2009 CHRYSLER 300 C coolant level

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•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
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F
(37°C) are anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If enginecoolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (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.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

Cooling System *
2.7 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent9.9 Quarts 9.4 Liters
3.5 Liter Engine without All Wheel Drive (MOPARAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent11.1 Quarts 10.5 Liters
3.5 Liter Engine with All Wheel Drive (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent11.4 Quarts 10.8 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent14.7 Quarts 13.9 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent15.1 Quarts 14.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change, even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Oil Change Required”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under
“Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Section 4.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•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, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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Cleaning
Wheels............................. 456
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 441
Climate Control......................... 298
Clock.....................242,244,258,262,271
Coin Holder........................... 198
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 297
Compact Spare Tire...................... 361
Compass.............................. 233
Compass Calibration..................... 233
Compass Variance....................... 234
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 228
Connector
UCI ................................ 282
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 282
Conserving Fuel........................ 228
Console, Floor.......................... 198
Console, Overhead....................... 184
Contract, Service........................ 505Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 448
Cooling System......................... 445
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 447
Coolant Capacity...................... 479
Coolant Level......................445,449
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 449
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 446
Inspection........................... 449
Points to Remember.................... 450
Pressure Cap......................... 448
Radiator Cap......................... 448
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......446,479,481
Corrosion Protection..................... 454
Cruise Control (Speed Control)...........154,157
Cruise Light........................... 210
Cupholders.........................197,459
Customer Assistance..................... 503
Customer Programmable Features............ 236
INDEX 515
10

Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 218
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 221
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 43
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 420
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 404
Jacking............................. 406
Jump Starting......................... 417
Overheating.......................... 405
Towing............................. 421
Emergency Trunk Release................... 43
Emission Control System Maintenance......431,484
Engine..........................427,428,429
Air Cleaner.......................... 437
Block Heater......................... 318
Break-In Recommendations................ 78
Checking Oil Level..................433,434
Compartment...................427,428,429
Coolant (Antifreeze).................445,481Cooling............................. 445
Exhaust Gas Caution..................79,383
Fails to Start.......................... 316
Flooded, Starting...................... 316
Fuel Requirements..................... 379
Jump Starting......................... 417
Multi-Displacement..................... 339
Oil ...........................433,479,481
Oil Change Interval............... 211,227,434
Oil Filler Cap......................435,436
Oil Filter............................ 437
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 436
Oil Selection.......................435,479
Oil Synthetic......................... 436
Overheating.......................... 405
Starting............................. 313
Temperature Gauge..................... 215
Engine Oil Viscosity...................435,436
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 65
INDEX 517
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