cooling CHRYSLER 200 2012 1.G User Guide

Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 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 replace-
ment. To prevent reducing this extended maintenance
period, it is important that you use the same engine
coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your vehicle.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

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.
•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 engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the 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.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•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 Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four-Cylinder Engines –
the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine
idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown
on the bottle.
Six-Cylinder Engines – the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the pressurized coolant bottle should be
between the “COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle
when the engine is cold.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. 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 addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 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, the contents of
the 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.4 Liters
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
3.6L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 430
Cooling System ......................... 428
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 429
Coolant Capacity ..................... 455
Coolant Level .................... 428,431
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 431
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 428
Inspection .......................... 431
Points to Remember .................. 432
Pressure Cap ........................ 430
Radiator Cap ....................... 430
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....429,455,456
Corrosion Protection ..................... 438
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 201
Cupholders ...................... 147,180,444
Customer Assistance ..................... 477
Customer Programmable Features ............ 219Data Recorder, Event
...................... 71
Daytime Running Lights ................... 153
Dealer Service .......................... 414
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 38
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 186
Defroster, Windshield ................87,277,283
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...............30,157
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 411
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 152
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .............437,438
Oil (Engine) ........................ 415
Power Steering ...................... 321
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 404
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 431
Engine Oil ......................... 418
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 164
10
INDEX 489

DrivingOn Slippery Surfaces .................. 316
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 317
E-85 Fuel ............................. 365
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 186
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 98
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 176
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 161
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 328
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 209
Emergency Trunk Release .................39,40
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 388
Jump Starting ....................... 398
Towing ............................ 404
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 412Engine
............................... 409
Air Cleaner ......................... 419
Block Heater ........................ 297
Break-In Recommendations .............. 84
Checking Oil Level ................... 415
Compartment ....................... 410
Compartment Identification ............. 410
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 428,456
Cooling ........................... 428
Exhaust Gas Caution ................86,364
Fails to Start ........................ 295
Flooded, Starting ..................... 295
Fuel Requirements ................. 360,455
Jump Starting ....................... 398
Oil ......................... 415,455,456
Oil Change Interval .............200,212,416
Oil Filler Cap .................... 409,417
Oil Filter ........................... 418
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 418
490 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 455
Fluid Leaks ............................. 89
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission .............437,438
Brake .......................... 433,457
Cooling System ...................... 428
Engine Oil ......................... 415
Power Steering ................... 321,457
Fluids ................................ 456
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 456
Fog Light Service ........................ 452
Fog Lights ....................... 153,202,452
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 146,147
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 402
Fuel ................................. 360
Adding ........................... 368
Additives .......................... 363
Clean Air .......................... 361
Ethanol ........................... 361 Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
...............194,368
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 194
Gasoline ........................... 360
Gauge ............................ 194
Light ............................. 195
Materials Added ..................... 363
Methanol .......................... 361
Octane Rating .................... 360,456
Requirements .................... 360,455
Tank Capacity ....................... 455
Fuel System Caution ..................... 370
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 365
Fueling ............................... 368
Fuses ................................ 444
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 164
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............368,371,411
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 361
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 361
492 INDEX

Quality Grading..................... 483
Radial ............................ 344
Replacement ........................ 349
Rotation ........................... 351
Safety .......................... 332,341
Sizes ............................. 333
Snow Tires ......................... 351
Spare Tire .......................... 388
Spinning ........................... 347
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 348
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 377
Towing ............................... 373
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 114
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 404
Guide ............................. 376
Recreational ........................ 383
Weight ............................ 376
Towing Assistance ....................... 114
Traction .............................. 317 Trailer Towing
.......................... 373
Cooling System Tips .................. 383
Hitches ............................ 375
Minimum Requirements ................ 378
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 377
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 376
Trailer Weight .......................... 376
Transaxle Automatic ....................... 12,294
Autostick .......................... 315
Selection of Lubricant ................. 457
Transmission Automatic ....................... 297,435
Filter ............................. 438
Maintenance ........................ 435
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
502 INDEX