check engine CHRYSLER 300 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules 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, 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.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking forengine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). 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 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.
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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 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.
•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, also.
•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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
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” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. 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 wouldn’t 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.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center(EVIC)” in Section 4 or under “Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” under “Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Sec-
tion 4.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 475
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•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Brake, Parking.......................... 332
Brake System........................... 440
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 334
Fluid Check.......................441,471
Master Cylinder....................... 441
Parking............................. 332
Warning Light........................ 212
Brakes............................... 440
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 315
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 143
Bulb Replacement.....................456,458
Bulbs, Light..........................78,456
Calibration, Compass..................... 230
Capacities, Fluid........................ 468
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 375
Oil (Engine).......................... 425Power Steering........................ 332
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 445
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,374
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 377
Cellular Phone........................90,293
Certification Label....................... 378
Chains, Tire............................ 358
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 397
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 343
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 421
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint....................65,67,70,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,70
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 371
504 INDEX

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 220
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 411
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 396
Jacking............................. 397
Jump Starting......................... 408
Overheating.......................... 396
Towing............................. 412
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......421,474
Engine..........................417,418,419
Air Cleaner.......................... 427
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................423,424
Compartment...................417,418,419
Coolant (Antifreeze).................435,470
Cooling............................. 435Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,374
Fails to Start.......................... 311
Flooded, Starting...................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 370
Jump Starting......................... 408
Oil ...........................423,468,470
Oil Change Interval...............209,225,424
Oil Filler Cap......................... 425
Oil Filter............................ 426
Oil Filter Disposal..................... 426
Oil Selection.......................425,468
Oil Synthetic......................... 426
Overheating.......................... 396
Starting............................. 309
Temperature Gauge.................... 214
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 425
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 371
INDEX 507
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Event Data Recorder...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution................76,374,433
Exhaust System.......................76,432
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 87
Exterior Lighting........................ 136
Exterior Lights.......................... 78
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 427
Air Conditioning....................303,430
Engine Oil........................426,470
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 426
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 396
Turn Signal......................78,141,208
Flash-To-Pass........................... 142
Flat Tire Changing....................... 397
Flooded Engine Starting................... 311
Floor Console.......................... 195Fluid, Brake........................... 471
Fluid Capacities......................... 468
Fluid Leaks............................. 78
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 442
Brake.............................. 441
Cooling System....................... 435
Engine Oil........................423,424
Power Steering........................ 332
Transfer Case......................... 443
Fluids................................ 470
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 470
Fog Lights..........................140,208
Folding Rear Seat........................ 129
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 411
Fuel................................. 370
Adding............................. 375
Additives............................ 373
Clean Air............................ 371
508 INDEX

Bulb Replacement...................456,458
Courtesy/Reading...................142,181
Cruise.............................. 208
Daytime Running...................... 140
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............140,142
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 341
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 216
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 211
Exterior.............................. 78
Fog .............................140,208
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 396
Headlight Switch...................... 136
Headlights........................136,460
Headlights On Reminder................. 140
Headlights On With Wipers............137,145
High Beam........................142,215
High Beam Indicator.................... 215
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 142
Illuminated Entry....................... 20Instrument Cluster..................136,208
Intensity Control...................... 143
Interior..........................142,181
License............................. 467
Lights On Reminder.................... 140
Low Fuel............................ 208
LowTire ............................ 217
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 219
Map Reading......................142,181
Oil Pressure.......................... 219
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)......... 143
Passing............................. 142
Reading..........................142,181
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 216
Service...........................456,458
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 219
SmartBeams.......................... 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........217,361
Traction Control....................... 341
512 INDEX

Turn Signal...................78,140,141,208
Vanity Mirror.......................... 89
Voltage............................. 218
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 208
Load Leveling System.................... 199
Loading Vehicle......................377,379
Capacities........................... 379
Tires ............................... 346
Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 28
Power Door........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 361
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH).....................69,70
Lubrication, Body....................... 430
Lumbar Support........................ 126Maintenance Free Battery.................. 427
Maintenance, General..................... 423
Maintenance Procedures................... 423
Maintenance Schedule.................... 474
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 190
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 219,421
Manual, Service......................... 497
Map/Reading Lights..................142,181
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 441
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 130
Memory Seat........................... 130
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 130
Methanol............................. 371
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 226
Mirrors................................ 85
Automatic Dimming..................... 85
Electric Powered....................... 88
Electric Remote........................ 88
Exterior Folding........................ 87
INDEX 513
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