2012 CHRYSLER 300 octane

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine – If Equipped
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high-quality unleaded “regular” gaso-
line having an octane rating of 87. The use
of premium gasoline is not recommended,
as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
5.7L Engine – If Equipped
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high-quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane range of 87 to 89. The manufac-
turer recommends the use of 89 octane foroptimum performance. The use of premium gasoline is
not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit over
regular gasoline in these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
420 STARTING AND OPERATING

If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold driveability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to
look for gasoline without MMT in Canada, because MMT
can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the
United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor-
nia reformulated gasoline.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 423

CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E-85.
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when filling
the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and
never use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
E-85 Badge
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 425

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to the engine oil fill cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to the engine oil fill cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine RER8ZWYCB4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Spark Plugs – 5.7L Engine LZFR5C–11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable – 89 Octane Recommended
522 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Methanol.......................... 421
Octane Rating....................... 522
Saver Mode........................ 294
Specifications....................... 522
Tank Capacity....................... 521
Fuel Optimizer......................... 294
Fuel Saver............................. 294
Fuel, Flexible........................... 424
Fuses................................ 508
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)........... 238
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 420
Conserving......................... 294
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 421
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 421
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 284
Fuel.............................. 280
Speedometer........................ 280Tachometer......................... 276
Gear Ranges........................355,359
Gear Select Lever Override................. 464
General Information............18,26,141,220,419
General Maintenance..................... 478
Glass Cleaning.......................... 506
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............432,434
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............432,433
GVWR............................... 432
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water...................... 371
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 448
Head Restraints......................... 165
Head Rests............................ 165
Headlight Washers....................... 489
Headlights............................ 517
Automatic......................... 176
10
INDEX 559

MTBE/ETBE........................... 421
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 374
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 180
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps).......... 235
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 81
Occupant Restraints...................43,62,67
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............60,62,66
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 522
Odometer............................. 276
Oil Change Indicator..................277,293
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............277,293
Oil Filter, Change........................ 482
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 482
Oil, Engine.........................479,522
Capacity........................... 521
Change Interval...................293,480
Checking.......................... 479Dipstick........................... 479
Disposal........................... 482
Filter..........................482,522
Filter Disposal....................... 482
Identification Logo................... 480
Materials Added to................... 481
Recommendation..................480,521
Synthetic.......................... 481
Viscosity........................481,521
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 475
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)........... 238
Operating Precautions.................... 475
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 95
Overdrive............................. 365
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 365
Overhead Console....................... 237
Overheating, Engine...................284,448
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,547
564 INDEX