Chrysler 300M

lflowers

I've been using the Autoshift a lot more than I used to lately, and it's got me wondering whether using Autoshift increases the load on the transmission. Especially downshifting for engine braking. Downshifting probably reduces wear on the brakes somewhat, but brakes can be repaired a lot more cheaply than a transmission.
Does anyone have any specific experience or knowledge that sheds any light on the question of whether using Autoshift is harder on the tranny?

Lynn

carloskid

Thanks to all who responded to my question regarding the cold engine growl.. It appears to be a loose alternator belt, which I'll have adjusted. I hope it works -- my son has a Camry
which is virtually silent and my rumbling M'er sounds pretty cheap in comparison.
By the way, I read of people spending oodles on upgrades and accessories to improve appearance.
I have a slate/black model, and I find that one simple way to improve the overall looks from the rear is to spend $2.00 for a can of heat proof flat black paint and spray all the undercarriage visible from behind. I recently parked next to another "M" owner, and the guy was sure I had a different model. My car appears to sit closer to the road. Thanks again for responding - Carloskid

tj300m

I am taking my electrical problem into the 5* tomorrow, and will ask about the brake sounds. I do not think it sounds or feels like traction control. I feel it intermittantly as well. I was wondering if perhaps moisture or some other changing factor was causing the sound.

I'll let you know if they have an answer.

Thanks for the diagnostic codes.

fastdriver

300mlover-

There is a topic area here for Zaino. Not sure where it is now because I was out of this area for months because of all the initial problems. This has been an issue from day- Zaino vs non-Zaino. Nobody gets a thing from Sal except a GREAT shine and a long lasting one.

I think this will take you to some pics of my 300M with that Zaino shine. There are a number of different albums. My car is a 1999 and has NEVER been clayed. If this shine doesn't convince you to try Zaino- nothing will!

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=912729

fastdriver

tksatksa

In #1139, hayneldan described the sequence for displaying stored trouble codes. This is useful information; Thanks!

My question is this: are the codes cleared from the computer once they have been displayed or do they remain 'displayable' until they are intentionally cleared by a tech?

Great discussion group, guys. I have an '01 LHS but I learn alot from following this group. Thanks.

illini4

Fault codes can only be cleared by the diagnostic read-out device used by the dealer (or an equivalent).

fastdriver

dustinnewton-

Almost forgot- that link that you posted about Chrysler SOUNDS great, but didn't ottowrkr(300M factory worker) say it's pure hype? Just like the "Motor Trend Car of the Year" award.

fastdriver

jedi_knight

Well, I just talked to the halifax chrysler parts department. Yes the very one that was going to order my sidemaker lights. Well, even though they come on the Canadian versions of the M, you cannot order them in Canada! Now if I only knew someone in Europe..........

Keith

hayneldan

tksatksa,illini4,
The trouble codes will not be erased as long as the trouble still exists. I was getting a service engine soon light on our other car the 96 minivan and got the trouble code 32 + 55. 32 is the code for EGR failure, and I was ready to take it in to the dealer. Then I watched Motorweek on PBS and Pat Goss said EGR valves seldom go bad but usually clog. Since this van had not been out on the highway for a while, and had a lot of short trips during the Winter, a quick spirited Highway drive getting the RPM's up for a while heated up the EGR valve and tube to the exhaust, and melted or burned out all the accumulated gunk out and the next day no service engine light or code 32. I therefore conclude that the cars can clear the codes.

rstilp

Easyrider300m--I've had the same noise on my 2000M. I've also had it on my El Dorado and my Vette. The Vette, immediately after washing and the Eldo when it was raining. I just assumed that dampness was the cause in the M. Your right that it only happens on slow speed stops. Maybe someone will come up with a good explanation.

sugar300m

That's bad news. The first parts guy that was looking for me in Toronto came up empty. There is a BMW dealership near me who also imports other cars from Europe. He's going to look into it for me...I will certainly let you know what he finds.

