2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT engine overheat

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).The TIREFIT system is located under an access panel in
the trunk.
TIREFIT Location
372 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

25. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.
26. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar by pressing
the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON) and watching the
pressure gauge. When the tire pressure is set to the
pressure indicated on the tire pressure label, press the
AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF) and turn off the engine.
27. Disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and
reinstall the valve cap.
28. Place the sealant kit back in the trunk of the vehicle.
Replace the sealant bottle at your nearest authorized
MOPARparts dealership.
29. Have the tire inspected at the earliest opportunity at
an authorized dealer or tire service center.NOTE:
•If a pressure of at least 19 psi (1.3 bar) cannot be
maintained in the tire, the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further. Call for
assistance.
•Do not operate the electric air pump for more than
eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump may
be used again once it has cooled down.
•Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle (5) once every four
years to assure optimum operation of the system.
•If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire and wheel
components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has dried,
it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
•Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the tire has
been inspected.
376 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Usually, the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program,” or “Traction Control” in Section 5.CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “1st” and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
380 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emissions control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7

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 exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 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 scald-
ing 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 en-
gine 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 the
ground. 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

Jump Starting......................... 377
Overheating.......................... 371
Towing ............................. 381
Emergency Trunk Release................... 38
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,440
Engine............................... 386
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Block Heater......................... 301
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 391
Compartment......................... 386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................404,436
Cooling ............................. 404
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 75,360
Fails to Start.......................... 300
Flooded, Starting...................... 300
Fuel Requirements..................... 357
Jump Starting......................... 377
Oil ...........................391,435,436Oil Change Interval.................... 392
Oil Filler Cap......................... 392
OilFilter ............................ 393
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 393
Oil Selection.......................392,435
Overheating.......................... 371
Starting............................. 297
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 392
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 358
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 75,76,360,403
Exhaust System....................... 75,403
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 85
ExteriorLighting ........................ 132
ExteriorLights .......................... 77
INDEX 463
10

New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 73
Occupant Restraints....................... 39
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............357,436
Odometer............................. 204
Trip ................................ 204
Oil, Engine.........................391,436
Capacity............................ 435
Change Interval....................... 392
Checking............................ 391
Dipstick............................. 391
Disposal............................ 393
Filter ............................393,436
Filter Disposal........................ 393
Materials Added to..................... 393
Recommendation...................392,435
Viscosity..........................392,435
Oil Filter, Change........................ 393
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 393Onboard Diagnostic System..............387,388
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 177
Operating Precautions.................... 387
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 85
Overhead Console....................... 176
Overheating, Engine...................... 371
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 454
PaintCare ............................. 414
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Park Sense System, Rear................... 172
Parking Brake.......................... 315
Parking On Hill......................... 315
Passing Light........................... 138
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 148
Personal Settings........................ 226
Pets.................................. 73
Phone, Cellular.................... 88,251,253
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)........ 88,251,253
470 INDEX