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Chrysler 300: Problems & Solutions

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  • jcraigjcraig Member Posts: 5
    Well,

    Got the Car back friday PM. 10 days in a rental.

    The dealer changed out the torque converter, new one, saw the box and part tag number. They flushed the Trans one more time, new filter, installed the works.

    Running, or should I say shifting fine!

    As far as fixed, I will always wonder. Had to go out of town this weekend, took the BMW.
  • sapguysapguy Member Posts: 8
    First, I want to thank the contributors to this forum. I started shopping around for a used 2005 300C about 3 weeks ago. After I narrowed my search and negotiated a price, I then went back armed with information from this forum. Particularly, the transmission fluid contamination, the tire wear, and the pulling-to-the-right problems were reviewed in detail. The dealership worked carefully to ensure the issues were resolved before I took delivery of the car this past Saturday.

    However, the deterioration on the rims was not yet solved. I took some high-resolution digital pictures, and I am posting them here. I would particularly like to hear from those persons who have experienced the problems with the rims flaking and pitting in the area around the perimeter. If these attached photographs are representative of the problems you are having, I would appreciate knowing that.

    I will keep regular postings about how the dealership, and Chrysler, respond to the issue.

    link title

    P.S. - If this URL posting doesn't work, I'll try an alternate route. I'm not an expert at posting URL links into forums.
  • atxatx Member Posts: 2
    Any luck with starting up a class action lawsuit. I bought my car last may and they still haven't been able to fix the pulling to the right problem. We need to stand up and be heard. :(
  • terryharristerryharris Member Posts: 40
    :cry: :mad: Took first long trip this weekend (1200 miles). Three things: 1. Noticed seat of pants vibration and deep bass hum on level road at 55MPH. Only occurred just before other 4 cylinders kicked in. Possible connection with cylinder cutout? 2. Noticed rear end whine at 50-55 MPH (first time). Got 26.1 MPG on trip ((Ohio to Alabama and back)(16 around town)). Two hundred or so of those miles were local in Alabama. Currently slightly over 4,000 miles on odometer. Any TSBs?
  • gagugagu Member Posts: 4
    I own a chry 300\ and thought I had transmission problems as well. They told me it was a water getting into the sealed unit..just like they told you. When it finaly broke down, it was a seloniod problem (hope i spelled that right). My car would red line and would not shift into gear. Then the engine light went on a few times then would go off. When I brought it to the dealership they told me that they could not duplicate the code when they hooked the car up on the computer. Two weeks later I was broken down on a major highway..NOT FUN and that is how they found the problem with the selonoid. I have problems still and they refuse to do anyother trouble shooting besides using the computer system. Ive had the vehicle realigned about four times for frequent pulling to the right. If your having problems like I am, Lemon Law is the only way to go. Its only going to get worse. Crappy car wrapped in a pretty package.
  • lennylenny Member Posts: 29
    Well my "Chrome clad" rims also have problems with the rims flaking and pitting in the area around the perimeter. I took the car in for Oil Change and asked service to look at the rim problem. I was told they would need to check with the Regional Manager who was off for a week, but it should be "no problem" as they have seen this problem not only on the "c's" but also on one of the Ram Pick Up's and they've been replacing them. Well I got the call today and was told they will NOT APPROVE the replacement because a TSB has been sent out on proper care for the rims to the Dealers! :mad: How the He!l are the owners to know "proper care" if they don't sent us the secret of proper care! I' calling the national customer service tomorrow. I hope they make this right. The car has been great - no other problems for my first 4342 miles.
  • lennylenny Member Posts: 29
    What a waste of time it was calling the National Customer Service! I found out the Regional Manager made his decision based on a TSB for CHROME wheels, not Chrome-Clad wheels that was issued on 9/26/2003! I was also told that "once a decision has been made it can't be changed!" - this is nuts. :mad: I drove Olds for 27 years. Decided to go with Chrysler and this is what they do to make things right? I notice others have had the rims replaced. With whom did you speak with? Was it just the local dealer? I'm I getting the run around here? :confuse: I don't see how they can honor others with this problem having them replaced, but not all? I see why some of the other posts are so negative now!
  • tinman1tinman1 Member Posts: 13
    Your dealer has the last say, If he wants to he can get the rims replaced at know cost to you he has a way of covering the cost. Tom
  • srschrysrschry Member Posts: 4
    letting you all know if your trans is contaminated with water it is entering through the bulk head connector on the side of the transmission
  • f15f15 Member Posts: 13
    It appears that dealers either haven't gotten the word from, or are choosing to ignore, Chrysler group's COO Tom LaSorda. Here's his edict, quoted from Automotive News Weekly Newspaper (online), May 09, 2005:

    May 09, 2005
    WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

    From the newsroom of Automotive News Online
    Click on a headline to open a new browser window and read the story.
    Registrants and Subscribers only.
    Subscribers, or purchase instant access.

