Chrysler 300 C 2009 User manual

121411 LX-300C OM EN.indd 1121411 LX-300C OM EN.indd 1 4/1/08 7:55:09 AM4/1/08 7:55:09 AM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................83
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL .................................. 203
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................309
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................403
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................425
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................483
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................501
10
INDEX ....................................................................511
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ...........................4
䡵How To Use This Manual ..................4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ...................6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ..............6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed Index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the
vehicle registration, and the title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VIN Location
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) ............ 12
▫FOB With Integrated Key ............... 13
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15
䡵Sentry Key威Immobilizer System ........... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫General Information ................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . 18
▫Rearming Of The System ................ 18
▫To Arm The System ................... 18
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
䡵Illuminated Entry System ................. 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 20
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 23
▫To Unlatch The Trunk .................. 24
2

▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 25
▫RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 27
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 29
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 29
▫Power Door Locks .................... 30
▫Passive Entry System — If Equipped ....... 33
▫To Place An RKE Transmitter In The Vehicle
For Safekeeping – Vehicles Equipped With
Keyless Go Only ...................... 34
▫Child Protection Door Lock .............. 35
䡵Windows ............................ 37
▫Power Windows ...................... 37
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 41
䡵Trunk Lock And Release ................. 42
䡵Trunk Safety Warning ................... 43
▫Trunk Emergency Release ............... 43
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 43
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 44
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 50
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 50
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 51
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .... 52
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 53
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 53
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ........... 54
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 66
▫Child Restraints ...................... 68
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 78
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 78
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 78
▫Lock Your Vehicle ..................... 79
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 79
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 80
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 81
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Fob with Integrated Key and a Wireless
Ignition Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You
can insert the double-sided integrated key into the igni-
tion switch with either side up.
Keyless Go Feature
This vehicle may be equipped with the Keyless Go feature,
for more information, refer to “Keyless Go — If Equipped”
under “Starting Procedure” in Section 5 of this manual.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi-
tions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position is a
spring-loaded momentary contact position. When re-
leased from the START position, the switch automatically
returns to the ON position.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
1 — LOCK
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3—ON
4 — START
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fob with Integrated Key
The Fob with Integrated Key (FOBIK) operates the igni-
tion switch. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear
of the Fob.
The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the Fob go dead. The valet key is
also for locking the glove box. You can keep the valet key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the Fob, slide the mechani-
cal latch at the top of the Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out of the Fob with your other
hand. NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Valet Key Removal
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK
position and then remove the key.
NOTE:
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power
window switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 60 min-
utes after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) –If Equipped” in Section 4.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY姞IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if an invalid RKE transmitter is used to start the
engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check,
it indicates that someone used an invalid RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not compatible
with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional RKE transmit-
ters, or any other transponder-equipped components
on the same key chain will not cause a fault unless the
additional part is physically held against the RKE
transmitter being used to start the vehicle. Cell
phones, pagers, or other Radio Frequency (RF) elec-
tronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the RKE transmitters provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only RKE transmitters that are programmed to
the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. Once an RKE transmitter is programmed to a
vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the keys from the vehicle and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of RKE trans-
mitters. Duplication of RKE transmitters may be per-
formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer
Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of
programming a blank RKE transmitter to the vehicle
electronics. A blank RKE transmitter is one that has never
been programmed.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
system serviced, bring all vehicle RKE transmitters with
you to an authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new RKE transmitters to the
system by performing the following procedure:
1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.
After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound
and the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing, turn on
again for three seconds, and then turn off.
The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed RKE transmitter with inte-
grated key, contact your authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for
unauthorized operation. If something triggers the alarm,
the system will prevent the vehicle from starting and
provide the following audible and visible signals: the
horn will pulse; the headlights will flash; the park lights
will flash; and the Vehicle Security Light in the instru-
ment cluster will flash.
Rearming of the System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn the horn off after three
minutes, turn all of the visual signals off after 15 minutes,
and then the system will rearm itself.
To Arm the System
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door LOCK switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After the last door is
closed, or if all doors are closed, the system will arm itself
in about 16 seconds. During that time, the Vehicle Secu-
rity Light will flash. If it does not illuminate, the system
is not arming. In addition, if you open a door during the
arming period, the system will cancel the arming process.
If you wish to rearm the system after closing the door,
you must repeat one of the previously-described arming
sequences.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE