engine overheat CHRYSLER 300 2021 User Guide

98 STARTING AND OPERATING
When ACC Is Active:
NOTE:
When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if
the engine’s braking power does not slow the
vehicle sufficiently to reach the set speed, the
brake system will automatically slow the
vehicle.
The ACC system applies the brake down to a full
stop when following the vehicle in front. If your
vehicle follows the vehicle in front to a standstill,
your vehicle will release the brakes two seconds
after coming to a full stop.
The ACC will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a vehicle in front and hold the
vehicle for two seconds in the stop position. If
the vehicle in front does not start moving within
two seconds, the ACC system will display a
message that the system will release the brakes
and that the brakes must be applied manually.
An audible chime will sound when the brakes
are released.
The ACC system maintains set speed when
driving uphill and downhill. However, a slight
speed change on moderate hills is normal. In
addition, downshifting may occur while climbing
uphill or descending downhill. This is normal
operation and necessary to maintain set speed.
When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature
exceeds normal range (overheated).
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set
by varying the distance setting between four bars
(longest), three bars (long), two bars (medium) and
one bar (short). Using this distance setting and the
vehicle speed, ACC calculates and sets the
distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance
setting displays in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Settings

To increase the distance setting, push the
D i

stance Setting Increase button and release.
Each time the button is pushed, the distance
setting increases by one bar (longer). To decrease the distance setting, push the
D
i

stance Setting Decrease button and release.
Each time the button is pushed, the distance
setting decreases by one bar (shorter).
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will
ma
intain the set speed. If a slower moving vehicle
is detected in the same lane, the instrument
cluster display will show the ACC Set With Target
Detected Indicator Light, and the system will adjust
the vehicle speed automatically to maintain the
distance setting, regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance
u n

til:
The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above
the set speed.
The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or
view of the sensor.
The distance setting is changed.
The system disengages Ú page 96.
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited;
h ow

ever, the driver can always apply the brakes
manually, if necessary.
NOTE:
The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC
s y
stem applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC
pr
edicts that its maximum braking level is not
sufficient to maintain the set distance. If this
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)

190 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
th

e potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
e n
gine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
i m
pending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
To move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (such as a
depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available.
WARNING!

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 or coolant
bottle is hot.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT
(H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.

WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the
driver's seat with your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when activating the Manual Park Release.
Activating the Manual Park Release will allow
your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake, or by proper connection to a tow
vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.

192 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then, shift
back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE while
gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5
mph (8 km/h) or
le

ss. Whenever the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL for more than two seconds, you must
press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE or
REVERSE.
Push the ESC OFF switch to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle
Ú page 139.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
O F
F switch again to restore “ESC On” mode.CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of clutch or
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause
damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires. A
tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(4

8 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
c o
ntinuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
s t

uck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
dr

ivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not
spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
w h

ile in gear (no transmission shifting occur -
ring).

208 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
4. Slide the wiper blade onto the arm until motion stops, then fold down the locking tab to
secure.
NOTE:
The locking tab will not snap into place until the
b l
ade is properly positioned on the wiper arm hook.
5. Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
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
s y

stem; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear of
the vehicle is damaged; have an authorized
technician inspect the complete exhaust system
and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, have the exhaust system inspected each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
c
on
verter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
s y
stems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon -
scious and can eventually poison you. To
a v

oid breathing CO Ú page 178.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such mate -
rials might be grass or leaves coming into
c on

tact with your exhaust system. Do not park
or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your
vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
c ou

ld cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter
and vehicle.
CAUTION!

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 209
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
da

mage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni -
tion when the transmission is in gear and the
v e
hicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diag -
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during
ve
ry rough idle or malfunctioning operating
conditions.
NOTE:
Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped
w i
th an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if
the exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket
products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will
illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather,
w h
ere applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer. 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
r
u

bber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the
connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING
SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
p r
operly. Failure to fill these systems properly
could lead to severe internal engine damage. If any
coolant is needed to be added to the system
please contact an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
c on

tains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 195.
WARNING!
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 open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radi
-
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may
start at any time, whether the engine is
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
c on

trolled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 211
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based 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 animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested
by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
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
t
h

ere is no need to remove the radiator/coolant
pressure cap unless checking for engine coolant
freeze point or replacing coolant. 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 is needed to
m a

intain the proper level, only OAT coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor
c om

ing from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from rain,
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
s h

ows 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 needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains
a l

uminum 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 neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
O t

her designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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
engine damage may result.
8

