The 2009 Chrysler 300 with the 3.5L V6 engine (Engine Code [V] U) relies on high-quality lubricants to maintain its smooth operation and longevity. Proper fluid maintenance is essential for protecting the engine from wear, ensuring efficient transmission shifts, and maintaining safe braking performance. Using the correct viscosity and meeting manufacturer specifications can significantly extend the service intervals while providing superior protection against heat, friction, and contamination compared to conventional oils.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
To keep your 2009 Chrysler 300 running at its peak, consider the following AMSOIL synthetic lubricants and filters designed specifically for this vehicle’s 3.5L V6 engine and its various systems.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection with a guaranteed service interval of up to 25,000 miles, providing 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers up to 20,000 miles of protection between changes with 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits, designed to outperform conventional oils while meeting standard mileage requirements.
- AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and restore performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants and extended service life to match the synthetic oil’s longevity.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, making it a reliable choice for routine maintenance.
- WIX Air Filter – Ensures clean air intake with premium media, protecting the engine from dust and debris that can cause internal wear over time.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed 50/50 formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that greatly surpasses corrosion and erosion standards, allowing for extended drain intervals up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, providing reserve protection during severe use.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks while resiting harmful sludge buildup.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and controls thermal runaway in limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for rear differentials requiring higher viscosity, offering long oil and seal life with excellent extreme pressure performance.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
The 3.5L engine in the 2009 Chrysler 300 requires a specific oil capacity of 6.0 quarts, including the filter. It is critical to check the oil level after refilling and to torque the drain plug to the specified 20 ft/lbs to ensure a proper seal. When performing maintenance, selecting the right viscosity grade is just as important as the product itself; for this engine, a 10W-30 viscosity is recommended for all temperatures. This ensures proper lubrication during cold starts while maintaining sufficient film strength at operating temperatures.
Transmission maintenance is equally vital for the longevity of the vehicle. Depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with the 5-speed NAG1 or the 4-speed 42RLE transmission, the fluid capacity varies significantly. The NAG1 requires a total fill of 8.1 quarts for a flush, while the 42RLE needs 8.8 quarts. Using a high-quality synthetic automatic transmission fluid prevents the shuddering and harsh shifting that can occur as the fluid degrades. AMSOIL’s synthetic options offer superior resistance to oxidation and shear stability compared to conventional fluids, ensuring that the transmission fluid remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures.
Differential and Cooling System Care
The differential system in the 2009 Chrysler 300 comes in various configurations, including front 175mm and rear differentials of 198mm, 210mm, or 215mm. Each requires a specific type of SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube and has different capacities ranging from 1.3 pints to 3.4 pints. Using a 100% synthetic SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube ensures that the hypoid gears are protected against wear and rust, while the friction modifiers help reduce operating temperatures in limited-slip applications. For other applications, SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube and SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube are available options. For rear differentials requiring higher viscosity, SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is ideal.
Cooling system maintenance is another critical aspect of keeping the V6 engine healthy. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant capacity differs slightly between All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models, with the AWD system holding 11.4 quarts and the RWD holding 11.1 quarts. AMSOIL’s antifreeze formulations are phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, making them safe for all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. These fluids are designed to prevent corrosion and erosion, extending the life of the radiator and water pump. For those needing a concentrated option, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is also suitable.
Additional Protection and Seasonal Maintenance
For vehicles that see varying degrees of use, such as towing or winter driving, supplemental protection can be highly beneficial. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid meets DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications, ensuring consistent pedal feel and safety in all weather conditions. For drivers looking to maximize fuel economy and engine efficiency, the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate. This additive helps prevent carbon buildup and controls pre-ignition knock, which is particularly valuable in modern direct-injection engines. Additionally, the AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor helps lubricate the fuel system and upper cylinders.
During seasonal storage, keeping the vehicle protected is essential to prevent internal rust and corrosion. AMSOIL’s Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing the varnish and gum buildup that can clog carburetors and fuel injectors. Additionally, the Engine Fogging Oil provides a protective barrier against rust on internal components during long periods of inactivity. For exterior maintenance, cleaners and protectants like the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser or the AMSOIL Silicone Spray help maintain the vehicle’s appearance and protect rubber seals from drying out.
For interior and exterior cleaning, the AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner quickly removes oil and grease, while the AMSOIL Miracle Wash offers a waterless wash and wax spray that leaves a fantastic shine. The AMSOIL Glass Cleaner effectively cuts through grease without streaks. For vehicle protection against the elements, AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray sheds water rapidly and protects against UV rays, while AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon and AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free provide multi-surface cleaning and UV protection.
For those needing specialized protection, the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector and AMSOIL MP Metal Protector can protect against rust and corrosion, with the latter helping to cut through rust and free frozen components. AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease offers long-term performance for moving parts. To keep dirt at bay on ATVs and dirt bikes, AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent provides a protective layer. For engine bay cleaning, the AMSOIL Engine Degreaser is highly effective. For air filtration, WIX Cabin Air Filters offer improvements over OEM-branded filters. Finally, AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner maximizes horsepower and restores startability.
Why Owners Like This Vehicle
The 2009 Chrysler 300 is often praised for its bold, executive-style design that commands attention on the road. Built on the LH platform, this vehicle represents a unique blend of American muscle and European-inspired luxury. The 3.5L Pentastar V6 engine is a workhorse known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, making it a popular choice for those who need a comfortable sedan for daily commuting or long highway trips without the fuel consumption of a larger V8.
Owners appreciate the spacious interior, which offers comfortable seating for adults in both front and rear rows, making it a practical family vehicle despite its upscale styling. The ride quality is generally smooth, with a suspension tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively. The 2009 model year introduced several refinements over earlier generations, including updated interior materials and improved audio systems. The vehicle’s versatility allows it to be equipped with all-wheel drive, providing added confidence in adverse weather conditions. Its large trunk capacity and folding rear seats make it surprisingly capable for hauling cargo, bridging the gap between a luxury sedan and a practical hauler.
Vehicle Background
The 2009 Chrysler 300 stands as a significant model in the brand’s history, embodying the “Imported from Detroit” philosophy that Chrysler championed in the mid-2000s. This generation of the 300, introduced in 2005 as a 2005 model, continued to evolve through 2009, solidifying its place in the large sedan market. The 3.5L V6 engine, often referred to as the Pentastar, was a major upgrade over the previous 3.5L SOHC engine, featuring dual overhead cams (DOHC) and variable valve timing to improve both power and fuel efficiency. This engine configuration produced a respectable 268 horsepower, providing ample acceleration for a vehicle of its size.
While the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the 6.1L SRT-8 versions were often the headline models for the 300 line, the 3.5L V6 version offered a more accessible price point and slightly better fuel economy, appealing to a broader range of buyers, including fleet operators and private owners who prioritized value and reliability. The platform shares roots with the Dodge Charger, highlighting a shared lineage of American performance and design. The 2009 model year, in particular, benefited from years of refinement in the chassis tuning and interior ergonomics, resulting in a vehicle that felt both planted and refined. The front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations offered different handling characteristics, with the AWD version providing superior traction in snow and rain, making it a viable option for four-season drivers. This era of the 300 is often regarded as a high-water mark for Chrysler’s design language, featuring a distinctive grille and sharp character lines that have aged well over time.