2012 CHRYSLER 300 service indicator

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.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.
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
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 404 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.
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 “Malfunction7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475

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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. 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
isreadyand 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,
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
Interior Bulb Number
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lamps............. W5W
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Lamp............. 562
Overhead Console Reading Lamps............ 578
Visor Vanity Lamps.....................A6220
Glove Box Lamp – If Equipped............... 194
Door Courtesy.......................... 562
Shift Indicator Lamp.................JKLE14140
Optional Door Map Pocket/Cupholder........ LED
(Serviced at Authorized 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.
516 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S526 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Exterior............................ 86
Fog ............................179,276
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 448
Headlight Switch..................... 175
Headlights......................175,517
Headlights On Reminder............... 179
Headlights On With Wipers..........176,188
High Beam......................... 181
High Beam Indicator.................. 276
High Beam/Low Beam Select............ 181
Illuminated Entry..................... 21
Instrument Cluster................... 175
Intensity Control..................... 184
Interior............................ 184
License............................ 520
Lights On Reminder.................. 179
Low Fuel.......................... 289
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 279
Map Reading.....................182,183Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)........ 186
Passing............................ 181
Reading......................182,183,237
Seat Belt Reminder................... 284
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 281
Service.........................516,517
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator)................ 279
SmartBeams........................ 177
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 281
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).......277,410
Traction Control..................... 386
Turn Signal....................86,180,181
Vanity Mirror........................ 98
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 276
Load Leveling System.................... 270
Loading Vehicle......................431,433
Capacities.......................... 433
Tires .............................. 393
562 INDEX

Locks................................. 29
Auto Unlock......................... 32
Automatic Door...................... 32
Child Protection...................... 32
Door.............................. 29
Power Door......................... 31
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 410
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................75,76
Lubrication, Body....................... 488
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 483
Maintenance Procedures................... 478
Maintenance Schedule.................... 526
Maintenance, General..................... 478
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 279,475
Manual Transmission..................... 502
Fluid Level Check.................... 502
Manual, Service......................... 547Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 498
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 169
Memory Seat........................... 169
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 169
Methanol............................. 421
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 297
Mirrors................................ 94
Automatic Dimming................... 94
Electric Powered...................... 97
Electric Remote....................... 97
Exterior Folding...................... 95
Heated............................. 98
Outside............................ 95
Vanity............................. 98
Mode
Fuel Saver......................... 294
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 410
Mopar Parts.........................477,546
10
INDEX 563

Front Seat.........................47,48
Inspection.......................... 84
Operating Instructions.................. 48
Pretensioners........................ 54
Rear Seat........................... 47
Untwisting Procedure.................. 52
Seats................................. 157
Adjustment......................... 157
Easy Entry......................... 172
Head Restraints...................... 165
Heated............................ 160
Height Adjustment................... 157
Memory........................... 169
Power............................ 157
Rear Folding........................ 168
Seatback Release..................... 168
Tilting............................ 157
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)................ 18
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........493,522Selection of Oil......................... 480
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 16
Sentry Key Programming................... 18
Sentry Key Replacement................... 17
Service Assistance....................... 543
Service Contract......................... 545
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 279
Service Manuals........................ 547
Setting the Clock........................ 328
Shift Lever Override...................... 464
Shifting............................... 353
Automatic Transmission................ 353
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage.............. 51
Shoulder Belts........................... 47
Side Airbag............................. 65
Side View Mirror Adjustment................ 95
Signals, Turn......................86,181,276
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 370
10
INDEX 567