2007 CHRYSLER 300 SRT cooling

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for anyaccumulation 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
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedule.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
7

system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for the
correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT
engine coolants, may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•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
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 coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
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 recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
7

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 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.
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
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

4. Push the replacement bulb into the socket assembly.
5. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
6. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal-
lons72 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts. 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.15.2 qts 14.4 li-
ters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
7

Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 273
Child Restraint................... 47,49,52,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors........... 50,52
Child Safety Locks....................... 23
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 246
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 297
Climate Control........................ 183
Clock ..........................157,160,171
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 182
Compass............................. 149
Compass Calibration.................... 149
Compass Variance...................... 149
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 147
Console.............................. 127
Console, Floor......................... 127
Console, Overhead...................... 115
Contract, Service....................... 340
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 289
Cooling System........................ 287
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 289
Coolant Capacity..................... 313Coolant Level.....................287,290
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 290
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 287
Inspection........................... 290
Points to Remember................... 290
Pressure Cap........................ 289
Radiator Cap........................ 289
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....288,313,314
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 109
CruiseLight ........................... 136
CupHolder ........................126,299
Customer Assistance.................... 338
Data Recorder, Event..................... 46
Daytime Running Lights.................. 98
Dealer Service......................... 274
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 191
Defroster, Windshield.................. 58,187
Delay(Intermittent)Wipers ............... 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 272
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 99
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 290
348 INDEX

Door Locks............................ 21
Door Locks, Automatic................... 22
Door Opener, Garage.................... 116
DriveBelts ............................ 278
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 209
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 174
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 64
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 124
Electronic Brake Control System............ 214
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 216
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 141
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 144
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 265
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 256
JumpStarting ........................ 262
Overheating......................... 256
Towing ............................. 266
Emission Control System Maintenance....273,318
Engine............................... 271Air Cleaner.......................... 279
Block Heater......................... 199
Break-In Recommendations............... 55
Checking Oil Level.................... 275
Compartment........................ 271
Coolant (Antifreeze)................287,314
Cooling ............................ 287
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 56,248
FailstoStart ......................... 197
Flooded, Starting..................... 197
Fuel Requirements.................246,313
Oil ..........................275,313,314
Oil Change Interval................... 276
Oil Filler Cap........................ 277
OilSelection ......................277,313
Overheating......................... 256
Temperature Gauge................... 139
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 45
Ethanol.............................. 247
Event Data Recorder..................... 46
Exhaust Gas Caution............. 56,57,248,286
Exhaust System...................... 56,286
ExteriorFoldingMirrors .................. 64
INDEX 349
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