2009 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 LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not 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 the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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.
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
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator engine
coolant (antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) coolant that allows extended mainte-
nance intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be
used up to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze).
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7

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.
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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 disposal
rules 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.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs mayresult 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.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19 Gallons 72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent15.2 Quarts 14.4 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 220
Connector
UCI ................................ 276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 276
Console, Floor.......................... 194
Console, Overhead....................... 180
Contract, Service........................ 463
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 414
Cooling System......................... 411
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 413
Coolant Capacity...................... 438
Coolant Level...................... 411,415
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 414
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 412
Inspection........................... 415
Points to Remember.................... 415
Pressure Cap......................... 414
Radiator Cap......................... 414
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......412,438,439Corrosion Protection..................... 419
Cruise Control (Speed Control)...........148,152
Cruise Light........................... 205
Cupholders.........................193,424
Customer Assistance..................... 461
Customer Programmable Features............ 230
Data Recorder, Event...................... 64
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 141
Daytime Running Lights................... 137
Dealer Service.......................... 399
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 40
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 39
Defroster, Rear Window................... 197
Defroster, Windshield...................78,298
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 142
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 396
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 139
INDEX 473
10

Compartment......................... 395
Coolant (Antifreeze)................. 411,439
Cooling............................. 411
Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,370
Fails to Start.......................... 311
Flooded, Starting...................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 367
Jump Starting......................... 385
Oil ...........................400,438,439
Oil Change Interval.................... 400
Oil Filler Cap......................... 401
Oil Filter............................ 402
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 402
Oil Selection.......................400,438
Oil Synthetic......................... 402
Overheating.......................... 379
Starting............................. 307
Temperature Gauge..................... 209
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 401Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 367
Event Data Recorder...................... 64
Exhaust Gas Caution................76,370,409
Exhaust System.......................76,408
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 85
Exterior Lighting........................ 134
Exterior Lights.......................... 78
Filler Location Fuel...................... 371
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Air Conditioning....................300,406
Engine Oil........................402,439
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 402
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 378
Turn Signal......................78,139,205
INDEX 475
10