248 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions control system can result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
FLUID CAPACITIES
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance and damage the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some
light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact an authorized dealer for service assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentrations of meth -
anol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer
a n
d may void or not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
US Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7L Engine 7 Quarts6.6 Liters

257
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................41Dealer Service...............................................202Deck Lid
Power Release............................................60Defroster, Windshield....................................177Diagnostic System, Onboard...........................79Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................41DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................201Disable Vehicle Towing..................................193DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................211Door Ajar..........................................................73Door Ajar Light.................................................73Door LocksAutomatic....................................................22Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors....23Doors...............................................................19Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.....................................27DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
.....................................120
E
Electric Brake Control System.......................138Anti-Lock Brake System.............................137Electronic Roll Mitigation.................138, 142
Electric Remote Mirrors...................................35

Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)...214
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........93Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..................139Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........73Emergency Gas Can Refueling......................189Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck.....................192Hazard Warning Flasher...........................179Jacking.....................................................182Jump Starting..................................186, 187Towing......................................................193Emission Control System Maintenance...........79Engine..................................................199, 200Air Cleaner................................................203Block Heater................................................84Break-In Recommendations........................84Checking Oil Level....................................201Compartment..................................199, 200Compartment Identification......................199Coolant (Antifreeze).........................209, 249Cooling.....................................................209Exhaust Gas Caution................................178Fails To Start...............................................83Flooded, Starting.........................................83Fuel Requirements...................................246Jump Starting..................................186, 187Oil...........................................202, 248, 249Oil Filler Cap.............................................199Oil Filter....................................................203
Oil Selection....................................202, 248
Oil Synthetic..............................................203Overheating..............................................190Starting........................................................81Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................164, 194Ethanol..........................................................247Exhaust Gas Cautions...................................178Exhaust System...................................178, 208Exterior Lighting...............................................40Exterior Lights........................................40, 178
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................203Air Conditioning.................................50, 204Engine Oil........................................203, 249Engine Oil Disposal...................................203Flashers........................................................179Hazard Warning........................................179Turn Signals................................43, 78, 178Flash-To-Pass...................................................41Flooded Engine Starting...................................83Floor Console...................................................52Fluid Capacities............................................248Fluid Leaks....................................................178Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................212Cooling System.........................................209Engine Oil.................................................201
Transfer Case...........................................213
11

260
Outside........................................................35Rearview............................................34, 179Vanity..........................................................34Modifications/Alterations
Vehicle..........................................................8Monitor, Tire Pressure System.......................148Mopar Parts...................................................253MP3 Control....................................................53Multi-Function Control Lever............................40
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................84
O
Occupant Restraints......................................151Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............246, 249Oil Change Indicator........................................67Reset...........................................................67Oil Filter, Change...........................................203Oil Filter, Selection.........................................203Oil Pressure Light............................................74Oil, Engine...........................................202, 249Capacity....................................................248Checking...................................................201Dipstick.....................................................201Disposal....................................................203Filter................................................203, 249Filter Disposal...........................................203Identification Logo.....................................203
Materials Added To...................................203
Pressure Warning Light...............................74Recommendation............................202, 248Synthetic..................................................203Viscosity...................................................248Onboard Diagnostic System.............................79Operating Precautions.....................................79Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................253Outside Rearview Mirrors................................35Overheating, Engine......................................190
P
Paddle Shift Mode...........................................90Paddle Shifters................................................90Paint Care.....................................................242Parking Brake..................................................84ParkSense System, Rear..............................103Passive Entry...................................................20Pets..............................................................176Placard, Tire And Loading Information..........229PowerBrakes......................................................245Deck Lid Release.........................................60Distribution Center (Fuses).......................217Door Locks..................................................20Mirrors.........................................................35Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)................54Seats...........................................................28Steering.......................................................92
Sunroof........................................................58
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column................24Windows......................................................56Power SeatsForward.......................................................29Lumbar........................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Recline.........................................................29Pregnant Women And Seat Belts..................157Preparation For Jacking................................182PretensionersSeat Belts.................................................157
R
Radial Ply Tires..............................................233Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............210Radio Operation............................................136Rain Sensitive Wiper System...........................46Rear Axle (Differential)..................................213Rear Camera.................................................110Rear Cross Path............................................145Rear ParkSense System................................103Rear Seats, Folding..........................................27Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)Towing......................................................194Recreational Towing......................................119Reformulated Gasoline.................................246Refrigerant....................................................204Release, Hood..................................................59Reminder, Lights On........................................42
Reminder, Seat Belt......................................152