cooling CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.G User Guide

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc.
If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator engine
coolant (antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant,
and to ensure that engine coolant (antifreeze) will return
to the radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your engine, which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines 19 Gallons72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6 Liter Engine without All Wheel Drive (MOPAR Antifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.1 Quarts 10.5 Liters
3.6 Liter Engine with All Wheel Drive (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.4 Quarts 10.8 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 14.7 Quarts 13.9 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 15.1 Quarts 14.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ConnectorUCI .............................. 299
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 299
Conserving Fuel ........................ 278
Console, Floor .......................... 246
Console, Overhead ....................... 221
Contract, Service ........................ 505
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 453
Cooling System ......................... 450
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 452
Coolant Capacity ..................... 480
Coolant Level .................... 451,454
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 454
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 451
Inspection .......................... 454
Points to Remember .................. 454
Pressure Cap ........................ 453
Radiator Cap ....................... 453
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....451,480,481 Corrosion Protection
..................... 461
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 186
Cupholders ......................... 242,466
Customer Assistance ..................... 503
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 70
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 173
Daytime Running Lights ................... 166
Dealer Service .......................... 435
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 41
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 250
Defroster, Windshield ................... 84,306
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 174
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 433
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 169
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 437
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 425
10
INDEX 515

Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level ................... 437
Compartment .................... 431,432
Compartment Identification ............. 431
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 451,481
Cooling ........................... 450
Exhaust Gas Caution ................83,384
Fails to Start ........................ 321
Flooded, Starting ..................... 321
Fuel Requirements .................... 380
Jump Starting ....................... 418
Multi-Displacement ................... 335
Oil ......................... 437,480,481
Oil Change Interval ................ 277,438
Oil Filler Cap .................... 438,439
Oil Filter ........................... 440
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 440
Oil Selection ..................... 438,480
Oil Synthetic ........................ 439 Overheating
........................ 408
Starting ........................... 318
Temperature Gauge ................... 267
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 438,439
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 381
Event Data Recorder ...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 83,384
Exhaust System ....................... 83,448
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 95
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Exterior Lights .......................... 86
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 264
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 440
Air Conditioning .................. 31 1,444
Engine Oil ....................... 440,481
10
INDEX 517

Engine Oil Disposal................... 440
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 169
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 408
Turn Signal .................... 86,168,259
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 409
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 387
Engine Oil ......................... 387
Fuel Requirements ................. 385,386
Maintenance ........................ 388
Replacement Parts .................... 387
Starting ........................... 387
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 321
Floor Console .......................... 246
Fluid Capacities ......................... 480
Fluid Leaks ............................. 86 Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................ 459
Brake ............................. 456
Cooling System ...................... 451
Engine Oil ......................... 437
Transfer Case ....................... 460
Fluid, Brake ........................... 482
Fluids ................................ 481
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 481
Fog Lights .......................... 167,259
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 157
Forward Collision Warning ..............206,273
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 422
Fuel ................................. 380
Additives .......................... 383
Clean Air .......................... 381
Conserving ......................... 278
Ethanol ........................... 381
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 264
518 INDEX

Safety.......................... 348,358
Sizes ............................. 350
Snow Tires ......................... 368
Spare Tire .......................... 410
Spinning ........................... 364
Trailer Towing ....................... 400
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 365
To Open Hood .......................... 162
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 397
Towing ............................... 393
Behind a Motorhome .................. 405
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 425
Guide ............................. 397
Recreational ........................ 405
Weight ............................ 397
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome .......... 405
Traction Control ......................... 341
Trailer Towing .......................... 393
Cooling System Tips .................. 405 Hitches
............................ 396
Minimum Requirements ................ 399
Tips .............................. 404
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 397
Wiring ............................ 402
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 397
Trailer Weight .......................... 397
Transfer Case ........................... 460
Fluid .......................... 460,482
Maintenance ........................ 460
Transmission ........................... 458
Automatic .................... 322,325,458
Fluid ............................. 482
Range Indicator ...................... 326
Shifting ........................... 322
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 23
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
530 INDEX