check engine CHRYSLER 300 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 L) of washer
fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears inthe Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if
equipped).
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 511

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or cycle the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time 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 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.
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals 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 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 the
engine 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, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106
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.
518 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion 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 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” for the proper
maintenance intervals.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 519

NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 553

Capacities, Fluid......................... .547
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .503
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................517
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................96
Cargo Area Features ...................... .291
Cargo Compartment ...................... .291
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................452
Car Washes ............................ .526
Cellular Phone .......................... .346
Certification Label ........................ .453
Chains, Tire ............................ .428
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .471
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .410
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .305
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............95
Checks, Safety ............................95
Child Restraint ............................72
Child Safety Locks .........................32 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... .442
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .527
Climate Control ......................... .347
Clock ................................. .342
Coin Holder ............................ .286
Cold Weather Operation ....................367
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............346
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .423
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .324
Connector UCI................................ .343
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........343
Conserving Fuel ......................... .321
Console, Floor .......................... .286
Contract, Service ......................... .563
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........517
Cooling System .......................... .514
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............516
572 INDEX

Electrical Power Outlets.....................278
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................292
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................111
Electronic Brake Control System ...............401
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................401
Brake Assist System .....................402
Traction Control System ...................401
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......530
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........219
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............402
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......257
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................43
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................485
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................470
Jacking .............................. .471
Jump Starting ......................... .481
Overheating .......................... .470
Towing ............................. .490Emergency Trunk Release
....................43
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........497
Engine ................................ .496
Air Cleaner .......................... .504
Block Heater ......................... .368
Break-In Recommendations .................94
Checking Oil Level ..................... .501
Compartment ......................... .495
Compartment Identification ................495
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................514
Cooling ............................. .514
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................96
Fails to Start .......................... .367
Flooded, Starting ...................... .367
Fuel Requirements ..................... .441
Jump Starting ......................... .481
Oil................................. .501
Oil Change Interval ..................... .320
Oil

Filler Cap ......................... .503
574 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... .547
Fluid Leaks ..............................99
Fluid Level Checks ....................... .524
Automatic Transmission ..................523
Brake ............................... .520
Cooling System ........................ .514
Engine Oil ........................... .501
Transfer Case ......................... .524
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........548
Fog Lights ............................. .201
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .189
Forward Collision Warning ..................245
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................485
Fuel .................................. .441
Additives ............................ .444
Clean Air ............................ .442
Conserving ........................... .321
Ethanol ............................. .442
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ....................306 Gasoline
............................. .441
Gauge .............................. .306
Light ............................... .317
Materials Added ....................... .444
Methanol ............................ .442
Octane Rating ......................... .441
Requirements ......................... .441
Saver Mode .......................... .321
Specifications ......................... .548
Tank Capacity ......................... .547
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .446
Fuel Optimizer .......................... .321
Fuel Saver ............................. .321
Fuses ................................. .530
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .442
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .441
Conserving ........................... .321
Gasoline,

Reformulated .....................442
576 INDEX

Leaks, Fluid..............................99
Life of Tires ............................ .426
Light Bulbs ..............................99
Lights ..................................99
Airbag ................................65
Alarm .............................. .307
Anti-Lock ............................ .307
Automatic Headlights ....................198
Brake Assist Warning ....................407
Brake Warning ........................ .308
Bulb Replacement ...................... .543
Daytime Running ...................... .200
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .................202
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....407
Exterior ...............................99
Fog ................................ .201
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................470
Headlights ........................... .197
Headlights On Reminder ..................201 Headlights On With Wipers
................198
Headlight Switch ...................... .197
High Beam ........................... .203
High Beam Indicator .....................302
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............203
Illuminated Entry ........................21
Instrument Cluster ..................... .197
Intensity Control ....................... .206
Interior ............................. .206
License ............................. .546
Lights On Reminder .....................201
Low Fuel ............................ .317
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........305
Map Reading ......................... .204
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ...........208
Passing ............................. .203
Reading ............................. .204
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .310
Security
Alarm (Theft Alarm) ...............307
10
INDEX 579

Service.............................. .542
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .305
SmartBeams .......................... .199
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ...............307
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............303
Traction Control ....................... .407
Turn Signal ............................99
Vanity Mirror ..........................112
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......302
Loading Vehicle ......................... .452
Capacities ........................... .454
Tires ............................... .414
Load Leveling System ..................... .295
Locks ..................................29
Automatic Door .........................31
Auto Unlock ...........................31
Child Protection .........................32
Door .................................29
Power Door ............................30 Low Tire Pressure System
...................431
Lubrication, Body ........................ .510
Maintenance Free Battery ....................505
Maintenance Procedures ....................500
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .552
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......305
Manual, Service ......................... .566
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................520
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ...............190
Memory Seat ........................... .190
Memory Seats and Radio ....................190
Methanol .............................. .442
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .324
Mirrors ............................... .108
Electric Powered ........................111
Electric Remote .........................111
Exterior Folding ....................... .109
Heated ...............................112
580 INDEX