Check engine CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

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
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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.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
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.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443
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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
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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

Flash-To-Pass........................... 139
Flooded Engine Starting................... 311
Floor Console.......................... 194
Fluid, Brake........................... 440
Fluid Capacities......................... 438
Fluid Leaks............................. 78
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 418
Brake............................... 417
Cooling System....................... 411
Engine Oil........................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Fluids................................ 439
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 439
Fog Lights..........................138,205
Folding Rear Seat........................ 127
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 389
Fuel................................. 367
Adding............................. 371Additives............................ 369
Clean Air............................ 367
Ethanol............................. 367
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 371
Gasoline............................ 367
Gauge.............................. 211
Materials Added....................... 369
Methanol............................ 367
Octane Rating......................367,439
Requirements......................... 367
Specifications......................... 439
Tank Capacity........................ 438
Fuel System Caution..................... 371
Fueling............................... 371
Fuses................................ 424
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 181
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............371,397
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 367
476 INDEX

Latches................................ 78
Hood............................... 132
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 367
Leaks, Fluid............................ 78
Life of Tires............................ 351
Light Bulbs..........................78,432
Lights..............................78,134
Airbag........................59,63,77,207
Anti-Lock.........................206,331
Automatic Headlights................... 135
Brake Assist Warning................... 337
Brake Warning.....................207,329
Bulb Replacement...................432,433
Courtesy/Reading...................140,180
Cruise.............................. 205
Daytime Running...................... 137
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............138,139
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 337
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 211Engine Temperature Warning.............. 206
Exterior.............................. 78
Fog .............................138,205
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Headlight Switch...................... 134
Headlights........................134,433
Headlights On Reminder................. 137
Headlights On With Wipers............135,143
High Beam........................139,210
High Beam Indicator.................... 210
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................134,205
Intensity Control....................... 141
Interior..........................140,180
License............................. 437
Lights On Reminder.................... 137
Low Fuel............................ 205
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 213
Map Reading......................140,180
INDEX 479
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Oil Pressure.......................... 214
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 141
Passing............................. 139
Reading..........................140,180
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 210
Service...........................432,433
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 213
SmartBeams.......................... 135
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........ 211,356
Traction Control....................... 337
Turn Signal...................78,138,139,205
Vanity Mirror.......................... 87
Voltage............................. 213
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 205
Loading Vehicle......................373,375
Capacities........................... 375
Tires ............................... 343
Locks................................. 27
Auto Unlock.......................... 30Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 356
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,70
Lubrication, Body....................... 407
Lumbar Support........................ 124
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 404
Maintenance, General..................... 399
Maintenance Procedures................... 399
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 190
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 213,397
Manual, Service......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights..................140,180
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 417
480 INDEX

Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 128
Memory Seat........................... 128
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 128
Methanol............................. 367
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 220
Mirrors................................ 84
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 86
Electric Remote........................ 86
Exterior Folding........................ 85
Heated.............................. 87
Outside.............................. 85
Vanity............................... 87
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 356
Mopar Parts.........................399,464
MTBE/ETBE........................... 367
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 138New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............367,439
Odometer............................. 210
Trip ................................ 210
Oil, Engine.........................400,439
Capacity............................ 438
Change Interval....................... 400
Checking............................ 400
Dipstick............................. 400
Disposal............................ 402
Filter............................402,439
Filter Disposal........................ 402
Materials Added to..................... 402
Recommendation...................400,438
Synthetic............................ 402
Viscosity..........................401,438
Oil Filter, Change........................ 402
INDEX 481
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