2009 CHRYSLER 300 SRT engine overheat

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)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Program” or “Traction Control System” in Sec-
tion 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).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389
6

damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” under “Safety Tips” in Section 2.
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 409
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.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 390
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 414
Engine Oil........................... 402
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 181
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 323
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 324
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 288
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 197
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 190Electronic Brake Control System............. 332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 333
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 214
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 389
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jump Starting......................... 385
Overheating.......................... 379
Towing............................. 390
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......397,442
Engine............................... 395
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................... 400
474 INDEX

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

Oil Filter, Selection....................... 402
Onboard Diagnostic System..............396,397
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 181
Operating Precautions.................... 396
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 85
Overhead Console....................... 180
Overheating, Engine...................... 379
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,465
Paint Care............................. 419
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Park Sense System, Rear................... 175
Parking Brake.......................... 327
Passing Light........................... 139
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 147
Personal Settings........................ 230
Pets.................................. 75
Phone, Cellular.......................... 88Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 88
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 343
Power
Brakes.............................. 329
Deck Lid Release....................... 39
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 427
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 190
Seats............................... 122
Steering............................. 326
Sunroof............................. 187
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column........... 146
Windows............................. 35
Power Steering Fluid..................... 440
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 51
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 48
Programmable Electronic Features............ 230
482 INDEX