2009 CHRYSLER 300 SRT battery

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
TRIP ODOMETER 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.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
isready, and you can proceed to the I/M station.If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation, you should have your vehicle
serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
Battery Location
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
40 — 5 Amp
OrangeAuto Inside Rearview
Mirror/Heated Seats - if
equipped/Switch Bank
41 — 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/
Headlights/Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring - if
equipped
42 30 Amp
Pink— Front Blower Motor
43 30 Amp
Pink— Rear Window Defroster
44 20 Amp
Blue— Amplifier - if equipped/
Sunroof - if equipped
*Cavities 11, 12, and 13 contain self-resetting fuses
(circuit breakers) that are only serviceable by an autho-
rized dealer. The cluster and the driver seat switch arefused by the 25-amp circuit breaker in cavity 11. The
passenger seat switch is fused by the 25-amp circuit
breaker in cavity 12. The door modules, the driver power
window switch, and the passenger power window
switch are fused by the 25-amp circuit breaker in cavity
13. If you experience temporary or permanent loss of
these systems, see your authorized dealer for service.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

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.
•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
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Door Locks...................29,30
Automatic Headlights.................... 135
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 294
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 419
Automatic Transmission.............317,418,419
Adding Fluid......................419,440
Autostick............................ 321
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 419
Fluid Change......................... 419
Fluid Level Check...................... 418
Fluid Type........................... 440
Shifting............................. 317
Special Additives...................... 419
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 320,321
Autostick............................. 321
Axle Fluid............................. 440
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 440Battery............................... 404
Emergency Starting..................... 385
Jump Starting......................... 385
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Location..........................386,404
Belts, Seat............................42,77
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 407
B-Pillar Location........................ 343
Brake Assist System...................... 333
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 332
Brake Fluid............................ 440
Brake, Parking.......................... 327
Brake System........................329,416
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................329,332
Fluid Check.......................417,440
Master Cylinder....................... 417
Parking............................. 327
Warning Light.....................207,329
Brakes.............................329,416
INDEX 471
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Oil Pressure.......................... 214
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 141
Passing............................. 139
Reading..........................140,180
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 210
Service...........................432,433
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 213
SmartBeams.......................... 135
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........ 211,356
Traction Control....................... 337
Turn Signal...................78,138,139,205
Vanity Mirror.......................... 87
Voltage............................. 213
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 205
Loading Vehicle......................373,375
Capacities........................... 375
Tires ............................... 343
Locks................................. 27
Auto Unlock.......................... 30Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 356
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,70
Lubrication, Body....................... 407
Lumbar Support........................ 124
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 404
Maintenance, General..................... 399
Maintenance Procedures................... 399
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 190
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 213,397
Manual, Service......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights..................140,180
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 417
480 INDEX