Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan / Performance Sedan
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and significant V8 performance, with a distinctive American design.
Competitors 2005:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Cadillac STS, Lincoln LS, Pontiac G8 GT (later model).
Performance Focus:
The SRT8 variant emphasizes enhanced performance through a larger engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, and styling.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-modern American styling, often compared to classic luxury coupes, with a substantial road presence.
Powertrain Emphasis:
V8 HEMI engine is a signature element of the SRT8 model.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's operations, features, maintenance, and basic emergency procedures for the Chrysler 300SRT8 LX.
Secondary Coverage:
Consumer assistance contact information.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for a 2005 Chrysler owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Basic information on engine operation, starting, and troubleshooting. Does not cover detailed mechanical repair.
Chassis:
Basic information on brakes, steering, and suspension related to operation and safety.
Electrical:
Information on battery, lighting, fuses, and operation of electrical accessories.
Body:
Information on doors, windows, seats, climate control, and interior features.
Infotainment:
Operation of audio system, climate control, and basic vehicle settings accessible via the instrument cluster or infotainment display (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Operation and features of airbags, seat belts, ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control (if equipped).
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, gear selection, parking, and safe operation guidelines.
Maintenance:
Routine checks (fluids, tires), recommended maintenance schedules, and basic care.
Emergencies:
Jump starting, tire changing, towing procedures, warning lights, and emergency assistance.
Troubleshooting:
Basic identification of warning lights and indicators, with advice on immediate actions.
Depth:
Owner-level understanding of vehicle functions and basic maintenance. Not a repair manual for in-depth diagnostics or component replacement.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
6.1 Liters (370 cu in)
Engine Family:
Chrysler HEMI (3rd Generation)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 16 valves (2 per cylinder)
Horsepower:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU Type:
Chrysler ECM (Engine Control Module)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger) - based on 2005 testing for the LX platform.
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger) - based on 2005 testing for the LX platform.
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brembo performance brakes (front and rear).
Airbags:
Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point active front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats.
Audio System:
Typically includes AM/FM stereo, CD player, and an auxiliary input. SRT8 models often featured upgraded Boston Acoustics sound systems.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone manual or automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Bluetooth:
Not typically standard for 2005 models, might have been an optional dealer-installed accessory or part of an upgraded package.
Gauges:
Includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure. SRT8 models may have additional performance-oriented gauges or specific indicator lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (Chrysler MS-10850 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT purple color, Mopar part number 05103536AA or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Common Concerns 2005 Srt8:
Potential for catalytic converter failure, early wear on suspension components (bushings, ball joints) due to performance use, minor electrical gremlins, and HEMI tick (lifter noise, often exacerbated by incorrect oil).
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator PL22500, Wix 57712).
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable sedans, often with V8 engine options, dating back to the Imperial and New Yorker models.
First Generation 300:
The Chrysler 300 (second generation) was introduced for the 2005 model year, based on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform, a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
Srt Introduction:
The SRT8 variant was introduced for the 2005 model year, marking Chrysler's entry into the performance sedan segment with a powerful HEMI V8.
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years:
Chrysler 300 (LX): 2005-2010. SRT8 variant specifically for 2005-2008 in this generation.
