2004 CHRYSLER 300 M radiator

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 coolant in the bottle
should be between the MIN and MAX cold fill lines.
When additional coolant 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 of
operation, you may observe vapor coming 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 water 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 bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
7

•Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
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 engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8,
Maintenance Schedules.
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule “A” 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule “B” 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
242 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Headlights.......................... 226
Instrument Panel..................... 226
Seat Belts........................... 227
Vinyl.............................. 225
Washing............................ 224
Waxing............................. 224
Wheels............................. 225
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 212
Climate Control........................ 146
Clock................................ 118
Coat Hook............................. 54
Coin Holder........................... 53
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 145
Compact Disc Player................. 119,124
Compact Spare Tire..................... 169
Compass.......................100,103,104
Compass Calibration.................100,104
Compass Variance...................... 101
Computer, Trip/Travel.................98,102
Console............................... 53
Console, Overhead....................... 74
Contract, Service....................... 258
Cooling System........................ 214Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 215
Coolant Level........................ 217
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 215
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 215
Inspection........................... 214
Points to Remember................... 217
Pressure Cap........................ 216
Radiator Cap........................ 216
Rubber and Plastic Components.......161,218
Selection of Coolant................... 215
Corrosion Protection.................... 223
Courtesy Lights......................... 65
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 207
Cruise Light.........................72,114
Cup Holder............................ 53
Customer Assistance.................... 256
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 65
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 200
Defroster, Windshield..................48,149
Diagnostic System, Onboard............ 115,198
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 68
268 INDEX

Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting....................... 46
Power
Distribution Center.................... 228
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet.............................. 105
Seats............................... 57
Steering............................ 163
Steering, Checking.................... 210
Sunroof............................. 86
TrunkLid ............................ 26
Windows............................ 25
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 32
Programmable Electronic Features.....76,79,81,83
Programming Transmitters........20,76,79,81,83
Radial Ply Tires........................ 168
Radiator Cap.......................... 216
Radio.......................... 119,126,132
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 118
Radio Operation.....................143,145
Radio Remote Controls.................. 142
Radio, Satellite......................... 137Rear Seat, Folding....................... 62
Reclining Front Seats..................... 58
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 237
Reformulated Gasoline................... 175
Refrigerant............................ 209
Reminder, Lights On..................... 66
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 18
Remote Trunk Release.................... 26
Replacement Tires...................... 172
Reporting Safety Defects................. 259
Restraint, Head......................... 62
Restraints, Occupant..................... 27
Rotation, Tires......................167,173
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 48
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 48
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 47
Safety Tips............................. 47
Satellite Radio......................... 137
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 139
Schedule, Maintenance................... 240
Scheduled Maintenance.................. 201
274 INDEX