coolant CHRYSLER 300 2005 1.G User Guide

Disposal of Used Engine 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 coolant level should be between
the ranges indicated on the bottle. Some darkening of the
coolant bottle will occur over time. This is normal.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. See your authorized dealer to properly fill
the cooling system.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized 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.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze (minimum) in water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator and the front of the A/C
condenser clean.
²Do 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.
²Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.7 Liter Engines (87 Octane) 18 gal-
lons68 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (89 Octane) 18 gal-
lons68 liters
5.7 Liter Engines (89 Octane) 19 gal-
lons71 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30,
API Certified)6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (SAE 10W-30,
API Certified)6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
5.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20,
API Certified)7.0 qts. 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)9.5 qts 9.0 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)10.3 qts 9.75
liters
5.7 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)14.0 qts 13.3
liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil (2.7 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-30 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.5 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (5.7 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Oil Filter (2.7 Liter) Mopart05281090 or equiv.
Oil Filter (3.5 Liter) Mopart05281090 or equiv.
Oil Filter (5.7 Liter) Mopart05281090 or equiv.
Fuel Selection (2.7 Liter) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5 Liter) 89 Octane
Fuel Selection (5.7 Liter) 89 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
7

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 337
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²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*XXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant. X
Replace theengine timing belt(Federal Emis-
sions). 3.5L EngineX
Replace theengine timing belt(California
Emissions). 3.5L EngineX
Replace thespark plugs.2.7L, 3.5L Engines. X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt
and tensioner. Replace if required.X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Replace the air conditioning filter.X
Rotate the tires. X X
SCHEDULE ªBº 345
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Miles 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (67 000) (77 000) (86 000) (96 000) (106 000) (115 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
required.*XXX XX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.XX
Replace thespark plugs.5.7L Engine. X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt
and tensioner. Replace if required.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months
or 102,000 miles.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
Rotate the tires. X XXXXX
348 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Miles 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000) (163 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96] [102]
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months or 102,000 miles.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
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 me-
chanic.
350 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Adding Fuel.......................... 254
Adding Washer Fluid.................108,302
Additives, Fuel........................ 253
Adjustable Pedals....................... 98
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 299
Air Conditioning....................... 194
Air Conditioning Filter................203,300
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 204
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 299
Air Conditioning System................. 194
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 237
Airbag................................ 37
Airbag Deployment....................41,42
Airbag Light....................41,48,58,142
Airbag Maintenance...................... 44
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window......................37,43
Alarm System.......................... 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 242
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 189
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 306
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........304,305,332Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 225
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 24
Appearance Care....................... 311
Auto Down Power Windows............... 26
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 104
Automatic Temperature Control............ 197
Automatic Transaxle..................... 310
Adding Fluid........................ 334
Selection Of Lubricant................. 334
Automatic Transmission............209,214,311
Adding Fluid........................ 311
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 311
Fluid Change........................ 311
Fluid Level Check..................... 310
Gear Ranges......................... 210
Torque Converter..................... 212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 213
Autostick..........................216,222
362 INDEX