cooling CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2012 2.G User Guide

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471

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.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator engine
coolant (antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant,
and to ensure that engine coolant (antifreeze) will return to
the radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
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.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
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.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 19 Gallons72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.4 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40, Synthetic API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.4 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula or equivalent) 15.2 Quarts 14.4 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Console, Overhead....................... 243
Contract, Service ........................ 527
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 474
Cooling System ......................... 470
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 473
Coolant Capacity ..................... 502
Coolant Level .................... 471,475
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 474
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 471
Inspection .......................... 475
Points to Remember .................. 475
Pressure Cap ........................ 474
Radiator Cap ....................... 474
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....472,502,503
Corrosion Protection ..................... 481
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 205
Cupholders ......................... 267,487
Customer Assistance ..................... 525 Data Recorder, Event
...................... 70
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 191
Daytime Running Lights ................... 184
Dealer Service .......................... 456
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 41
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 276
Defroster, Windshield ................... 85,339
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 192
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 454
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 186
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 458
Power Steering ...................... 370
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 447
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 474
Engine Oil ......................... 459
Door Locks ............................. 28
10
INDEX 537

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 245
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 366
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 367
Driving to Achieve Maximum
Fuel Economy .......................... 301
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 276
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 99
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 262
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 376
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 377
Brake Assist System ................... 377
Traction Control System ................ 377
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 487
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....202,205
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 378Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
....................... 241,292
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 444
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 428
Jump Starting ....................... 440
Overheating ........................ 428
Towing ............................ 447
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 454
Engine ............................... 453
Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations .............. 82
Checking Oil Level ................... 458
Compartment ....................... 453
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 471,503
Cooling ........................... 470
538 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 502
Fluid Leaks ............................. 87
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 480
Brake ............................. 477
Cooling System ...................... 471
Engine Oil ......................... 458
Power Steering ...................... 370
Fluid, Brake ........................... 504
Fluids ................................ 503
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 503
Fog Lights .......................... 184,281
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 173
Forward Collision Warning ..............228,296
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 444
Fuel ................................. 414
Additives .......................... 416
Clean Air .......................... 414
Conserving ......................... 301 Ethanol
........................... 415
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 286
Gasoline ........................... 414
Gauge ............................ 286
Light ............................. 296
Materials Added ..................... 416
Methanol .......................... 415
Octane Rating .................... 414,503
Requirements ....................... 414
Saver Mode ........................ 301
Specifications ....................... 503
Tank Capacity ....................... 502
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 301
Fuel Saver ............................. 301
Fuses ................................ 487
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 245
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 414
Conserving ......................... 301
540 INDEX