Zaino question - I'm ready to order the stuff. One of their recommendations is to wash your car with Dawn (or similar) dishwashing liquid. Has anyone done this & after the Zaino application, was everything OK? I just can't imagin washing a car with dishwashing liquid.

scotian

I used it. It did whatever it was supposed to do. Just make sure you Zaino right away.

scotian

I just tossed four sets in the mail today. Any of you new guys and gals want one? They're free! And I always welcome pictures of newly installed clock faces...

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1280646&a=9486000&f=0

mykem

Maybe one of our European members can help?

Other than that, try the international versions of Yahoo and find a dealership over in Europe...

-m

300mlover

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO POST ONE ON HERE. PLEASE. I AM VERY COMPUTER ILLITERATE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

race9fan

there are 3 members here with the side markers, the president and the secretary of 300mclub.org both have them, why they chose to be so greedy with their info is beyond me...personally i think the side markers are out of place on the 300m, and do nothing for the looks but make it look like a euro wannanbe...

Racefan9

rogor2k

Just copy the hyperlink and paste it into the message box. If you're using windows, highlight what you want to copy, then hit CTRL+C (Ctrl key plus C key at the same time). Place the cursor where you want to place the hyperlink in the message box, then hit CTRL+V.

Give it a shot. We're here to help.

Hint: turn off the caps lock key. It sounds like you're screaming.

rogor2k

Maybe we went to Canada and bought them. What's the diff? - you wouldn't want them anyway.

For those who do want them, I'm going to TRY to exert my minimal influence and see if there isn't some way we can shake loose a source here in the USA.

We're here to help.

jedi_knight

I know where the folks aquired their lights but I choose not to push the issue. Now if Roger can work some magic, I'll be pleased. And yes I will have them on my euro wana-be, M. I like the looks, gives people in other lanes a little heads up (not that it matters since they never move) of my intentions etc.

Keith

race9fan

so whats the big ---- deal. we are all 300m owners here and if "we're here to help" than lets do it. if a member wants marker lights tell them how to get them, and no i don't want them on my m but if i had them and knew how to get them i wouldn't be hiding it!!!

Racefan9

dustinnewton

Race-If you told me a secret, and told me not to tell anyone else, I would honor your request and keep your info confidential. Same thing here.
Hey-Thanks for the refresher!!
Chrome-Normal washing with Zaino car wash works wonders!
Fast-What link?

sugar300m

rogor2k-thanks for that input...anything you can do would be greatly appreciated. My M was built with some Stealth capability 'cuz even when I signal lane changes, I'm constantly getting cut off. Race: Euro wannabe? Naw, just want to be a little different til I get the dual exhaust like you!

300mlover

here are some PICS of the 300 Hemi that I took at the Cleveland Auto Show. Enjoy!

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1568502&a=11981293&f=0

denverm

Nice pics, thanks for posting them. Guess they weren't letting folks sit in it, eh?

scotian

with a front license plate covering its grille!

As for the official 300M side marker lights, I cannot for the life of me fathom what on God's green earth could be so damn special about them that a) Chrysler refuses to sell them to us here in the USA and b) those who have obtained them here are so secretive about it. It's ridiculous!

300mlover

They wouldn't even let me touch it. offered a guy working the show a $100 and he told me to keep dreaming! I started to wonder if it was a model.

I also agree that the side marker lights are ugly. If you like that look so much go buy a Volkswagen!

Craig

intrepidspirit

I would love to get a customized clock face! Can you tell me how to get one? Thanks.

hatax

Hey all,
Wondering if anyone else has noticed this. I know that the M's changer is picky about what kinda CD-Rs you feed it (I've had good luck with PNY Black Diamonds) but I've noticed that it skips much easier with CD-Rs and therefore, it skips alot... I took the changer apart to see if there was anything I could do for it. And as best as I can tell alot of the problem comes from the fact that the laser assembly moves from side to side, not forward to backward, therefore when you take corners and hit even a small bump, it is very prone to skipping.. Anyone else having this trouble or have a fix for it? I'm thinking of installing rubber washers where I screw it into the dash...