    "Chrysler's LaSorda on quality: Fix it now; Source of a warranty woe is tagged, told to solve it quickly
    The Chrysler group handles warranty problems on a "fix-it-or-else basis." What's the "or else"? If the problem isn't fixed in seven business days, it lands on the desk of COO Tom LaSorda. If it persists for 14 business days, it arrives on the desk of CEO Dieter Zetsche."

    That's straightforward enough for me. I'd definitely be letting my dealer know that I'm aware of LaSorda's (and Zetsche's) dictum and that I'll not hesitate to escalate if I'm not satisfied that they're being appropriately responsive in getting any problem resolved.
    Jim-
  • smayericsmayeric Member Posts: 6
    I've had the same problem with mine. Seems the the rain-sensing wipers are more like intermittent rain sensing wipers. I've noticed the same issue with turning during sunny weather...wipers go off all on their own. I haven't taken it to the dealership for this yet because I'm dealing with a pull right / tire wear problem that is really starting to p!ss me off. I figure take it one issue at a time for now.
  • baddawgscbaddawgsc Member Posts: 15
    We had this problem too. Our dealership replaced them and I guess time will tell.
  • smayericsmayeric Member Posts: 6
    I had some flaking on my wheels on my 300C on the flange that the wheel weights clamp to. I took it to the dealer and they are replacing the wheels...no questions asked. I believe that it is most likely the dealer that is jerking you around...especially since they are so willing to replace my wheels.
  • smayericsmayeric Member Posts: 6
    Has anyone had a problem with the 300C stalling? Mine has stalled on me probably a total of 5 times in the last few months. Dealer says they can't duplicate the problem and that there is nothing they can do. Nice to know that I paid this much money for a car that can't even stay running at stoplights.
  • tinman1tinman1 Member Posts: 13
    Could be a fuel problem, how many times in how many miles would you say it is happening.. when it is hot or cold? try some dry gas. or maybe sell the car.
  • baddawgscbaddawgsc Member Posts: 15
    We got another call from Michigan (another office this time) someone else who is also going to follow the situation. We have an appointment to road test with the DSM on Thursday. My husband called today to see if our dealership will put it on the alignment machine with the DSM and him present and guess what he was told.......NO....... :surprise: surprised?? ......not a bit. He was told that Chrysler will not pay to have the car put on the machine and print out the specs for us. If the DSM will agreed to pay for it, then they will. My husband said that he would even pay for it. He just wants to see it on the machine, because everyone keeps saying that it is in specs, but, cannot show it to us on paper. My husband feels that we should at least be able to see some proof of what we are being told. If it is in specs then this car has bigger issues than we thought. We are going to need tires (we are on our second set) again soon, the fronts continue to feather, even with the tire rotation being done every 3,000 miles as recommended.
    Will let you know Thursday Eve how all goes
  • mtrethouenmtrethouen Member Posts: 2
    Just sending out a warning to potential and existing 300C owners. I purchased this car in Jan, stored it till mid April basically to avoid the Canadian winter here in the Durham/Clarington area. The car has exactly 3000 kms on it. Since it has been on the road it has been to the dealer for a sticking fuel gauge that wouldn't read past 3/4s, basically a re-calibration of the gauge itself was needed. The most troubling problem occurred this week. A good solid tick from the right bank of the motor. My first thought was tappets, and that proved to be correct. So right now my $50000 vehicle with 3000 kms on it is sitting in the dealer with the motor torn down. The very next day that my car goes in with this problem another 300C is admitted to the same dealer with the same problem. This is totally unexceptable and ridiculous that the Chrysler Flagship and motor should be having these problems after such limited use. Out of all the vehicles I have purchased this is by far the worst, beautiful wrapper but what is that without reliability. If anyone has had any luck with getting a refund here in Canada I'd be appreciative of hearing how. I've already contacted Chrysler Canada and am waiting for a reply.
  • miraclewhipmiraclewhip Member Posts: 1
    Hi, My tires are shot and I have 19,000 miles on my 05 300. The tires have actually been worn at about 12,000miles. I really can't understand why are wearing like this and I've had my car for less than a year. How did you go about having your tires replaced? Was it a hassle?
  • paul138paul138 Member Posts: 31
    Does anyone know if Chrysler identified the "pulling to the right"
    problem and if they will correct it for the 06 model??..or don't they
    want to admit there is even a problem?
  • sjacobson81sjacobson81 Member Posts: 15
    Hi paul138, for what it's worth, I have a 2006 300C (build date 3-31-05 8AM), and have experienced NO pulling/leading to the right problems. In fact, my commute is about an hour each way, and the car tracks so well, I can hold the heading with fingertips - no wander or pull at all...
  • baddawgscbaddawgsc Member Posts: 15
    we had our fronts replaced with 7,904 miles & rears with 10,676 sales manager at the dealership was great about getting them replaced. not sure who ultimately paid for it, but, it was not us. I would work with the dealer on that one. Not sure what we are going to do now that the fronts are feathering again. First set of replacement tires was basically "hassle free" not sure that it will go as well now because of other issues (mainly pull to right) with the vehicle and our not accepting that this is just how the car drives.
  • lennylenny Member Posts: 29
    After asking one dealer if they could be replaced (chrome-clad rims) they said "no problem" we just check with DSM. DSM said "NO",so I call National Customer Service (They said DSM said No so the answer is NO). Sent e-mail to Chrysler customer service. 6 Minutes later got reply - reviewed your records - DSM said No so we say "no" Call dealer were I bought (about 70 miles away as local dealer didn't have any on lot) - Told service manager about pitting on rims - NO PROBLEM - Chrysler knows there's a problem - going in next Thursday as "specialist" is coming on that day. Need to leave the car for a day and he will "fix" them. - Not sure what the fix is, but if it works I'm all for it. If not I'll be asking this service manager to replace. I'll let you know what comes of it!
  • cromzlacromzla Member Posts: 3
    Hi Paul138. I picked up my 2006 300c on May 3 (build date Apr. 2005), and have not had pulling problems either.. I commute 1 hour (round trip time) and the car handles very well.
  • dfiderdfider Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had problems with the interior lights not turning off? One night the dash indicator said a door was open. After opening and closing all the doors, it didn't go away. I restarted the car and it still stayed on. I tried driving home but it kept beeping and the lights stayed on. Finally the dash indicator when off while I was driving and the interior lights started to dim. Then 20 seconds later it started again. It continued like this for the rest of the trim home and even when I parked the car and got out, the dash indicator still said a door was open. It eventually when off but when I checked back later it was on again. :confuse:
  • jhenryjhenry Member Posts: 1
    Yes, my wife had this very problem this morning 5-20. The car just stalled and wouldn't restart after she parked. After about 4 tries of it killing every time she tried to restart she finally took the key out of the ignition pressed the unlock button on the key and tried again. This time it worked. It has also stalled on me once about two months ago.
  • jcraigjcraig Member Posts: 5
    That's for the heads-up. Could ya please supply a little more detail?
    Unlike your dealer,ya, I have to not only let them know of a problem, I have to fix it too, all but turning the wrench. Ya know, there is something wrong when the consumer has to define the fix for the service managers. Where do they get 'em!
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    smayeric--I recently had a similar stalling problem with the wife's 00 Eldo. Not the same car or manufacturer, but similar symtoms. When I took it in to the dealer they knew exactly what was wrong with it before I finished the first full sentence. Anyway, don't know if it would apply to the 300 but the fix was to replace both crankshaft sensors. I[Cost of the parts was about $65 each] I have no idea what they do, but that is what the dealer did. No more problems, knock on wood . You might want to see if a similar fix would apply to the 300.
  • mtrethouenmtrethouen Member Posts: 2
    It seems some debris made its way into the engine during assembly, not at the dealer serviced first oil change, either way it's unacceptable. An oil supply jacket was blocked with what they are calling lint, therefore, starving the lifters for oil. What about the springs, valves and rods that are connected to these lifters? They don't want to replace any of these components at this time. So to me the quality and integrity of this motor has been severely compromised. But it's under warranty they say, if they think I want my car in the shop for service ever other week it's no more wonder domestic auto makers are losing an ever increasing market share. To me the whole motor should be replaced, but Chrysler Canada is about as sympathetic and compotent as the idiot who let the debris get into the motor. So far out of the 4 weeks this car has been on the road it has been to the dealer twice for service, and as I write this the car is sitting out back of the dealer now waiting for parts for over a week. The sooner I get this piece of garbage back the sooner I can dump it and buy a competent import.
    CHRYSLER YOU AND YOUR 5 STAR SERVICE SEVERELY DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • jdevivojdevivo Member Posts: 2
    Lenny - i'm going through the same problems as we speak. I took the car to the dealer I purchased from, and the DM declined. I have my car about 8 months, with about 5k miles on it. The DM said it was some cleaning product that did it. The dealer said they can't do anything without DM approval, and the main customer service number stands by the DM. This is a load of crap. I have an appointment at another dealer, I'll see what they say. I'm in LI, NY, are you in this area?
  • phillyfanphillyfan Member Posts: 11
    purchsed silver 300c with awd in march the day after it was delivered to dealer.manufactured in march '05. have over 1600 miles, so far no problems. seems to drive straight, slight drift to right on crowned roads but easy to keep straight. tires look ok. only dissappointment is low gas mileage, 13-14 so far but drive it hard and this should improve. noticed after reading some posts, the outside temp gauge at times is a little "lazy" especially in hot temps, 95 plus. but it seems accurate and does work. hope they have all the issues corrected in the newly manufactured models. the car handles and rides very well and everyone loves it. steering issues seem to be on the older vehicles. any reported problems with recent manufacture dates?
  • smayericsmayeric Member Posts: 6
    Had my car into the dealer for the stalling issue...dealer stated that there are two idle issues with the 300C. The first issue is what they call an idle undershoot when you come to a complete stop. The second issue is taking the vehicle from drive to reverse. I wasn't able to get the service bulletin numbers relating to the two problems, however the dealer reprogrammed my powertrain control module and the car runs fine. If anyone is having the same problems, make sure the dealer is aware there are service bulletins to correct the issue.

    On a sidenote...if anyone uses Sunoco gas blended with ethanol, you run the risk of creating another stalling issue. I spoke with a powertrain engineer I used to work with and he said to never use Sunoco gas because it is blended with ethanol.
  • greyfox1greyfox1 Member Posts: 28
    My 2006 300C has a tab ( punched in during the forming process of this piece ) on the inside of the filler door to hold the gas cap leash.
  • chirojedichirojedi Member Posts: 2
    I have the same car and I don't have any of that noise going on. I am averaging 18mpg city. Humm....

    David T
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    Thanks for the info, our 05 Jeep Grand has the same filler door as yours. I guess the cost cutting on the 05 300's deleted this simple " hook " until customer complaints forced D/C to make this simple correction. If my home made hook gives out I will order a 06 filler door.Other than that after 1600 Miles I have not had the problems some of the others have had to endure.
  • jeepjeep Member Posts: 86
    That's strange. My '05 Grand has an entirely different hook than the '06 300. The Grand has the hook at the middle of the door. The 300 hook is down near the bottom. It almost appears that it was an afterthought.
  • lennylenny Member Posts: 29
    I just picked up my 300c today after having the rims "fixed" - They look great! Maybe better than when I picked it up new! This dealer had a guy who comes in and strips off all the finish and than re-applies another finish. This is supposed to be the better finish now used. Also another thing they replaced for free was the Driver side Scuff Plate - This was showing signs closed to what the rims looked like - flaking - had white spots about the size of a dime. This dealer did take care of me. :) Sorry to say the dealer I was using closer to home will no longer be getting my service business. He gave me the run around about the DSM saying we didn't clean correctly etc. so Chrysler wouldn't do anything. Called this dealer (about 70 miles from Home where we bought it) and was told right away "NO Problem" bring it in and we'll take care of it. The car is just over 11 months old and with only 4550 miles on it. No other problems, but the wife is so fed up with the way this issue was handled this will most likely be a trade very soon to something other than Chrysler!
  • sanfordwhitesanfordwhite Member Posts: 9
    Thanks to everyone who posted information about our mutual problem - transmission vibration and slippage.

    I just had my car fixed in accordance with the referenced TSB or at least I thought I did. Upon checking the receipt for the warrantee repair, it seems that the repair only included 5 quarts of trans oil. The TSB says 13 due to the 3 complete flushes apparently specified in steps 10, 23 and 36.

    Soooooo, for those of you who've had the work done, would you:
    1. Check to see how much 'warrantee oil' DC was charged for
    2. Let us all know if your problem was fully repaired or not
    3. Provide your thoughts on whether it will be OK to allow the dealer to have done only one flush vs, the three that were supposed to have been done. If the real problem was moisture in the oil, it seems that having them do all 3 flushes helps to ensure a full elimination of the water.

    Thank you, all, for your response!
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    I stand corrected,our Jeep filler door is the same as yours,I have not seen the 06 300 door. Thanks for the update.
  • fp300cfp300c Member Posts: 3
    Had the EXACT problem at 3000 miles... brought the car in this week and got it back last night - they sucked the old fluid out, replaced and sealed it like new - - running like a charm.
  • frankc2frankc2 Member Posts: 5
    Air conditioning on my 300 touring stinks at the first few minutes after it is on and off. I bought my 300 in May, 2004. Last summer it was ok. I did not use it for whole winter. When I started to use a/c about 2 weeks ago, the smell ( like very stinky feet ) almost made me throw up. I thought it would be gone after few times of usage. But it has been there for about 2 weeks.

    Another problem with a/c is the loping vibration. If I set climate control to auto, I can feel vibration from under the hook about every 30 secs at idle. It feels like some switch is being turning on or off. It is annoying while I am waiting for traffic light.

    I am going to take my 300 to dealer next week. Just wondering if anyone heard something like this before.
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    The temp.control thermostat is turning the A/C compressor on and off to maintain cabin temp. or it could be the engine cooling fan cycling. Both of these are normal. I can't help with the smell you are experiencing.
  • sanfordwhitesanfordwhite Member Posts: 9
    fp300x - you indicated that your car was fixed. Do you have evidence that they replaced the fluid, per the TSB, 3 times or only once? Thanks!
  • frankc2frankc2 Member Posts: 5
    Took the car to the dealership yesterday. The loping vibration was caused by A/C compressor. A new compressor has been odered. I still cannot believe the A/c compressor is broken in only one year.
    About the smell, I was told it was normal since A/C had not been used for whole winter. Anyway, the smell is gone after 2 weeks.
  • frankc2frankc2 Member Posts: 5
    Just one day before I took my 300( Turing) to dealership for the air conditioning problem, I got another problem. The engine shut down by itself right after start( within 1 or 2 seconds) and checking engine light was on. It happened at the first two times. At the third time, everything was back to normal and it never happened since then( already 4 days). Dealer could not find any thing wrong with it after checking computer record. My 300 is one year old with 33000km on it.

    Any thoughts?
  • frankc2frankc2 Member Posts: 5
    This problem sounds same as mine. Have you got it fixed? Probablly you need a new A/C compressor as well.
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    FrankC2--Sometimes mold can form in the a/c sytem when it sits for sometime without being used. I have seen this in a couple of vehicles that suddenly put out a raunchy smell. It happened to me on a Buick Regal GS and also on my 300M. The solution from both the dealers was to run the a/c system and spray some Lysol aeresol into the intake area [along the front windshield on my two cars] and let it work its way through the system until you get the lysol aroma into the car. After it has worked thru the system it apparently kills the mold in the ducts and the normal fresh air smell returns. You might want to try it if your problem returns. :shades:
  • tinman1tinman1 Member Posts: 13
    Why would he need a new AC unit it is just a moldy smell the compresor system is sealed the smell comes the ducts.
  • frankc2frankc2 Member Posts: 5
    He might need a new compressor because of the vibration, not the smell.
  • evilgrecoevilgreco Member Posts: 40
    Hey Frank...mine did this the other day too....but I had the AC on and the radio on from when I previously shut it off....I had to shut them off to get a kept start.

    Just my 2-cents

    :lemon:
  • bbraddockbbraddock Member Posts: 46
    I have been reading the board for many months, and have had ALL the troubles that everyone has disclosed. Bad in the snow, I bought new rear tires, temperature gauge with faulty readings, a new download, pull to the right, dealer fixed on the first go around, bad tires, I paid $300 and got 4 new ones. I'm fortunate to have a great dealer that is taking care of me. I just rolled 30,500 miles and I've had the car a week over a year. If you are considering buying this car, do it. The 300C Hemi is the real thing. It is a better car than anything in the price range. ALL cars have problems, but we seem to exploit them here, and frankly it probably isn't fair to a fine automobile. Not everybody is having problems, and not everybody is having dealer problems. I couldn't be happier, am proud to own one, and think you should too! You deserve it. Enjoy the ride! PS 25.6 MPG last trip
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