check engine CHRYSLER 300 2011 2.G Owner's Manual

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 or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front
of the radiator 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.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

WARNING! (Continued)
•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 (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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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 theengine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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 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 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
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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, 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 coolant 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.
•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 coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485

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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
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S486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brakes............................... 456
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 171
Bulb Replacement ..................... 475,476
Bulbs, Light .......................... 86,475
Camera, Rear ........................... 219
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 480
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... 438,439
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 453
Car Washes ............................ 461
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............83,384
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 391
Cellular Phone .......................... 301
Certification Label ....................... 391
Chains, Tire ............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 409
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 350 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
.............262,433
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint .................. 71,72,73,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 381
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 463
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 446
Climate Control ......................... 301
Clock ................................ 298
Coin Holder ........................... 246
Cold Weather Operation ................... 320
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 300
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 362
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 280
514 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level ................... 437
Compartment .................... 431,432
Compartment Identification ............. 431
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 451,481
Cooling ........................... 450
Exhaust Gas Caution ................83,384
Fails to Start ........................ 321
Flooded, Starting ..................... 321
Fuel Requirements .................... 380
Jump Starting ....................... 418
Multi-Displacement ................... 335
Oil ......................... 437,480,481
Oil Change Interval ................ 277,438
Oil Filler Cap .................... 438,439
Oil Filter ........................... 440
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 440
Oil Selection ..................... 438,480
Oil Synthetic ........................ 439 Overheating
........................ 408
Starting ........................... 318
Temperature Gauge ................... 267
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 438,439
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 381
Event Data Recorder ...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 83,384
Exhaust System ....................... 83,448
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 95
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Exterior Lights .......................... 86
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 264
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 440
Air Conditioning .................. 31 1,444
Engine Oil ....................... 440,481
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INDEX 517

Engine Oil Disposal................... 440
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 169
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 408
Turn Signal .................... 86,168,259
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 409
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 387
Engine Oil ......................... 387
Fuel Requirements ................. 385,386
Maintenance ........................ 388
Replacement Parts .................... 387
Starting ........................... 387
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 321
Floor Console .......................... 246
Fluid Capacities ......................... 480
Fluid Leaks ............................. 86 Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................ 459
Brake ............................. 456
Cooling System ...................... 451
Engine Oil ......................... 437
Transfer Case ....................... 460
Fluid, Brake ........................... 482
Fluids ................................ 481
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 481
Fog Lights .......................... 167,259
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 157
Forward Collision Warning ..............206,273
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 422
Fuel ................................. 380
Additives .......................... 383
Clean Air .......................... 381
Conserving ......................... 278
Ethanol ........................... 381
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 264
518 INDEX

Bulb Replacement................. 475,476
Daytime Running .................... 166
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...........168,169
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Indicator ...................... 347
Exterior ............................ 86
Fog ............................ 167,259
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 408
Headlight Switch ..................... 164
Headlights ...................... 164,476
Headlights On Reminder ............... 166
Headlights On With Wipers ..........165,175
High Beam ......................... 169
High Beam Indicator .................. 259
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 169
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 164
Intensity Control ..................... 171
Interior ............................ 170 License
............................ 479
Lights On Reminder .................. 166
Low Fuel .......................... 273
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 262
Map Reading ....................... 169
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 173
Passing ............................ 169
Reading ........................ 169,222
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 267
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 265
Service ......................... 475,476
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 262
SmartBeams ........................ 166
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 265
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......261,370
Traction Control ..................... 347
Turn Signal ....................... 86,168
Vanity Mirror ........................ 98
522 INDEX

Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 259
Load Leveling System .................... 253
Loading Vehicle ...................... 391,393
Capacities .......................... 393
Tires .............................. 354
Locks ................................. 28
Auto Unlock ......................... 30
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 370
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ..................... 74,76
Lubrication, Body ....................... 446
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 441
Maintenance Procedures ................... 436
Maintenance Schedule .................... 484 Maintenance, General
..................... 436
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 262,433
Manual Transmission ..................... 460
Fluid Level Check .................... 460
Manual, Service ......................... 507
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 456
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 158
Memory Seat ........................... 158
Memory Seats and Radio .................. 158
Methanol ............................. 381
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 280
Mirrors ................................ 94
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 96
Electric Remote ....................... 96
Exterior Folding ...................... 95
Heated ............................. 98
Outside ............................ 94
Vanity ............................. 98
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INDEX 523