engine coolant CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2008 1.G User Guide

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 coolant 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 scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
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The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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 coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal 72 l
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent15.2 qts 14.4 l
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (6.1L) For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating
conditions, the manufacturer only recommends full synthetic engine oils that
meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or SM/CF, and
meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10725. The
manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic engine oil, such as Mo-
bil 1SAE 0W-40 or equivalent. For additional information, refer to the “En-
gine Oil Selection” and “Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)” in the “Mainte-
nance Procedures” section of this manual.
Oil Filter (6.1L) Mopar05281090 or equivalent
Spark Plugs (6.1L) PLZTR5A-13 (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (6.1L) Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs.102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 445
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About Your Brakes....................315,317
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............317,321
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 153
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 406
Adding Fuel........................... 361
Adding Washer Fluid...............144,146,402
Additives, Fuel......................... 359
Adjustable Pedals....................... 148
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 394
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 399
Air Conditioning Filter.................290,400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............399,400
Air Conditioning System................284,399
Air Pressure, Tires....................206,337
Airbag................................ 49
Airbag Deployment..................... 55,59
Airbag Light..................... 56,61,76,201
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61Airbag, Side.......................... 50,57
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............. 50,57
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,205
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 270
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........405,406,435
Disposal............................ 407
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............317,321
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............200,319
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 205
Appearance Care........................ 414
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Audio Systems (Radio).................232,251
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
458 INDEX

Anti-Lock (ABS)....................317,321
Fluid Check....................... 411,437
Hoses.............................. 410
Master Cylinder....................... 411
Parking............................. 315
Warning Light.....................201,317
Brakes.............................317,410
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 304
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 73
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 139
Bulb Replacement.....................427,428
Bulbs,Light .......................... 77,427
Calibration, Compass..................... 220
Capacities, Fluid........................ 435
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 361
Oil (Engine).......................... 392
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 406Car Washes............................ 415
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 75,360
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 364
Catalytic Converter...................... 395
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............232,251
Cellular Phone..................... 88,251,253
Certification Label....................... 364
Chains, Tire............................ 343
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 329
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 388
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 74
Checks, Safety........................... 74
Child Restraint.................. 64,65,66,69,71
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 68,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 358
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 416
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 402
460 INDEX

Dealer Service.......................... 390
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 38
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 37
Defroster, Rear Window................... 292
Defroster, Windshield................... 77,288
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 141
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 387
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........232,251
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 138
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 391
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 381
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 407
Engine Oil........................... 393
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 177
DriveBelts ............................ 393Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 312
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
tanding Water.......................... 313
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 273
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 292
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 187
Electronic Brake Control System............. 320
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 419
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....150,153
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 323
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 205
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 209
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 38
Emergency, In Case of
FreeingVehicleWhenStuck ............... 380
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 370
462 INDEX

Jump Starting......................... 377
Overheating.......................... 371
Towing ............................. 381
Emergency Trunk Release................... 38
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,440
Engine............................... 386
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Block Heater......................... 301
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 391
Compartment......................... 386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................404,436
Cooling ............................. 404
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 75,360
Fails to Start.......................... 300
Flooded, Starting...................... 300
Fuel Requirements..................... 357
Jump Starting......................... 377
Oil ...........................391,435,436Oil Change Interval.................... 392
Oil Filler Cap......................... 392
OilFilter ............................ 393
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 393
Oil Selection.......................392,435
Overheating.......................... 371
Starting............................. 297
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 392
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 358
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 75,76,360,403
Exhaust System....................... 75,403
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 85
ExteriorLighting ........................ 132
ExteriorLights .......................... 77
INDEX 463
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