BTW Scotian! I'd love one of those faces. If you really do them for free. (Which I must add is quite kind of you!) I'll shoot you an email and send you a pic of it installed.

fuzzywuzzy

I said it before WHY???????? I don't see the need for them. That's one mod I would never do. Too much trouble.

fuzzywuzzy

I would say it was normal. I have noticed it too. Making sharp turns, over a few bumps. Mine only skips for a sec. I can live with that. I would just leave it alone. I could never take a working CD changer apart on a new car. It's just asking for trouble. Especialy if your still under warranty.

denverm

Just covered by lots of folks. Go to post #955 and start reading from there.

scotian

Follow the instructions:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=9486000&p=31140913&f=0

fastdriver

dustinnewton-

This link- http://www.automfg.com/articles/069802.html - message # 1113.

fastdriver

rogor2k

Long time no hear from. How is your paint job holding up? Inquiring minds want to know.

I don't know if you've been lurking, but the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club is finally off the ground. Check us out at http://www.300mclub.org. As a member, You can save 10% on all your future parts and service needs at your local 5* (or 4*, or 3*, whatever fits).

rogor2k

You sound a lot like Racefan9 that used to be here. Must be a family resemblance.

The 300M Enthusiasts Club is ready and eager to help anyone who is not focused on dissin' the Club and its members. If you have no interest on having Euro-wannabe marker lights on your M, why is this such an important issue to you? Is there a hidden agenda that only you and I know about?

Lets not air our dirty laundry here. If you have an issue with me or with the 300M Enthusiasts Club, please e-mail me off line and we can settle it there without boring all these good people with the ugly details.

dustinnewton

Tempory memory lapse there. No, I hadn't heard that from Otto. He only briefly commented on the article, and it was pretty much "yeah, that's how we make them". It's from a industry trade publication. It's interesting, nonetheless.

scotian

The only reason that I can think of for DC being so adamant against selling side marker lights to the USA is for lawsuit liability concerns; perhaps they consider installing them to be akin to installing an airbag. But, unlike airbags, apparently they won't even allow dealers to install them -- that makes no sense whatsoever!

fuzzywuzzy

It does make sense. Try and order any euro spec car in the US. You cannot. Why, Federal law. Those cars are built to export, with those specs. That includes all pieces of that car. Take a 300M in canada. I drive to the US, Something breaks, I need to order a part from a local US DC dealer. Because my 300M has a export vin # they can do it. Same if a US 300M went to Canada. If the moves are perminate, I by law have to get the car to the specs of that country. However, you can order a euro spec car in europe, but you have to import it to the US, you have to pay some sort of tax, or something, & get the car to conform with US specs. Dealers are responsiable for this. Even ordering a euro part for a US spec car can get them in serious trouble. I'm sure there are some dealers who will do it, just have to find them.

scotian

in the case of these silly little side marker lights, it is unreasonable.

intrepidspirit

It's good to be back! Many familiar names and its good to see many new ones. I got busy, then found there was no forum (temporarily) and just happened to check it out again. Glad I did!

The repaint has not been a problem...for all the grief they put me through, I have to admit they finally did a good job! The car looks great with 4 coats of Zaino!

I have 5,600 miles on my 2000 Inferno red M and I am very happy with the performance. However, I have some issues that I haven't addressed with service yet. MY auto temperature is way too cold and is slow to adjust even when I turn it up to 90 degrees. Also, even though my sub-frame was adjusted, I still have a slight drift to the left. Forget the crown in the road routine -- it drifts to the left no matter which side of the crown I am on. Both of these problems are apparently not uncommon and have made their way into some of the vehicle reviews.

In addition, I had my driver's armrest snap inside the casing at about 1,000 miles. This has happened to other 300m's as well as LHS's.

