cooling CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE 2011 1.G User Guide

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 anytime the igni-
tion 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.
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 orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser 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.
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).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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) before7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

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.
•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.
424 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 425

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.
426 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 427

License Plate Lamp
1. Using a small screwdriver, press inward the locking
tab on the side of the lamp assembly and pull down on
the lamp assembly for removal.2. Pull bulb from socket, replace, and reinstall the lamp
assembly into place ensuring the locking tab is secure.
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 451

Console, Floor.......................... 183
Contract, Service ........................ 475
Convertible ............................. 89
Convertible Top .......................... 89
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 424
Cooling System ......................... 422
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 423
Coolant Capacity ..................... 451
Coolant Level .................... 422,425
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 425
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 422
Inspection .......................... 425
Points to Remember .................. 426
Pressure Cap ........................ 424
Radiator Cap ....................... 424
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....423,451,452
Corrosion Protection ..................... 432
Cruise Light ........................... 202
Cupholders ......................... 182,438Customer Assistance
..................... 473
Customer Programmable Features ............ 218
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 66
Daytime Running Lights ................... 161
Dealer Service .......................... 407
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 38
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 36
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 188
Defroster, Windshield ................81,278,284
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 165
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 405
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 162
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ...............431,432
Oil (Engine) ........................ 409
Power Steering ...................... 309
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 397
10
INDEX 485

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 425
Engine Oil ......................... 412
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 172
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 151
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 306
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 307
E-85 Fuel ............................. 357
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 188
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 109
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 178
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 169
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 319
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 210Emergency Deck Lid Release
................ 38
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 38
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 380
Jump Starting ....................... 390
Overheating ........................ 378
Towing ............................ 397
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 406
Engine ............................... 403
Air Cleaner ......................... 413
Block Heater ........................ 297
Break-In Recommendations .............. 78
Checking Oil Level ................... 409
Compartment ....................... 404
Compartment Identification ............. 404
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 422,452
Cooling ........................... 422
Exhaust Gas Caution ................80,357
Fails to Start ........................ 295
486 INDEX

Fuel Requirements................. 357,359
Maintenance ........................ 361
Replacement Parts .................... 360
Starting ........................... 360
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 295
Floor Console .......................... 183
Fluid Capacities ......................... 451
Fluid Leaks ............................. 83
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............431,432
Brake .......................... 427,453
Cooling System ...................... 422
Engine Oil ......................... 409
Power Steering ................... 309,453
Fluids ................................ 452
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 452
Fog Light Service ........................ 449
Fog Lights .................... 157,160,203,449
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 395 Fuel
................................. 353
Adding ........................... 361
Additives .......................... 355
Clean Air .......................... 353
Ethanol ........................... 354
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............194,361
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 194
Gasoline ........................... 353
Gauge ............................ 194
Light ............................. 195
Materials Added ..................... 355
Methanol .......................... 354
Octane Rating .................... 353,452
Requirements .................... 353,451
Tank Capacity ....................... 451
Fuel System Caution ..................... 362
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 357
Fueling ............................... 361
Fuses ................................ 441
488 INDEX