2004 CHRYSLER 300 M engine overheat

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
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 specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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Check the front of the radiator and condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules (5
years/100,000 miles), the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and 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.
Engine Coolant Disposal
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based enginecoolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts section for correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7

Higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) may be used if
temperatures below -37°F (-38°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
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 coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated 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.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 193
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 215
Engine Oil.......................... 205
Door Ajar............................. 114
Door Ajar Light........................ 114
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................75,80
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 211
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 58
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 191
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 157
With an Automatic Transmission.......... 157
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 55
Electronic Speed Control.................. 71
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 182
Emission Control System Maintenance . 199,207,240Engine
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 206
Block Heater......................... 157
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Cooling.......................... 114,214
Fails to Start......................... 156
Oil ............................. 113,201
Oil Change Interval................... 202
Oil Selection......................... 203
Oil Synthetic......................... 204
Overheating...................... 114,182
Timing Belt.......................... 207
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,214
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights.......................66,230
Filler Location Fuel..................... 113
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 206
Automatic Transaxle................... 223
INDEX 269
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Malfunction Indicator Light............ 115,199
Manual, Service........................ 261
Memory Feature........................ 60
Memory Seat........................... 21
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 98
Mirrors............................... 54
Automatic Dimming.................... 54
Electric Remote....................... 55
Outside............................. 56
Rearview............................ 54
Vanity.............................. 57
Monitor, Tire Pressure System...........89,166
Mopar Parts........................200,259
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 68
Navigation System...................... 136
Occupant Restraints...................... 27
Odometer............................. 116
Trip ............................... 116
Oil, Engine........................... 201
Change Interval...................... 202
Checking........................... 201Dipstick............................ 201
Disposal............................ 205
Filter.............................. 205
Identification Logo.................... 204
Materials Added to.................... 204
Quality............................. 204
Recommendation..................... 203
Synthetic........................... 204
Onboard Diagnostic System............198,199
Opener, Garage Door...................75,80
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Overhead Console....................74,102
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 102
Overheating, Engine..................... 182
Owner’s Manual......................4,261
Paint Care............................ 223
Paint Damage......................... 223
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 161
Parking On Hill........................ 161
Passing Light........................... 68
Pencil Holder.......................... 53
INDEX 273
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