2006 CHRYSLER 300 radiator

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
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. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
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 ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. 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 coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

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 coolant 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 coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (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 may
result in unsatisfactory coolant 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, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Front Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 20 Amp
YellowLeft High Intensity Discharge
Headlight - if equipped
2 20 Amp
YellowRight High Intensity Discharge
Headlight - if equipped
3 15 Amp
BlueAdjustable Pedals - if
equipped
4 20 Amp
YellowAC Clutch/Horn
5 20 Amp
YellowHeadlight Washer - If
Equipped
6 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module (FCM)
7 20 Amp
YellowFog Lights
8 15 Amp
BlueLights–License, Park, Side
Marker, Stop, Turn
9 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module (FCM)
10 5 Amp
OrangePowertrain Control Module
(PCM)/Starter
Cavity Fuse Circuits
11 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shutdown/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
12——
13——
14 25 Amp
ClearPowertrain Control Module
(PCM)
15 25 Amp
ClearInjectors, Ignition Coils
16——
17 30 Amp
PinkAntilock Brakes System (ABS)
Valves/Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
18 30 Amp
PinkWindshield Wiper/Washer
19 50 Amp
RedRadiator Fan
20 20 Amp
BlueStarter
21 50 Amp
RedAntilock Brakes System (ABS)
Pump Motor
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Cavity Fuse Circuits
22 40 Amp
GreenAC Clutch/Radiator Fan High
—Low
23 50 Amp
RedHigh Intensity Lighting - if
equipped
24 60 Amp
YellowRadiator Fan - AWD
25 30 Amp
PinkFront Control Module (FCM)
26 20 Amp
BlueTransmission - RLE
27 30 Amp
PinkFront Control Module (FCM)Rear Power Distribution Center
There is also a power distribution center located in the
trunk under the spare tire access panel. This center
contains fuses and relays.
Opening The Access Panel
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 and brake
master cylinder, 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 coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
352 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Ball Joints............................ 309
Battery............................... 306
Jump Starting........................ 282
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 24
Location.........................283,306
Bearings.............................. 321
Belts, Drive........................... 303
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 309
B-Pillar Location....................... 239
Brake Assist System..................... 116
Brake, Parking......................... 223
Brake System.......................225,317
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 225
Fluid Check......................318,347
Hoses.............................. 317
Warning Light....................... 144
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 222
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 60
Bulb Replacement...................... 334
Bulbs, Light........................... 333
Calibration, Compass.................... 155
Capacities, Fluid....................... 344Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 257
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 314
Car Washes........................... 322
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............60,256
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 135
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 191
Catalytic Converter..................... 304
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............164,171
Cellular Phone.......................... 70
Chains, Tire........................... 251
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 275
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 236
Child Restraint...................52,55,56,58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 56
Child Safety Locks....................... 19
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 254
Climate Control........................ 192
Clock.......................162,166,172,188
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 192
Compact Spare Tire..................... 246
Compass............................. 154
Compass Calibration.................... 155
INDEX 375
10

Compass Variance...................... 155
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 153
Console.............................. 135
Console, Floor......................... 135
Console, Overhead...................... 122
Contract, Service....................... 368
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 314
Cooling System........................ 312
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 314
Coolant Capacity..................... 344
Coolant Level.....................312,315
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 315
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 313
Inspection........................... 315
Points to Remember................... 316
Pressure Cap........................ 314
Radiator Cap........................ 314
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....313,344,346
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 119
Cup Holder........................133,325
Customer Assistance.................... 366
Data Recorder, Event..................... 51Dealer Service......................... 297
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 193
Defroster, Windshield...............61,195,200
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 109
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 295
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 106
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 315
Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage.................... 123
Drive Belts............................ 303
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 284
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 186
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 69
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 131
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 119
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 117
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 150
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 285
376 INDEX

Synthetic........................... 302
Viscosity.........................301,344
Onboard Diagnostic System............295,296
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 123
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 122
Overheating, Engine..................146,274
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,369
Panic Alarm........................... 22
Park Assist System, Rear................. 114
Parking Brake......................... 223
Parking On Hill........................ 224
Passing Light.......................... 106
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 98
Personal Settings....................... 158
Pets.................................. 59
Phone, Cellular......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 239
Power
Brakes............................. 225
Distribution Center.................... 326Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 69
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 131
Seats............................... 90
Steering............................ 228
Steering, Checking.................... 309
Sunroof............................ 128
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 112
Windows............................ 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 38
Preparation for Jacking................... 276
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 36
Programmable Electronic Features....124,127,158
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............124,127
Radial Ply Tires........................ 246
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 314
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 163
Radio Operation..................164,171,192
Radio Remote Controls.................. 189
Radio, Satellite......................... 183
382 INDEX