How to Change the Battery in a Chrysler 300M
by Kyle McBrideThe battery in your 2004 Chrysler 300M is inside the passenger-side front fender, forward of the tire. No, you don't have to take off the wheel and tire to replace the battery. With a little forethought, you can make enough room to wiggle it out.
Step 1
Turn off all lamps and accessories in your 300M. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, then turn off the ignition. Install the memory saver according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 2
Find the remote battery terminals on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Disconnect the negative battery remote terminal from the negative remote post and route the cable aside so it doesn't accidentally touch anything.
Step 3
Remove the air cleaner element and the air cleaner housing from the passenger side of the engine compartment by taking firm hold of the housing and pulling it upward. Remove the battery access panel from the passenger-side wheel well splash shield.
Step 4
Remove the two battery hold-down bolts and remove the hold-down bracket. Disconnect the positive battery terminal from the battery, then slide the battery toward the rear to gain access to the negative terminal. Disconnect the negative terminal and remove the battery from above, in the engine compartment.
Step 5
Clean the terminals and the posts with a battery terminal and post cleaner. Put the new battery in the engine compartment, connect the negative battery terminal, and tighten it to 150 inch-pounds. Slide the battery forward into its compartment. Connect the positive terminal and tighten it to 150 inch-pounds, as well. Install the battery hold-down bracket and bolts. Tighten the hold-down bolts to 150 inch-pounds.
Step 6
Install the battery access panel and the air cleaner housing and element. Connect the negative remote terminal to the negative remote post and tighten it to 150 inch-pounds. Disconnect the memory saver according the manufacturer's instructions.
Tips
- If you live in a very cold climate, your 300M may be equipped with a battery heater blanket. Unplug the blanket prior to removing the battery. Transfer the blanket to the new battery, then plug it back in after you install the new battery.
- If you don't use the memory saver, you'll lose your radio presets and clock setting, as well as adaptive strategy values stored in the powertrain control module. Start the car and let it idle while you program the clock and radio presets, then drive the car in city traffic and on the highway so your PCM can relearn its adaptive strategy. The 300M may run a bit rough and you may experience harsh shifting until the relearn process is complete, which may be anywhere from 10 to 100 miles.
Things You'll Need
- Memory-saver device
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Battery terminal and post cleaner
- Torque wrench
Warnings
- When you handle the battery and battery components, you'll come in contact with lead. Wash your hands after you change the battery before you eat or smoke.
