Market Position:
Premium large sedan, appealing to buyers seeking American luxury and performance.
Key Competitors 2005-2008:
Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala (higher trims), Toyota Avalon, Lexus GS
Vehicle Key Features:
Distinctive styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine option (300C), rear-wheel-drive platform, available all-wheel-drive.
Diy Focus:
Explicitly targeted at DIY enthusiasts for cost savings and self-sufficiency in repairs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., W5A580, NAG1) service and repair, driveline components
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, traction control
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, power distribution, lighting, starting and charging, instrument cluster, body control modules
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system diagnostics and repair
Body Systems:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, wipers, locks, glass replacement
Wheel And Tire Systems:
Wheel bolt patterns, tire pressure specifications, wheel alignment procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, system diagnostics and repair, component testing
Technical Specifications Included:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic test parameters
Body And Trim Procedures:
Interior and exterior trim removal/installation, door panel servicing, window regulator repair, headlight/taillight replacement.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Diagnostic Tool Requirements:
Covers procedures requiring basic hand tools and often references the need for diagnostic scan tools (e.g., DRB-III or equivalent).
File Format:
Digital (PDF) - typically searchable, printable
Illustration Quality:
High-quality, hundreds of illustrations and photos
Binding Type:
N/A (for digital format); typically perfect-bound or spiral-bound if printed.
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital format); typically heavy-duty paper for printed manuals.
Engine 300 Base:
3.5L V6 (High Output)
Engine 300C Base:
5.7L V8 HEMI (with MDS - Multi-Displacement System)
3.5L V6 Horsepower:
~250 hp @ 6400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
3.5L V6 Torque:
~250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (varies slightly by year)
5.7L V8 Hemi Horsepower:
~360 hp @ 5150 rpm (varies slightly by year)
5.7L V8 Hemi Torque:
~390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Common Engine Codes:
EGD (3.5L V6), EZH (5.7L V8 HEMI)
Transmission 300 Base:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 545RFE)
Transmission 300C Base:
5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1)
Transmission Features:
Driver-adaptive electronic control, manual shifting modes (Autostick)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to specific transmission. Commonly ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 545RFE, and MB 236.10 or equivalent for W5A580.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 120 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
Approx. 196.9 inches (5001 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Curb Weight V6:
Approx. 3800-4000 lbs (1724-1814 kg)
Curb Weight V8:
Approx. 4100-4300 lbs (1860-1950 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2005-2008 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2005-2008 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for most models)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (often optional or standard on higher trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side airbags, available rear side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners.
Infotainment Options:
Available Boston Acoustics or Infinity audio systems, Uconnect hands-free communication (optional on some trims, standard on others later in the generation), in-dash CD player/changer, navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkSense (rear park assist), Rain-sensing wipers (optional).
Connectivity Features:
Uconnect (as mentioned under infotainment), satellite radio (SiriusXM).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or every 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Major Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs typically at 100,000 miles for HEMI V8s; V6 may vary.
Transmission Service Interval:
Fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Critical for longevity of the W5A580 transmission.
Engine Oil Specification:
Consult manual. Typically SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (MS-6395 certified) for V6 and V8 engines.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues V8 Mds:
Potential issues with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters, requiring specific service procedures.
Common Issues Transmission:
W5A580 transmission can be sensitive to fluid levels and quality; internal component wear can occur with neglect.
Common Issues Electrical:
Water intrusion into TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) can cause various electrical gremlins.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings) common with higher mileage.
Brand Heritage Chrysler:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable, and often stylish American sedans, starting from models like the Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial.
Model Evolution Chrysler 300:
The second generation Chrysler 300 (introduced for 2005) was a revival of the brand's reputation for bold styling and performance, heavily influenced by the earlier rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 letter series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) platform.
Production Locations:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada