So Fix it

The corrosive effect of accumulated moisture, vibration and impact damage from road debris makes eventual muffler and exhaust pipe replacement a foregone conclusion. Depending on the model year and the exhaust configuration of your Chrysler 300---dual or single tail pipes---replacing the exhaust pipe involves disconnecting the exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter, loosening the hanger brackets that support the exhaust system and removing the mufflers and exhaust pipes from under the vehicle.

Instructions

Exhaust Pipe Replacement

1

Set the emergency brake and chock the rear wheels with wood blocks. Then, jack the car up on a hard, level surface making certain that the lifting point is a load bearing part of the car chassis and that the vehicle is high enough off the ground to allow easy access to the exhaust system. Position jack stands under the appropriate chassis contact points and ratchet them up to just touching. Now, slowly lower the car onto the jack stands.

2

Position the jack under the muffler and raise the jack to support the muffler before releasing the exhaust pipe from the chassis hangers. Double-check that you have purchased the correct replacement exhaust for your Chrysler 300 model. The typical configuration will have a catalytic converter in the exhaust line on each side of the block feeding by way of a cross-over pipe into a single muffler.

3

Disconnect the oxygen sensors from the exhaust pipe ports near the catalytic converters. Unscrew the two nuts on each U-bolt connecting the exhaust pipes to the back of each catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is the cigar-shaped emissions control device installed in the exhaust system, closest to the engine. Unless you have experienced a loss of power, can smell a sulfur odor or feel heat radiating from the car floor, your catalytic converters are probably okay.

4

Inspect the two mufflers for rust. If the exhaust pipes are rusted badly, the mufflers are ready to be changed, as well. With the car jack positioned under and against the larger muffler, the one closest to the motor, disconnect the exhaust pipe brackets from the support hangers and lower the entire assembly to the ground. To loosen rusted nuts and bolts, apply liberal amounts of WD-40. Give the penetrating oil a few minutes to soak in, then remove the nuts. If the pipes are rusted into the catalytic converters, rap them with a hammer to break the rust loose, but make sure that you are wearing safety glasses when you do this.

5

Assemble the new mufflers and exhaust pipes, on the ground, using the four new U-bolts provided to secure the pipes in each muffler port. Use the old assembly as a guide and compare them side by side for proper length. If you purchased an original equipment manufacturer replacement, the new assembly should fit properly. Check the hangers and hard rubber noise dampers for wear, and replace if necessary.

6

Position the new unit under the car and use the jack to raise it into position. Then, reattach the exhaust pipe brackets to the hangers and reconnect the exhaust pipes to the catalytic converter with two new U-bolts. Dont forget to tighten all the connections and reattach the oxygen sensors. When youve done this, jack up the car, remove the jack stands and slowly lower the car to the ground.

You can shut off the seat belt chime on your Chrysler 300. It is there to remind you to put on your seat belt but many people find it very annoying. When you turn off the bell, the seat belt light will still illuminate on your instrument panel. If you turn off the seat belt bell and later change your mind, you can always turn it back on. Keep in mind, however, that in many states it is illegal to drive your vehicle without having your seat belt fastened.

Instructions

1

Get into the drivers seat and close the door. Fasten your seat belt and pull a lot of seat belt slack forward with your hands.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, but dont start the engine. Watch the instrument panel for the seat belt warning light to shut off.

3

Unfasten the seat belt and the seat belt warning light will turn on. Fasten the seat belt and wait for the light to shut off.

4

Repeat Step 3 two more times, making sure you end the process with the seat belt unfastened. Do this whole process within one minute but also make sure the seat belt light turns off each time. If the seat belt bell turns on while you are doing this procedure, shut off the vehicle and start the whole process again.

5

Turn the vehicle off. As you do this, you will hear one final bell to let you know youve done it correctly.