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Chrysler 300: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    Did you have the tires rotated at the 6000 mile service ?
  • ddannddann Member Posts: 5
    Had my 300C for exactly one year with 17920 miles. It has been in 4 times for a faulty passenger air bag sensor. Also, replaced the Chrome wheels because of chipping. Now the tires are almost worn out(have only 15% of tread left on all 4 tires.) Took it back today to the Chrysler dealer and after checking the cars' alignment, stated it was a Continental Tire Mfg issue. Took it to a tire dealer who contacted the Cont. Factory Rep. After much discussion they offered an adjustment of $30 a tire on a new set. What a rip off. Both Chrysler and Cont. know they have a problem with these tires. Negotiated a deal of new set of Pirelli's.
    Still upset that Chrysler and Cont. offered no explanation as to why these tires wore out at 18K of normal mile usage. I definitely will be looking at something other than Chrysler for my next car.
  • renterrenter Member Posts: 9
    Thanks, dmiller5. I'm scheduled to go back in for service next week. I'll take your note with me.
  • renterrenter Member Posts: 9
    No, did not. If I had, I would not have been so surprised at the sudden appearance of the right lead. That's going to be looked at next week as well, when I get the power pedals repaired. Thanks again.
  • caney3175caney3175 Member Posts: 1
    I need to have a scratch fixed on my silver 300. Do you know the body shop your salesman used?
  • jnoonejnoone Member Posts: 2
    Hi , i just purchased a 300 touring Limited 2006 after i drove the car off the lot and took it home , i looked under the front and passenger seat , on top of the box that work the remote power seat i found this green dust , also was all over the connector to the power seat module/box , i rubbed this dust on my fingers and after a few minutes it started to burn, i looked under the hood , then open the trunk ,the salesman had told me there was a battery in the trunk , i lifted the carpet in the trunk and found the same green dust , by the battery mounts, the metal that held the bracket was all rusty and the bolt that held the bracket was also all rusty, this is a new car with less then 30 miles on it. has anyone else seen that or experience that ? its definetly battery acid ? if anyone has experience this problem let me know please..... i can return this car within 2 days and get full refund. thanks Jay
  • lshaw43lshaw43 Member Posts: 2
    According to my 300C manual, it would be a problem. The manual says that there is a security system that requires that the ignition key have a matching electronic chip or it will shut the engine off after two seconds. That would seem to preclude having an ignition key without the remote transmitter.
  • ford624ford624 Member Posts: 75
    The paint shop is in Redwood City, CA. The actual paint job was good. It just didn't match the rest if the car. I wonder if the paint shop was wise enough to have the dealership supply the factory paint. I did bring car back, and they did repaint the hood again. At the time of bringing car back I pointed out another blemish on top of car above driver's door. They said that it was a chip, I asked them to please check closer, they said no. Today when I picked up car I had a group check out car, they determined that it was a warranty blemish. I left car there again at the dealership. This afternoon I read in "Lemon Law Stuff" something about "loss in value", plus four times on same item; "fit and finish” The service writer and all have been very courteous so far.
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    Just checked my battery compartment, looks brand new. Build date jan.05.Get your money!
  • jnoonejnoone Member Posts: 2
    dmiller5, anything under the driver seat and passenger seat ? i think i am taking this car back!
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    No, just a gum wrapper !! Good Luck.
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    They might not believe someone that can not spell " pedal " correctly !!
  • fp300cfp300c Member Posts: 3
    After side view mirror tilts down when car is in reverse, the driver's side mirror never comes full back to original memory setting. Two attempts to fix didn't get it done - don't know if the dealer understands the problem! Anyone else with mirrors with a bad memory??
  • retainerretainer Member Posts: 1
    I just had my 300 Limited looked at after 1 year of driving. I really like this car. I had a question about the thermometer, and the dealer said it does take a moment for it to register correctly. By moment I mean a short period of time. I have been in many cars with thermometers, GM, Ford, practically any make, and because of ambient temperatures and the surrounding materials (Metal, plastic, glass) they all seem quirky at times.
    I have been reading other areas of this post, and one thing I'll say for sure is, find out if your dealers techs know the car. I don't take the car where I bought it anymore, because they simply weren't up to speed on it. I used to work in new car prep and repair years ago, and the new ones roll out of the showroom long before the guys fixing them know how to do the job. The first tech on my car even manufactured reasons for problems, and tried to fix problems that didn't really exist. Ex.-Sunroof drips inside the assembly near the roof- It is supposed to - the water is then carried out a channel designed just for this. The first guy tried to remove "clear coat paint bump" to solve the non-existent condition. Keep reading forums like this, and do your homework. That is your best asset. If your guy can't do it, you will know it when you talk to him.
  • justgreat47justgreat47 Member Posts: 100
    that's pretty sad state of affairs, regarding the pulling problem. from the very beginning of the 300's production run owner's have been complaining of this problem and apparently it still has not been eliminated from the production line...not good. my personal take on why it happens is due to the excessive weight of the 5.7. it's just too heavy cast in iron and sitting over the front end...too much weight bias towards the front. it seems to me, that it's mostly the "c" owners complaining of the pulling problem..the 3.5 and 2.7 doesn't seem to have this "issue" as often as the 5.7. jackg 90seville 98k
  • cjb2486cjb2486 Member Posts: 26
    Sorry to blow your theory, but my 300 Limited w/the 3.5 pulled when I first bought it. Took it back, and it's much better after a 4 wheel alignment. So now, it doesn't really pull, but it still seems to "prefer" going right. Now if I could just get the flickering lights problem solved..............
  • cerberus300cerberus300 Member Posts: 21
    My 300 Touring (built in Feb 04) pulled to the right too. The steering felt v. light and sensitive and if I hit a bump or hole in the road with wheels on either side the steering would lurch to the right so bad it actually hurt my wrists at one point (not enough for a long term pain but it was sore for a couple of hours). From a standing start (not touching the pedals) on a flat surface, the car instantly crept to the right. I noticed that the steering wheel would settle at around 5-10 degrees off centre, and the car would drive straight on a substantial inverse crown without me holding the wheel. At the first 3 month service I took along with a copy of the TSB that I found on one of the Edmunds 300 forums and told them the problem and the dealer sent it away for re-alignment (they didn't have the equipment themselves). After picking the car up it feels completely different. Steering is more heavy but feels more assuring and takes any road bumps no problem keeping to centre okay, even over speed bumps! It's actually a lot more fun to drive. It's still sensitive to road crown but I can accept that. I don't mind having to push on the wheel if my brain says there's a slope in the road.
  • dickrindickrin Member Posts: 4
    what I was thinking is that chrysler should have continued with the option to have a spare key with just the chip enbedded and not have to have the remote. my 96 intrepid at work just needed the chip key. Is there anybody from chrysler monitoring this forum that might have a solution???
  • motcrue68motcrue68 Member Posts: 10
    Got my 2005 300C in December 2004. 6000 miles so far and just miner problems. When I first opened hood I could not find tranny dipstick. My car doesn't have one? It's sealed with a cap. Everyone that is having tranny problems has the same set up? How can water get in if there is a cap on it? Am I supposed to have a dipstick? Just curious.
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    See page 29, post 545, hope this helps
  • vic10vic10 Member Posts: 188
    Will anyone provide a bit of a description of the transmission related vibration experienced by some? The other day, doing about 75, my 300C (with 10K miles) experienced a brief moment of fairly intense vibration, as though the smooth road surface had suddenly become a washboard. I let up on the gas briefly and the vibration went away. So far only a one time occurrence.

    As a general comment, the car seems to get better with age. My occasionally non-functioning passenger window now works fine. Dash rattles have all but disappeared. Even the ride (which I found a tad too sharp) seems to have improved. Never did have the right pull problem and tire wear is nil. It's still the only car out there I'd want to own.....
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    The other day, doing about 75, my 300C (with 10K miles) experienced a brief moment of fairly intense vibration, as though the smooth road surface had suddenly become a washboard.

    This is scary. I believe Crown Vics, and its cousins experienced these same symptoms (I think it's a TSB). Now I can understand it on a POS Ford 4-speed, but a Mercedies 5-speed?
  • donl1donl1 Member Posts: 112
    :sick: There is another forum out there that has reported dozens of transmissions problems. Some have been flushed and many have had to be replaced. Seems there was a o-ring or gasket missing at the base of the fill tube and lets water in. The condensation from the air conditioner ran down the tube and entered or in some cases driving on wet roads was enough. Do a little checking and you'll find all about it...or check with Chrysler on a TSB.
  • ddannddann Member Posts: 5
    Sent Emails to both Chyrsler and Contential Tire: Here is their response:
    Dear Don:
    Thank you for your email to DaimlerChrysler.
    The following areas are covered by separate warranties, not the
    Manufacturers Basic New Vehicle Warranty:
    * Tires (warranted by the tire manufacturer)
    Continental Tire Company
    Owner Relations
    1800 Continental Blvd.
    Charlotte, NC 28273

    * 800-847-3349
    www.continentaltire.com

    Thank you again for your email.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    Response (Jose) - 07/21/2005 01:08 PM
    Dear Dan,
    [Web Inquiry: 050720-000006]

    Thank you for contacting use regarding your concerns over your claim, # 02388. On 7/19, you still had 4/32 of an inch, or 22% of the tread life remaining on your P225/60R1899H tires. Our original equipment tires do not offer a mileage or use guarantee, up to a predetermined mileage as you may find in the replacement market. Although this is not a warranty issue, and you have a high performance 2005 CHRYSLER 300C with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine, using high performance tires, we made a goodwill offer of assistance.
    A modern tire is a complex technical component that must perform a variety of functions. In the process of designing and manufacturing our tires we aim for a multitude of desired features including best wet tractions, superior handling behavior, high mileage and low fuel consumption, material and pattern design. Most of these features represent conflicting goals and leave tire engineers no choice but to settle for a compromise between opposing characteristic. That is the reason why high performance tires offer superior handling and wet performance characteristics but may not achieve the mileage results of standard broad market tires.
    This was the topic of a Wall Street Journal article concerning the increased use of low profile high performance tires on more and more vehicles:
    Burning Rubber Gets Expensive
    Pricey Tires Increasingly Come Standard on Cars, But Wear Out Easily.

    By Michelle Higgins, Apr 21, 2005
    Sincerely,
    Continental Tire North America, Inc.
    Customer Relations
  • 300cblues300cblues Member Posts: 3
    My wife and I bought the dashing 300c, after driving it less than 4000 miles it developed a shuttering feeling and jerking. After returning it to the dealer he informed us that water had seeped into the transmission via the A/C drainage. They drained and flushed the Transmission. We had to take back the vehicle back 2 more times for this problem before they changed the torque converter and re-sealed the transmission. We met with the District manager for Daimler Chrysler ( Bruce Shirey ) we requested that Chrysler change out our tranmission due to the water, he refused to change it out.
    My wife and I would like to hear from anyone who has had or having similar issues with there Chrysler or Dodge.
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    In anticipation of the first oil change on my 300C I jacked up one side and crawled underneath and found a "splash pan" covering the entire undersurface of the engine. I have done all of the routine maintenance on all of my vehicles since 1961 and do not wish to stop now, but am wondering IF I removed the back two screws holding the splash pan up, would it drop down enough to allow me to get to the oil filter--any suggestions that would make it easier for me to change the oil filter would be appreciated.

    Mike
  • arnoldwarnoldw Member Posts: 28
    You'll need to remove all 4 bolts. It's quite easy really. The filter is on the passenger side at the front of the engine.
  • lornadoonelornadoone Member Posts: 5
    Gee, at least Chrysler gave you a phone number to call. I had to get that on my own. Other than that, I'm being offered the same deal. I'm trying to push the issue with Chrysler, but doubt that I'll get very far. If you get somewhere, could you let me know, and I'll do the same?
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me know how to get to the oil filter--never though I would have to ask anyone such a mundane question about a car.

    Mike
  • cjoycecjoyce Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 300 Limited with 18K miles purchased in April 04. Upon getting off the highway after traveling about 20 miles, smoke started to come from the engine compartment and I heard a grinding noise. Turns out the Front Control Module failed. The car did not overheat and was driveable. The smoke cleared quickly. Car is now at the dealership awaiting parts and repairs. Anyone experience a similar problem??
  • rolstorolsto Member Posts: 5
    My 300C now has 10K miles on it. Was delivered in February. No REAL problems with it. The thermometer malfunctioned twice, both fixed with different TSB numbers. Now, after a delay it does begin to register the correct temp, however, I think it registers about 5 degrees too high. Perhaps its the road surface temp on real hot days.
    During regular service visit the tech road tested and said I had a right hand pull. I was notcrazy about the overall steering but looked for and never felt the notorious right hand pull, crown sensitive yes.......both ways. The next day they gave me a loaner and did what they had to do under several TSBs including four wheel alignment. I now feel the car steers more easily and is somewhat less crown sensitive........perhaps I just imagine it.
    My 300C is AWD and the gas mileage is poor, averaging from 13 to i5 with out real heavy traffic. The weather cooled off for a few days so I shut off the A/C and the mileage went to 16.5 on the same highways. Did not think the A/C would make that much difference. Any comments on this?
    Like the car a lot.......not sure if I would get the Hemi again.
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    Am curious if anyone knows what the small (1/8 inch) clear circle is that is located at the top of the tortoise-shell insert in the top of the gearshift??

    Mike
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    My 300C is AWD and the gas mileage is poor, averaging from 13 to i5 with out real heavy traffic. The weather cooled off for a few days so I shut off the A/C and the mileage went to 16.5 on the same highways. Did not think the A/C would make that much difference

    Perhaps A/C use required enough extra HP from the engine (and enough extra throttle) that the PCM put the engine out of 4 cylinder mode. That would make the difference.
  • cook1cook1 Member Posts: 2
    300 limited AWD 6000mi needs a new transaxle.Chrysler claims they don't
    have any.Been sittng in shop for 20 days.Any body having this problem? I can tell
    you dealing with Chrysler and their dealers really sucks!
  • moonzy1moonzy1 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2002 300m and i think the AC clutch is bad. Whirring sound going up and down with the RPM's. Does anyone know how to trouble shoot this to see if it is in fact the Clutch?
    I have never worked on AC components before. is changing the Clutch a job better left to the Garage, or is it doable for a weekend warrior?
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    One old trick to diagnose a bad AC clutch that we used in service stations where I worked during college years ago before technology gained a major foothold was to place a wood yardstick (or wood meterstick to be PC) firmly against the front of the air compressor and the side of the other end against the ear and listen to the difference in sound before and after the clutch engages. My last 300M had an AC pully and belt that made a lot of noise, but one squirt of belt dressing quieted it completely for 15 minutes proving it was not the AC clutch. Dunno if replacement is doable for weekend warrier.

    Good luck

    Mike
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    While I am generally very happy with my new 300C, I miss the much more accurate steering of my previous 300M which had better road feel. While I cannot find the 300M's brochure, I believe it had speed-sensitive steering in which it was more difficult to turn the steering wheel the faster the car was driven--reducing the chance of over- or under-compensating at the steering wheel at high speed when encountering one of Missouri's plentiful overgrown potholes, for example. I find that the 300C's steering is just as easy at high speeds as it is while turning a corner at 10 mph and at high speeds it appears dangerous in that, say while rounding a corner at 70 mph and hitting a pothole or a major dip in the road, that it is waaaay too easy to move the steering wheel too little or too much to compensate. Even on a straight stretch of roadway at 70-80 mph when hitting a pothole or a major dip in the road (but not enough to bottom out), it appears too easy to lose control of the car by oversteering. Thus, I find that high speed emergency manuvering to be dangerous due to the steering that appears to need a steering damper. The car does not normally pull to either side and there is no slop in the steering and it has 1500 miles on it at this time. Does anyone else find that the steering is too sensitive at high speed and need some sort of dampener to prevent easy overcompensation by the driver?? Opinions??

    MikeSp
  • moonzy1moonzy1 Member Posts: 4
    thanks Mike,
    the only thing is...im losing refrigerant too
    and when the refrigerant runs out, there is no noise. only when the ac is charged and on is the whirring noise present
  • mitch17mitch17 Member Posts: 7
    My 300C with 4000 miles started making a loud noise when I pressed accelerator--am being told it is a transmission problem but nothing specific yet--anyone have this or knows what it could be? Thanks.
  • burkeyburkey Member Posts: 5
    I have a 06 300C with 1200 miles on it. The outside temp gauge seems to be reading about 10 degrees too high. Anyone else experience same problem? What to do/how to fix? Thanks
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    See # 554 & 736
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    See # 493
  • dmiller5dmiller5 Member Posts: 30
    How did you get along will your pedal problem ?
  • mike_sp1mike_sp1 Member Posts: 43
    Am curious if anyone has purchased and installed as a DIY project, the OEM Parksense rear backup system and how difficult it was to do the install yourself.

    Mike
  • mitch17mitch17 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the reply. Am being told there's a problem with the oil pump and overheated clutch packs.
  • kevink4kevink4 Member Posts: 1
    My wheels are pitting real bad, dealer has offered to refinish? not sure how that is done, has anybody else had this? Should I be asking for new wheels?
  • blockhartblockhart Member Posts: 1
    Do you Know HOW to get a book on how to rebuild a transmission and motor in a Jeep Grand Cheerokee Lardo.
  • jdevivojdevivo Member Posts: 2
    I had the same problem with my rims. It took 3 months for me to get it resolved. The dealership I purchased the vehicle from did not want to do anything. I actually had to go to another dealership and they replaced all 4 rims. They know it's a problem, you have to make a lot of noise.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Well...this is the Chrysler 300 P&S, but you might try checking the Chilton's or Haynes web sites for manuals.

    http://www.haynes.com/
    http://www.chiltonsonline.com/
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    I asked about this issue during a Q & A session after our 300M group, along with some Magnum guys, took the plant tour on Monday in Brampton. Our tour guide indicated that DC assembled a large team of experts some time ago to solve the problem, and they thought that they had a pretty good handle on doing so. Apparently, that was a little optimistic if it is still occurring. You all missed a great opportunity to see them making 300's, Magnums, and Chargers. We had plenty of extra allocations that went unused. It was one of the first tours allowed in a long time since the build up for the LX platform. :shades:
This discussion has been closed.