My lease is coming up on my 98 Intrepid ES. My wife drives it and she is looking at M's as well as the LHS. The Intrepid has been a great car but there are so many now, and lower level models reduced the prestige factor with the high-ended model. She likes more individualistic cars and she likes boats (e.g. Cadillacs), so I think she is leaning toward the LHS, but we're not too happy about the crash test results.

Anyway, great to be back and I look forward to future participation!

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

Glad to hear that the paint job held up okay. That Zaino will do it everytime!! Don't you love the wet-look on the red? I have the Candy Apple Red on Christine. I have only recently come back to these boards too. Got disgusted early on when there were so many problems, that I just signed off here for months.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit

There is no question that red (candy apple and inferno) shows off the wet Zaino look better than any other color. I have seen your pictures of Christine. The finish even seems to get wetter looking over time! I use Zaino on my Champagne Pearl Intrepid and it looks great, but not in comparison with the red.

How has Christine been behaving?... know you've had a lot of horror stories.

Whatever you say about 300M owners, you have to admit we have an unequaled passion that lets us love our cars, warts and all! I think it's because the pride and exhilaration we feel far exceed the relatively minor problems we endure.

dustinnewton

I can understand their reluctance for engines and critical type things, but I think the side marker light thing is silly too. Little non-critical thing like them should be exempt. The hoods are probably exactly the same, but you probably wouldn't be able to cross order them. Bureaucratic red tape is all it is. Leave it to big business and the government! I hate to be secretive about where mine came from, but the source could get into trouble over it, and I don't want that to happen. Jedi_knight knows what I mean and I think he would agree. I'm not trying to be uppity or flaunt them at anyone, I just honestly can't say how I got them. It's a shame that some here (not you) and making such a big deal about the whole thing.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

Yes, we are passionate either way- pro/con. Christine's latest problem is the horn. Can barely hear it. This just happened yesterday when someone pulled out in front of me and I blew the horn. I couldn't even hear it. I don't know how many horns there are, but this sounds like a 1/2 horn working.

fastdriver

hayneldan

Guys, This is getting out of hand. I can't fathom why DC wont let you order these if you want them. The Mercury Cougar sold in the US has them as do others sold here. It must be one of those "Policy" decisions.

99_300m_ric_va

For those interested, I installed my molded wood trim and not the flat trim pieces. Here's some pics.

-http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1539430&a=12245146&f=0-

I may try the flat pieces on the center console after I upgrade to the 2000 shift console cover and leather boot.

Robert

rklass

The horns on my '99 were mounted very low behind the valence & under the headlights. The opening faced forward, and picked up water during heavy rain. The sound finally was reduced to a pathetic bleat, and Chrysler replaced them with a redesigned part. Just to be sure, I rotated them to face each other and never had another problem.

I haven't crawled under the '01 to see what the setup is now.

Nuce pix of the molded wood dash, Robert! Where did you get the kit? Looks much better than the faux wood factory stuff. I have a Joshua Tree kit on my '01 Luxury pachage:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1501794&a=11408326&f=0

The factory parts are real California walnut burl, so I just wanted to add to what was there. My kit is from Joshua Tree, and is of outstanding quality.

rogor2k

Robert, that burl wood kit looks terrific. I'm jealous. I never thought I'd even consider it, but I might actually redo mine in burl. It looks much richer than the faux rosewood.

Just a thought on the shift console pieces you want to upgrade. If you can find a wrecked 2000 300M (horrible thought, I know) you might save some bucks over new parts.

Thanks for the tip. Do you get a finder's fee?

scotian

You know, that doesn't look half bad -- and I hate wood trim! The reddish color with just the vent section covered. Hmmm. I don't know if it would look as good with the area around the radio covered.

easyrider300m

trim looks great--how did you do the dash and door trim--did you have to take off the factory trim or does it just apply over it--also where did you order it and what is the cost---any trouble putting it on.

Easyrider300M