 120
Easy Entry........................... 129
Head Restraints....................... 123
Heated............................. 124
Height Adjustment..................... 120Lumbar Support....................... 122
Memory............................. 126
Power.............................. 120
Rear Folding......................... 125
Reclining ............................ 121
Seatback Release....................... 125
Tilting .............................. 120
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 18,205
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........405,436
Selection of Oil......................... 392
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 15
Sentry Key Programming................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement................... 16
Service Assistance....................449,450
Service Contract......................... 451
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 208
Service Manuals........................ 454
Setting the Clock.............231,234,237,253,258
INDEX 473
10

Rotation............................. 345
Safety...........................328,336
Sizes ............................... 329
Snow Tires........................... 344
Spinning ............................ 340
Tread Wear Indicators................... 340
To Open Hood.......................... 131
Towing ............................... 367
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 101
Behind a Motor Home.................. 367
Disabled Vehicle....................... 381
Recreational.......................... 367
Towing Assistance....................... 101
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 367
Traction Control......................... 322
TrailerTowing .......................... 367
Transmission........................... 413
Automatic......................301,305,413
Fluid ............................... 437Shifting ............................. 301
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 177
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 20
Transporting Pets........................ 73
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 340
Trip Odometer.......................... 204
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).................... 37,38
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 38
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 37
Turn Signals.........................138,199
UCI Connector......................... 277
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)........... 88,251
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 455
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 277
476 INDEX