Chrysler 300M (2004 year). Instruction — part 11

• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to

the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.

NOTE:

Extended heavy use of Traction Control may

cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated by TRAC OFF , located in
the instrument cluster.

This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off the TRAC OFF light.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.

TIRES

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

1. Safety—

WARNING!

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
• Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
• Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.

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2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.

3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under-inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over-responsiveness in the steering.

Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.

Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a
label attached to the rear face of the driver’s door. The
pressure should be checked and adjusted at least once
every month. Check more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.

Inflation pressures specified on the label are always “Cold
Inflation Pressure”. Cold inflation pressure is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at
least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3 hour

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period. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum values molded into the tire side wall.

Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi [.13 to.41 bars]
(13 to 40 kPa) during operation. Do NOT reduce this
normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.

The tire pressures shown on the tire label apply only to
the tire sizes listed on the label.

Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) monitors the
pressure in all 4 road tires and the full size spare. The
TPM system uses wireless technology to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part
of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the overhead console. The tire pres-
sure status is shown in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) display. Pressure in the spare tire, al-
though monitored, is not displayed in the EVIC. Refer to
“Understanding the Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for more informa-
tion. The TPM system functions even when the EVIC is
not set on the tire pressure display screen.

The TPM system informs you of a low or high tire
pressure condition. If this occurs, correct your tire infla-
tion pressure as soon as possible, and inspect all of your
tires. Be sure to use a high quality gauge when adjusting
pressure. The TPM system is designed to periodically
monitor your tire pressure but cannot be expected to
function as a tire pressure gauge. There can be a delay
between the instant you adjust the air pressure in a tire
and when the system updates the display. The TPM
system is not intended to provide you with notification of
rapid air loss.

The following chart indicates the TPM system pressure
levels. A threshold is the level at which the TPM system
provides you with an indication.

300M

300M Special

High Pressure

Threshold

45 psi (310 kPa)

45 psi (310 kPa)

Placard Pressure

30 psi (207 kPa)

32 psi (220 kPa)

Low Pressure

Threshold

24 psi (165 kPa)

26 psi (179 kPa)

NOTE:

A TPM system does not replace normal tire

maintenance.

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CAUTION!

The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant or balance beads if your vehicle
is equipped with TPM system as damage to the
sensors may result.

Tire Pressure Monitor System Tire/Wheel Rotation
and Sensor Replacement — If Equipped
If a road tire and wheel is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap automatically (after the
ignition has been cycled) and display SPARE SWAP
DETECTED along with a chime. This could take up to 10
minutes with vehicle speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

The tire pressure sensors must be retrained following a
wheel rotation or sensor replacement. Refer to “Under-
standing The Features of Your Vehicle, Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable
Features, Retrain Tire Sensors” for more information. It is
necessary to program the EVIC with the new sensor(s) or
the new position of each sensor as it is rotated to a
different corner of the vehicle.

If a wheel rotation is not followed by the retrain proce-
dure, the system will not properly inform you of the
correct vehicle location of a low or high tire pressure.

The retraining procedure requires the use of a training
magnet which is located in the left, rear corner of the
spare tire well under the spare tire cover in the trunk.

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CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.

WARNING!

Death or serious injury can occur if magnetically
sensitive devices are exposed to this magnet. Mag-
nets can affect pacemakers.

High Speed Operation

The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.

WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

Radial-Ply Tires

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other tires on your
vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The
instability could cause an accident. Always use ra-
dial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with
other types of tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
tire dealer for radial tire repairs.

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Spare Tire Usage with Directional Tread Pattern
Tires (300M Special Only)

The 300M Special model offers tires with a directional
tread pattern. These tires are designed to optimize dry
handling as well as wet performance. To obtain the full
benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation direction
of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall
of the tire. The full size spare tire is mounted as a direct
replacement for the right side of the vehicle. For road-
side replacement of a flat tire on the left side of the
vehicle, the full size spare can be used as mounted. If this
is required, correct the rotation as soon as possible to
restore optimum wet performance.

Compact Spare Tire

Maintain the compact spare tire inflation pressure at 60
psi [4.1 bars](414 kPa). Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
while the compact spare is installed on the vehicle.

Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.

Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed.

WARNING!

Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With the compact spare tire assembly installed
on your vehicle, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km).
Vehicle handling and braking performance will be
reduced. Also, do not drive more than 50 mph (80
km) with the compact spare installed. Failure to
follow compact spare tire warning may result in an
accident and/or fatal injury. Temporary-use spare
tires have a total tread life of 2,000 miles (3 200 km).
Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.

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Tire Spinning

When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph. (48 km/h).

See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in section 6
of this instruction.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.

Tire Chains

Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.

CAUTION!

Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.

Snow Tires

Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.

The 300M Special offers a high performance three
season tire. The performance of this type of tire on
snow and ice is not equivalent to traditional all season
tires.

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WARNING!

The 300M Special is equipped with tires that are
optimized for driving in dry and wet weather con-
ditions. However, these tires have reduced traction
capability in snow and ice. When driving a 300M
Special in these conditions with these tires, you must
take special care to maintain control and avoid
accidents. We recommend that you equip your ve-
hicle with “SNOW” or “ALL SEASON” tires on all
four wheels for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
It is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. “SNOW”
tires may have lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum
vehicle speed. Do not use tires or wheels other than
the size recommended by the manufacturer for this
vehicle.

If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.

Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.

Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.

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These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.

Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.

Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replace-
ment is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indica-
tors). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.

WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than

that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.

• Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire

size listed on your vehicle’s tire label located on
the driver’s door. Using a smaller tire could result
in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having

adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

• Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like under

inflation, overloading can cause tire failure. Use
tires of the recommended load capacity for your
vehicle and never overload them.

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CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires
with a different size.

Tire Rotation Recommendations

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.

Rotate your tires at intervals shown on the maintenance
schedules. More frequent rotation is permissible if de-
sired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected before rotating.

The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the diagram unless your vehicle is equipped
with directional tread pattern tires.

Tire Rotation with Directional Tread Pattern Tires
(300M Special Only)

The 300M Special model offers tires with directional
tread pattern. These tires are designed to optimize dry
handling as well as wet performance. To obtain the full
benefits of this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation direction

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of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall
of the tire.

The required rotation method for directional tires is to
swap the front tire with the rear on the same side of the
vehicle. Do not cross switch tires without dismounting
the tires and re-mounting them in the correct rotational
direction.

Alignment And Balance

The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed to obtain full tire
tread mileage.

Poor suspension alignment may result in:

• fast tire wear;
• uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided

wear;

• vehicle pull to right or left.

Tires may also cause vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vehicle vibration may be a result of tire and wheel
out-of-balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration
and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

300M Special Only

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FUEL REQUIREMENTS

300M

Your engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations
and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gasoline having an
octane range of 87 to 89 or higher. The manufacturer
recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum perfor-
mance.

300M Special Only

Your engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations
and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gasoline having an
octane range of 87 to 91. The manufacturer recommends
the use of 91 octane premium gasoline for optimum
performance.

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 should be reported to
your dealer immediately. Engine damage resulting from
operating with a heavy spark knock may not be covered
by the new vehicle warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and stumble. If you experience these
problems, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.

Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.

Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.

The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.

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Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and
may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. While MTBE
is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it does not have
the negative effects of Methanol.

MMT in Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.

MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.

In Canada, MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. For this reason, it is even
more important to look for gasolines without MMT in
Canada.

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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 would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

Sulfur in Gasoline

If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.

Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate. The manufac-
turer recommends that you try a different brand of

unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.

CAUTION!

If the Malfunction Indicator Light is flashing, imme-
diate service is required. See the On Board Diagnos-
tics paragraph in the Maintenance section of this
instruction.

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system. The Mal-
function Indicator light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured.

NOTE:

The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door

about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel

tank is full.

• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.

This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.

The Malfunction Indicator light will come on if the gas
cap is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap
is tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is

running.

• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a

portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.

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VEHICLE LOADING

The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
following sample chart and on the tire pressure label
attached to the driver’s door.

Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . 865 lbs. (392 kg)

Luggage Racks

External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total occupant and
luggage load inside the vehicle, plus that on the external
rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity shown on
the Vehicle Loading Capacity chart.

TRAILER TOWING

Warranty Requirements

The Manufacturer’s Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:

• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed

32 square feet (2.97 square meters)

• The maximum trailer load is: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
• The ”D” range can be selected when towing. However,

if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
AutoStick mode should be selected.

NOTE:

By using the AutoStick mode, and selecting a

specific gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The
highest gear range should be selected that allows for

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