Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Customers seeking American luxury, comfort, and distinctive styling; also DIY enthusiasts and independent repair shops
Key Competitors 2005:
Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, Buick Lucerne (though often compared to European and Japanese luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS)
Design Philosophy:
Retro-modern styling, inspired by the original Chrysler 300 letter series, offering a bold and imposing presence
Powertrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, with available all-wheel drive (AWD); powerful Hemi V8 option
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs, empowers owners with expert-level knowledge, ensures vehicle longevity and optimal performance
Powertrain:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle
Chassis:
Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Engine Control System
Comfort And Convenience:
Heater/Air Conditioning, Interior
Safety And Restraints:
Restraint System
Maintenance And Diagnostics:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Periodic Lubrication, Emission System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Cooling System
Repair Procedures:
Detailed substeps, numbered instructions, step-by-step repair procedures, disassembly, assembly, cleaning, reinstallation
Diagnostics:
Comprehensive diagnostic information, troubleshooting, electrical service procedures
Maintenance Tasks:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication
Level Of Detail:
Professional, detailed, same as used in local service/repair shops, hundreds of pages of diagrams and detailed information
Documentation Type:
Original manufacturer documentation, wiring diagrams, bulletins
Engine Code 300C Hemi:
EZD (5.7L HEMI V8)
Displacement 300C Hemi:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Horsepower 300C Hemi:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 300C Hemi:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Management:
Electronic ignition, PCM controlled
Available Engine 300:
3.5L V6 (250 hp, 250 lb-ft torque), 2.7L V6 (190 hp, 190 lb-ft torque) - Manual may cover these variants as well, though 300C implies the V8.
Transmission Type 300C Hemi:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)
Transmission Type V6:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE) for 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines
Driver Selectable Modes:
AutoStick (manual shift control on select models)
Fluid Type 5Spd Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Length:
Approximately 196.2 inches
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 58.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120.0 inches
Curb Weight 300C Hemi Rwd:
Approximately 4160 lbs
Curb Weight 300C Hemi AWD:
Approximately 4360 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Good
Brake System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (ESC)
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags
Airbags Optional:
Full-length side curtain airbags
Available Audio Systems:
Boston Acoustics premium audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (subscription required)
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist system
Power Outlets:
12V accessory power outlets
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system (refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual for specific intervals, often 'under severe conditions' or at higher mileage (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles) for the W5A580.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 (for 5.7L Hemi and 3.5L V6)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink (MS-9769)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Problem Hemi Tick:
The characteristic 'Hemi tick' can sometimes be attributed to exhaust manifold leaks or lifter noise. The manual would detail diagnostic procedures.
Common Problem Transmission Issues:
Some early W5A580 transmissions could experience shifting issues or solenoid problems. The manual is crucial for diagnosing these.
Common Problem Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common wear items on any vehicle of this size and weight.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable, and stylish sedans, often with innovative features.
300 Lineage:
The 2005 model marked the revival of the iconic '300' nameplate, directly referencing the elegant 1955-1965 Chrysler 300 letter series cars. It was a significant departure from previous Chrysler sedans and a critical success.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada