Chrysler 300M Service Manual page 21

0 - 4 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
has a unique odor that may change with age. Conse-
quently, odor and color cannot be used to indi-
cate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid
change.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various "special" additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additives must not be used. The use of trans-
mission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
DESCRIPTION - DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT
NOTE: Refer to the Owner's Manual for the recom-
mended differential lubricant change intervals for
this transaxle.
NOTE: Refer to 42LE TRANSAXLE SERVICE PRO-
CEDURES for fluid level checking procedures.
NOTE: The 42LE transaxle has separate transmis-
sion and differential oil sumps, each requiring dif-
ferent fluids.
42LE DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT
The differential sump should be filled with Mopar
80W-90 hypoid gear lubricant. Synthetic gear lubri-
cants should be avoided.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those lubricants listed above. Exceptions to this pol-
icy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks.
Various "special" additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additives must not be used. The use of trans-
mission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The uses of midgrade,
octane rating of 89, gasoline is recommended for the
3.5L H.O. engine. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gasoline will pro-
vide no benefit over high quality regular gasoline,
and in some circumstances may result in poorer per-
formance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not
harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy
spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have
issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications
(the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance and durability for your vehicle. We rec-
ommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC
specifications if they are available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as "reformulat-
ed" gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygen-
ates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.
We strongly support the use of reformulated gaso-
line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE.
Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country
during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide
emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may
be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METH-
ANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage
critical fuel system components.
LH