2021 CHRYSLER 300 spare tire

5
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 137
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .. ................... 137
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System . . ..... 138
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS . . ........................ 142
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped. .
................................................... 142
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation Operation — If Equipped. .
............ 146
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .. 148
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . . .................. 151
Occupant Restraint Systems Features .. ..... 151
Important Safety Precautions. . ..................... 152
Seat Belt Systems . . ...................................... 152
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) . . .... 158
Child Restraints . . ........................................... 166
SAFETY TIPS . . ....................................................... 176
Transporting Passengers .. ............................ 176
Transporting Pets . . ........................................ 176
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle . .
................................................. 176
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle . .
.................................... 177
Exhaust Gas . . ................................................ 178
Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . ....................... 178
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS......................... 179
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED .. ... 179
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .. ....................... 182
Preparations For Jacking .. ........................... 182
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage . . ............ 183
Jacking And Changing A Tire . . ..................... 184
JUMP STARTING . . ............................................... 186
Preparations For Jump Start .. ...................... 187
Jump Starting Procedure . . ............................ 188
REFUELING IN AN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED . .
..................................................... 189
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .. ........................ 190
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .. ................................ 190
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .. ............................ 192
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .. ....................... 193
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Models .. .................... 194
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Models . . ............... 194
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) . ................................................................. 194
E
VENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .. ...................... 194
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 195
Maintenance Plan .. ....................................... 196
ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . .................................. 199
3.6L Engine .. ................................................ 199
5.7L Engine . . ................................................ 200
Checking Oil Level . . ....................................... 201 Adding Washer Fluid .
.
................................... 201
Maintenance-Free Battery . . ......................... 201
Pressure Washing . . ....................................... 202
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE . . .................................. 202
Engine Oil ...................................................... 202
E ngine Oil Filter . . ........................................... 203
Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . ............................. 203
Air Conditioner Maintenance. . ...................... 204
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection . . ................. 205
Body Lubrication . . ......................................... 206
Windshield Wiper Blades. . ............................ 206
Exhaust System . . ........................................... 208
Cooling System . . ........................................... 209
Brake System . . ............................................. 212
Automatic Transmission . . ............................ 212
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped . . ........ 213
Rear Axle. ....................................................... 213
F uses. ............................................................. 214
B ulb Replacement . . ...................................... 221
TIRES . .................................................................... 225
T ire Safety Information .. ............................... 225
Tires — General Information . . ...................... 232
Tire Types. ...................................................... 235
S pare Tires — If Equipped. . ........................... 236
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care. . ....................... 238
Snow Traction Devices. . ................................ 239
Tire Rotation Recommendations . . .............. 240

76 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to
alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced
by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this
occurs.Service AWD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will turn on to indicate
the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is not
fu
nctioning properly and that service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Collision
W a
rning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service
Ú page 146.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that the
ti
re pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal
tire duration and fuel consumption may not be
guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
m e

ntioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
b
e

checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
e q

uipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure warning light when one or more of your
tires is significantly underinflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as refer -
enced above, can reach higher temperatures
t h
an in normal operating conditions. This can
cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flam -
mable substances such as dry plants, wood,
c a

rdboard, etc. This could result in death or seri -
ous injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the
vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power
loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the
vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a
tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using
the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

STARTING AND OPERATING 117
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing” Ú page 195.When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
tow
ing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
For the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 225.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. Always, block or
"chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
Max loading as defined on the “Tire and
Loading Information” placard.
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500
miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
T h
e engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that
a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
( 8
0 km/h) and do not make starts at full
t h
rottle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your
brake system and cause it to fail. You might
not have brakes when you need them and
could have an accident.
4

150 SAFETY

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display
Low Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
p os

sible and inflate the tires with a low pressure
condition (those shown in a different color in the
instrument cluster graphic) to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure inflation
value as shown in the “Inflate to XX” message.
Once the system receives the updated tire pressures, the system will automatically update,
the graphic display in the instrument cluster will
change color back to the original color, and the
TPMS Warning Light will turn off. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20
minutes above
1 5


mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
t h
is information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
t o
be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the TPMS Warning Light off.
Service Tire Pressure System Warning
If a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light will flash
on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid. The system fault will also sound a chime. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a
"Service Tire Pressure System" message for a
minimum of five seconds and then display dashes
(- -) in place of the pressure value to indicate which
sensor is not being received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will
r e

peat, providing the system fault still exists. If the
system fault no longer exists, the TPMS Warning
Light will no longer flash, and the "Service Tire
Pressure System" message will no longer display,
and a pressure value will display in place of the
dashes. A system fault can occur due to any of the
following:
Signal interference due to electronic devices or
driving next to facilities emitting the same radio
frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels
or wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.
Vehicles With Compact Spare

1. T he compact spare tire or non-matching full
s
ize does not have a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the pressure in the compact spare
tire.

2. I f you install the compact or non-matching full
s
ize spare tire in place of a road tire that has a
pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPMS
Warning Light will remain on and a chime will
sound. In addition, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will still display a different
color pressure value and an "Inflate to XX"
message.

SAFETY 151
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes
ab
ove 15 mph (24 km/h), the TPMS Warning
Li g
ht will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a “Service Tire
Pressure System” message for five seconds
and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value.
4. F or each subsequent ignition key cycle, a
c
hime will sound, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will
display a “Service Tire Pressure System”
message for five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.

5. O nce you repair or replace the original road tire
a
nd reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the
compact spare or non-matching full size, the
TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPMS Warning Light will turn off and the graphic
in the instrument cluster will display a new
pressure value instead of dashes (- -), as long as
no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order
f o

r the TPMS to receive this information.

TPMS Deactivation — If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can
be deactivated if replacing all four wheel and tire
assemblies (road tires) with wheel and tire
assemblies that do not have TPMS sensors, such
as when installing winter wheel and tire
assemblies on your vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first replace all four wheel
a n

d tire assemblies (road tires) with tires not
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The TPMS
wi

ll chime, the TPMS Warning Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on. The
instrument cluster will display the “Service Tire
Pressure System” message and then display
dashes (--) in place of the pressure values.
Beginning with the next ignition cycle, the TPMS
wi
ll no longer chime or display the “Service Tire
Pressure System” message in the instrument
cluster but dashes (--) will remain in place of the
pressure values. To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel and
t
i

re assemblies (road tires) with tires equipped with
TPMS sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The TPMS
w i

ll chime, the TPMS Warning Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then turn off. The
instrument cluster will display the “Service Tire
Pressure System” message and then display
pressure values in place of the dashes. On the next
ignition cycle the "Service Tire Pressure System"
message will no longer be displayed as long as no
system fault exists.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
F
EATURES
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags
Child Restraints
Some of the safety features described in this
s e

ction may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others. If
you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
6

178 SAFETY
(Continued)
lug nuts/bolt torque for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should
be located and corrected immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
ex

haust system, when exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside
or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have an
authorized dealer inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for
lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to
move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/lift -
gate/rear doors open, make sure that all
w i
ndows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, adjust your heating or
cooling controls to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas, which can kill. Never run the engine in a
closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in
a parked vehicle with the engine running for
an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in
an open area with the engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation
system to force fresh, outside air into the
vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system
inspected every time the vehicle is raised.
Have any abnormal conditions repaired
promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 183
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. P lace the gear selector into PARK (P).
5
. T urn the ignition to the OFF position.
6
. B lock both the front and rear of the wheel
d
iagonally opposite the jacking position. For
example, if the driver’s front wheel is being
changed, block the passenger’s rear wheel.

Wheel Blocked

NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when
t h
e vehicle is being lifted or raised.
JACK LOCATION/SPARE TIRE STOWAGE
The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an
access cover in the trunk. Follow these steps to
access the jack and spare tire.
NOTE:
The spare tire must be removed in order to access
t h
e jack.

1. Open the trunk.

2

. Li ft the access cover using the pull strap.
3
. R otate the fastener securing the spare tire
c
ounterclockwise to remove it.

Spare Tire Fastener

4. R emove the spare tire.
5
. R otate the fastener securing the jack counter -
c
lockwise to remove it.
Jack Fastener

6. R emove the jack and lug wrench assembly
f
rom under the spare tire. Turn the jack screw
to the left to loosen the lug wrench, and
remove the wrench from the jack assembly.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop could endanger the occupants of
the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the
spare tire in the places provided. Have the
deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately.7

184 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
JACKING AND CHANGING A TIRE

Jacking Warning Label

Placement for the front and rear jacking locations
ar
e critical. See the following images for proper
jacking locations.
Jacking Locations

1. R emove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.

2
. I f equipped with aluminum wheels where the
c
enter cap covers the lug nuts, use the lug
wrench to pry the center cap off carefully
before raising the vehicle.
3. Before raising the vehicle, use the lug wrench t
o loosen, but not remove, the lug nuts on the
wheel with the flat tire. Turn the lug nuts
counterclockwise one turn while the wheel is
still on the ground.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before
raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set an auto -
matic transmission in PARK.
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the vehicle
on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is
on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated for
lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with
the valve stem facing the ground.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on
locations other than those indicated in the
Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.