2012 CHRYSLER 300 automatic transmission fluid

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
a lower gear range using the AutoStickshift control (if
equipped).
NOTE:Selecting a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the intervalspecified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick– If Equipped

By using the AutoStickmode and selecting a specific
gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. Select the
highest gear range that allows for adequate perfor-
mance and avoids frequent downshifts.
444 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System..................... 492
▫Brake System....................... 497
▫Automatic Transmission............... 499
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) – If Equipped..... 501
▫Rear Axle.......................... 502
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 502
Fuses.............................. 508
▫Integrated Power Module.............. 508
▫Rear Power Distribution Center.......... 511
Vehicle Storage....................... 516Replacement Bulbs.................... 516
Bulb Replacement..................... 517
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp, Inner Park
Lamp, And Outer Park Lamp............ 517
▫
Rear Backup Lamp And Turn Signal Lamps. . 519
▫License Lamp....................... 520
Fluid Capacities...................... 521
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 522
▫Engine............................ 522
▫Chassis........................... 523
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 499

fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
(Continued)
500 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L En-
gineShell L12108 Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission – 5.7L En-
gineMOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARHydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs
EG ZH 3044 or Pentosin CHF 11s.
Front Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MOPARTransfer Case Lubricant for BorgWarner 44–40 or equivalent.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(five-speed transmission only).
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 533

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter (five-speed transmission only).
❏Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid – All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S538 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Door Locks..................... 32
Automatic Headlights.................... 176
Automatic Oil Change Indicator............. 293
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 340
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 500
Automatic Transmission...........355,358,499,501
Adding Fluid....................501,523
Autostick.......................... 365
Fluid and Filter Changes............... 501
Fluid Change....................... 501
Fluid Level Check.................... 500
Fluid Type......................... 523
Special Additives..................... 500
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..... 357
Autostick............................. 365
Axle Fluid............................. 523
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 523B-Pillar Location........................ 393
Battery............................... 483
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 25
Location........................... 483
Belts, Seat............................47,84
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 488
Brake Assist System...................... 380
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 379
Brake Fluid............................ 523
Brake System........................... 497
Anti-Lock (ABS)..................... 377
Fluid Check.....................498,523
Master Cylinder..................... 498
Parking........................... 375
Warning Light....................... 281
Brake, Parking.......................... 375
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 354
Brakes............................... 497
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 81
10
INDEX 553