2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN radiator

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
any accumulation 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.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual.
If the solution is dirty or 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. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant, refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for correct
coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7

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.
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.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

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 the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
4 Cylinder Engines —the coolant bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant level is
adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines,
shown on the bottle.6 Cylinder Engines —the level of the coolant in the
pressurized coolant bottle should be between the
“COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle when the
engine is cold.
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
398 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 78
Bulb Replacement.....................417,418
Bulbs,Light ............................ 417
Calibration, Compass..................... 188
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 20
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 332
Oil (Engine)..................374,375,376,383
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 397
Car Washes............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 327
Cargo Area Features...................... 162
Cargo Compartment...................... 162
Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 162
Catalytic Converter...................... 385
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 78CD (Compact Disc) Player...............222,225
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 242
Cellular Phone.................. 89,225,227,242
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Chains, Tire............................ 312
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 296
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 378
Child Restraint.................... 67,69,73,76
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 71,73
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Cigar Lighter........................... 156
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 324
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 408
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 392
Climate Control......................... 243
Clock .....................193,196,208,224,227
454 INDEX

CoinHolder ........................... 157
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 242
Compact Spare Tire...................... 307
Compass.............................. 187
Compass Calibration..................... 188
Compass Variance....................... 189
Computer, Trip/Travel.................. 20,186
Connector
UCI ................................ 229
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 229
Console............................129,157
Console, Floor.......................129,157
Contract, Service........................ 445
Converter, Catalytic...................... 385
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 397
Cooling System......................... 394
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 396
Coolant Capacity...................... 429
Coolant Level......................395,398Disposal of Used Coolant................ 398
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 395
Inspection........................... 398
Points to Remember.................... 398
Pressure Cap......................... 397
Radiator Cap......................... 397
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......395,429,430
Corrosion Protection..................... 406
Crankcase Ventilation Module............... 20
CruiseLight ........................... 176
CupHolder ......................129,160,411
Customer Assistance..................... 443
Customer Programmable Features............ 190
Data Recorder, Event...................... 65
Dealer Service.......................... 380
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 38
Defroster, Rear Window................... 258
Defroster, Windshield............. 80,245,246,252
INDEX 455
10

PaintCare ............................. 406
Panic Alarm............................ 25
Parking Brake.......................... 277
Parking On Hill......................... 278
Passing Light........................... 134
Personal Settings........................ 190
Pets.................................. 77
Phone, Cellular.................... 89,225,227
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)........ 89,225,227
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 299
Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB).............222,225
USB .............................222,225
Power
Accessory Delay........................ 13
Deck Lid Release....................... 38
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 412
Door Locks........................... 31
Mirrors .............................. 87Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 154
Seats............................... 124
Steering............................. 290
Steering, Checking..................... 391
Sunroof............................. 151
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 391
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 51
Preparation for Jacking.................... 357
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 48
Programmable Electronic Features............ 190
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Radial Ply Tires......................... 306
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 397
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 193
Radio, Navigation....................... 225
464 INDEX