Tech Spec: 2005 Chrysler 300 Series

Aug. 31, 2017
Editor’s Note: We’re throwing a twist into Tech Spec this month, and giving you a taste of Tech Spec then and now. This month’s featured vehicle is the Chrysler 300. We first published a Tech Spec feature on the 2005 Chrysler 300 back in April of 2004. There is a Tech Spec article detailing the 2017 Chrysler 300 here. Keep reading to see how Chrysler recommended servicing the 2005 model. The 2005 Chrysler 300 Series sedans were available in four trim levels: 300, Touring, Limited and 300C. Built on the same platform that also spawned the rear-wheel drive Dodge

Editor’s Note: We’re throwing a twist into Tech Spec this month, and giving you a taste of Tech Spec then and now. This month’s featured vehicle is the Chrysler 300. We first published a Tech Spec feature on the 2005 Chrysler 300 back in April of 2004.

There is a Tech Spec article detailing the 2017 Chrysler 300 here. Keep reading to see how Chrysler recommended servicing the 2005 model.

The 2005 Chrysler 300 Series sedans were available in four trim levels: 300, Touring, Limited and 300C. Built on the same platform that also spawned the rear-wheel drive Dodge Magnum, the Chrysler 300’s styling and available V8 engine harkens back to the day of American muscle cars.

All 300 models share an overall length of 196.8 inches and a wheelbase of 120 inches, along with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The base-model 300 comes equipped with a 2.7L V6 making 200 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The base 300 comes with a four-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. Antilock brakes with all-speed traction control are an available option. The base 300 also features an 18-gallon fuel tank and available electronic stability control. Curb weight for the base 300 is 3,711 pounds.

The 300 Touring shares most of the same mechanical bits with the 300 Limited. Both vehicles come with a 3.5L V6 engine making 250 horsepower and 250 foot-pound of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission propels both vehicles, while standard antilock brakes, all-speed traction control and electronic stability control helps keep things under control in slippery conditions. Both vehicles feature an 18-gallon fuel tank and share a curb weight of 3,742 pounds. Where the Touring and Limited editions of the 300 vary are in wheels (the Touring features 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, while the Limited features 17-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels) and interior amenities. Like the base 300, these models ride on P215/65R17 tires.

The top-of-the-line 300C is propelled by a 5.7L Hemi V8 making an estimated 340 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with the AutoStick manual-shift feature transfers that torque to the pavement. The 300C features Premium antilock brakes with all-speed traction control, standard electronic stability control, P225/60R18 tires riding on 18-inch, chrome-plated aluminum wheels and a dual exhaust system. The 300C has a curb weight of 4,018 pounds, and Chrysler has squeezed in a 19-gallon fuel tank to extend the powerful sedan’s range.

Servicing the Chrysler 300 Series

Chrysler recommends two maintenance schedules for Chrysler 300 Series sedans. Schedule B is recommended for vehicles that operate under the following conditions:
  • Day or night temperatures below 32
  • F (0 C)
  • Stop-and-go driving
  • Extensive engine idling
  • Driving in dusty conditions
  • Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 kilometers)
  • More than 50 percent of driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather above 90 F (32 C)
  • Trailer towing
  • Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial vehicle)
  • Off-road or desert operation
Chrysler recommends that if any of the above conditions apply, drivers should change oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) or three months, whichever comes first. The Chrysler 300 owners manual also notes that, “Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed for Schedule B.”

Schedule A applies to vehicles that are not operated under any of the conditions listed for Schedule B. Chrysler also notes that, “Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers) or six months, whichever comes first.”

Following Schedule B, the recommended service intervals are:

Every 3,000 miles:

  • Change engine oil and engine oil filter; inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required

Every 6,000 miles:

  • Rotate the tires

Every 9,000 miles:

  • Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors

Every 15,000 miles:

  • Replace the air cleaner filter; replace the air conditioning filter (cabin air filter)

Every 30,000 miles:

  • Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine only)
  • Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve

Every 48,000 miles:

  • Replace the rear axle fluid

Every 60,000 miles:

  • Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter (especially if vehicle has been used for towing and/or police, taxi or delivery service)
  • Replace the power steering fluid

Every 72,000 miles:

  • Check and inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner, and replace if necessary

Every 100,000 miles:

  • Replace the spark plugs (2.7L and 3.5L engines)

Every 102,000 miles:

  • Flush and replace the engine coolant
Following Schedule A, the recommended service intervals are:

Every 6,000 miles or six months:

  • Change engine oil and engine oil filter
  • Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if necessary
  • Rotate the tires

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months:

  • Replace the air conditioning filter (cabin air filter)

Every 18,000 miles or 18 months:

  • Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months:

  • Replace the air cleaner filter
  • Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine only)

Every 60,000 miles or 60 months:

  • Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve

Every 72,000 miles or 72 months:

  • Check and inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner, and replace if necessary

Every 100,000 miles:

  • Replace the spark plugs (2.7L and 3.5L engines)

Every 102,000 miles or 60 months:

  • Flush and replace engine coolant

Every 102,000 miles or 102 months:

  • Replace the engine timing belt (3.5L engines)

Lubricants and Capacities

2.7L Engine:

  • Motor oil: SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler specification MS-6395 and API certified). Capacity (with filter) is 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters). Note: The 2.7L engine has a dipstick with a MIN and MAX oil mark. Adding one quart of oil will move the oil level from the MIN to the MAX level.
  • Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT. Capacity is 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters). Note: Capacity includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.

3.5L Engine:

  • Motor oil: SAE 10W-30 (meeting Chrysler specification MS-6395 and API certified). Capacity (with filter) is 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters). Note-1: SAE 5W-30 may be used if ambient temperature is expected to remain below 32 F (0 C) before next oil change in order to ease starting. Note-2: The 3.5L engine has a dipstick with a MIN and MAX oil mark. Adding one quart of oil will move the oil level from the MIN to the MAX level.
  • Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT. Capacity is 10.3 quarts (9.75 liters). Note: Capacity includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.

5.7L Engine:

  • Motor oil: SAE 5W-20 (meeting Chrysler specification MS-6395 and API certified). Capacity (with filter) is 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters). Note: The 5.7L engine has a SAFE range on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil will move the oil level from the bottom of the SAFE range to the top of the range.
  • Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT. Capacity is 14.0 quarts (13.3 liters). Note: Capacity includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.

Other fluids:

  • Power steering fluid: ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid.
  • Automatic transmission fluid: ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid. Note: Chrysler 300 Series sedans are not equipped with an automatic transmission fluid dipstick.
  • Brake fluid: Use DOT 3 and SAE J1703.
  • Rear axle: SAE 75W-140 syntheticgear lubricant.