Maintaining your 2012 Chrysler 300 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine requires a disciplined approach to fluid selection. This powertrain, designated by engine code [G] ERB G Flex, delivers strong performance but operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress, particularly if you utilize E85 fuel or engage in heavy towing. Proper lubrication is the single most effective way to ensure longevity, prevent premature wear on components like the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, and maintain the smooth shifting characteristics of the 8-speed automatic transmission. Using fluids that meet the specific OEM requirements for viscosity and additive packages can extend service intervals and improve overall fuel economy.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides top-tier protection for the Pentastar V6, offering up to 25,000 miles of coverage while reducing sludge and horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that delivers 20,000 miles of protection and enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice that fights sludge and deposits while meeting the performance standards of the original manufacturer specifications.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines over 75,000 miles to reduce leaks and consume less oil, with boosted detergents for superior cleaning.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Ensures filtration efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns and greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants compared to competing filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over standard OEM-branded filters, ideal for those extending oil change intervals.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years without the need for silicates or borates.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option requiring mixing with distilled water, offering protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand the rigors of the 8HP45 transmission, reducing fluid consumption and shifting shudder under heavy loads.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and provides excellent cold-weather performance for the automatic transmission system.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Essential for the front differential, containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and controlling thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for rear differentials with GL-5 specifications, offering advanced protection against wear and rust.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS responsiveness and a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, meeting MS-4574 requirements.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, formulated for quiet operation and high-temperature protection.
Engine Oil and Filtration for the 3.6L Pentastar
The heart of the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine is known for its versatility and power, but it demands high-quality lubricants to manage its variable valve timing and high compression ratios. For this engine, the recommended oil capacity is 5.9 quarts, including the filter. It is crucial to adhere to this specification to ensure proper oil level and protection. When performing an oil change, the drain plug must be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to prevent leaks or stripping the threads.
For those seeking maximum engine protection, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is the top recommendation. This 100% synthetic oil offers up to 25,000 miles of protection between changes, significantly reducing the risk of horsepower loss and wear. Its advanced formulation provides superior protection against sludge and deposits, which is vital for the timing chain tensioners in this engine. If you prefer a slightly longer service interval but with slightly less premium protection, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 is an excellent alternative, offering up to 20,000 miles of coverage.
For owners on a tighter budget or those who wish to mimic the original equipment performance, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is a reliable choice. It meets the necessary OEM requirements and fights sludge effectively. If your Chrysler 300 has surpassed 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is designed with a unique chemistry to address common aging engine issues like oil consumption and leaks, while its enhanced detergent package helps clean internal deposits.
The filtration system is equally critical. Pairing your oil with the AMSOIL Oil Filter ensures that the engine is protected from wear-causing contaminants with a 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns. The filter also allows for lower restriction, keeping parts properly lubricated, and offers a greater capacity for small contaminants than competing brands. For those who prefer the original equipment manufacturer part, the WIX Oil Filter is a compatible option that also offers improvements over standard filters.
Transmission and Differential Lubrication
The 2012 Chrysler 300 3.6L is equipped with the 8HP45 8-speed automatic transmission, a sophisticated unit that requires specific fluid properties to function smoothly. The total fill capacity for this transmission is 9.5 quarts. Over time, transmission fluid can break down, leading to shudder, harsh shifts, and increased wear. AMSOIL transmission fluids are engineered to prevent these issues.
The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand the heavy towing capabilities and elevated temperatures associated with the 3.6L engine. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use. The AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers a comparable alternative that protects against wear and resists harmful sludge.
For the front differential, which typically requires 1.3 pints of 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for 175mm FIA units, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 is the ideal solution. It contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and helps reduce operating temperatures. For the rear differential, specifications vary by the specific unit (175mm or 200mm). The 200mm rear differential requires 2.3 pints of 75W-140 synthetic gear oil, while the 215mm unit requires 2.5 pints of the same specification. In these applications, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 provides advanced protection against wear, thermal runaway, and rust, ensuring a long oil, seal, and equipment life.
Cooling, Braking, and Power Steering Fluids
Proper cooling system maintenance is essential for the longevity of the 3.6L engine, which operates at relatively high temperatures. The cooling system capacity is 10 quarts. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free formulation that is compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors. It offers protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those who prefer a concentrated fluid, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant allows for customized mixing and offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles.
Braking performance is non-negotiable in a heavy vehicle like the Chrysler 300. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is designed to meet the MS-4574 requirement. It provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems and maintains a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance in both summer heat and winter cold.
Finally, the power steering system benefits from synthetic lubrication. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks. It offers strong anti-wear protection and excellent high-temperature performance, ensuring quiet operation and preventing the squeaks and groans often associated with aging power steering systems.
About the 2012 Chrysler 300
The 2012 model year represents the first full year of production for the refreshed Chrysler 300, often referred to as the LX platform refresh. This generation marked a significant design evolution for the sedan, introducing a bold, muscular aesthetic that blended modern luxury with classic American muscle car styling. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, codenamed the Pentastar, became the workhorse of the lineup, replacing the older 3.5-liter V6 and offering a compelling balance of power, efficiency, and reliability.
This vehicle was highly regarded for its spacious interior, luxurious materials, and smooth ride quality. The Pentastar engine provided a robust 292 horsepower, delivering strong acceleration for a mid-size sedan. The combination of the 3.6L V6 and the 8-speed automatic transmission marked a shift toward fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The 2012 Chrysler 300 catered to a wide range of drivers, from those seeking a comfortable daily driver for city commuting to those who appreciated the sedan’s commanding road presence and classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Its versatile nature and strong aftermarket support have made it a popular choice among enthusiasts and practical drivers alike, ensuring it remains a relevant and capable vehicle on the road today.