2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT ECU

Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.
Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service. To reset the
transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turnon if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
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 this occurs, tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP ODOM-
ETER button to turn off the message. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System” in Section 7.
STARTING AND OPERATING 363
5

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hoserouting to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

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

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
8 — 15 Amp
BlueDiagnostic Link Connec-
tor (DLC)/Wireless Con-
trol Module (WCM)/
Wireless Ignition Node
(WIN)
9 — 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet
10 — — —
11*———
12*———
13*———
14 — 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/
Cluster/Security Mod-
ule - if equipped
15 — — —
16 — — —Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
17 — 20 Amp
YellowCluster
18 — 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 — 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20 — — —
21 — — —
22 — — —
23 — — —
24 — — —
25 — — —
26 — — —
27 — 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC)
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

11. Reinstall the tail light assembly, fasteners, electrical
connector, and trunk liner.
12. Close the trunk.
License Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — Socket 434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes....................315,317
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............317,321
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 153
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 406
Adding Fuel........................... 361
Adding Washer Fluid...............144,146,402
Additives, Fuel......................... 359
Adjustable Pedals....................... 148
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 394
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 399
Air Conditioning Filter.................290,400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............399,400
Air Conditioning System................284,399
Air Pressure, Tires....................206,337
Airbag................................ 49
Airbag Deployment..................... 55,59
Airbag Light..................... 56,61,76,201
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61Airbag, Side.......................... 50,57
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............. 50,57
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,205
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 270
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........405,406,435
Disposal............................ 407
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............317,321
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............200,319
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 205
Appearance Care........................ 414
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Audio Systems (Radio).................232,251
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
458 INDEX