engine coolant CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2009 1.G User Guide

Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween 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 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7

•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 mayresult 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.
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.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19 Gallons 72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent15.2 Quarts 14.4 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (6.1L Engine) For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating
conditions, the manufacturer only recommends full synthetic engine oils that
meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or SM/CF, and
meet the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-10725. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of a full synthetic engine oil, such as Mobil 1
SAE 0W-40 or equivalent. For additional information, refer to the “Engine Oil
Selection” and “Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)” in the “Maintenance Pro-
cedures” section of this manual.
Oil Filter (6.1L Engine) MOPAREngine Oil Filter (P/N 04884899AB) or equivalent
Spark Plugs (6.1L Engine) PLZTR5A-13 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (6.1L Engine) Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

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 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.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If you are using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, and replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect the exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, and replace if necessary.
❏Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the spark plugs.
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
452 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

About Your Brakes....................327,329
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............329,332
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 152
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 413
Adding Fuel........................... 371
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 408
Additives, Fuel......................... 369
Adjustable Pedals....................... 147
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 405
Air Conditioning Filter.................300,406
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 301
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............405,406
Air Conditioning System................294,405
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 348
Airbag................................ 51
Airbag Deployment.....................58,61
Airbag Light.....................59,63,77,207
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63Airbag, Side..........................53,59
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............53,59
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,211
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 282
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........412,413,438
Disposal............................ 414
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............329,332
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............206,331
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 211
Appearance Care........................ 419
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 30
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
470 INDEX

Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 315
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 141
Bulb Replacement.....................432,433
Bulbs, Light..........................78,432
Calibration, Compass..................... 227
Capacities, Fluid........................ 438
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 371
Oil (Engine).......................... 401
Power Steering........................ 326
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 414
Car Washes............................ 420
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,370
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 373
Cellular Phone........................88,293
Certification Label....................... 373
Chains, Tire............................ 353Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 340
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 397
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint..................66,67,68,70,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,70
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 421
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 407
Climate Control......................... 293
Clock.....................235,237,252,256,265
Coin Holder........................... 194
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 292
Compass.............................. 226
Compass Calibration..................... 227
Compass Variance....................... 227
472 INDEX

Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 390
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 414
Engine Oil........................... 402
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 181
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 323
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 324
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 288
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 197
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 190Electronic Brake Control System............. 332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 333
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 214
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 389
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jump Starting......................... 385
Overheating.......................... 379
Towing............................. 390
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......397,442
Engine............................... 395
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................... 400
474 INDEX

Compartment......................... 395
Coolant (Antifreeze)................. 411,439
Cooling............................. 411
Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,370
Fails to Start.......................... 311
Flooded, Starting...................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 367
Jump Starting......................... 385
Oil ...........................400,438,439
Oil Change Interval.................... 400
Oil Filler Cap......................... 401
Oil Filter............................ 402
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 402
Oil Selection.......................400,438
Oil Synthetic......................... 402
Overheating.......................... 379
Starting............................. 307
Temperature Gauge..................... 209
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 401Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 367
Event Data Recorder...................... 64
Exhaust Gas Caution................76,370,409
Exhaust System.......................76,408
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 85
Exterior Lighting........................ 134
Exterior Lights.......................... 78
Filler Location Fuel...................... 371
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Air Conditioning....................300,406
Engine Oil........................402,439
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 402
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 378
Turn Signal......................78,139,205
INDEX 475
10