2011 CHRYSLER 200 radiator cap

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) —
If Equipped
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 373

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 anytime the igni-
tion 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 orrusty 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.
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).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
412 MAINTAINING 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) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (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 coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the 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.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 cool-
ant. 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 addi-
tional 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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of
the 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.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
•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 cooling 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” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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 would not 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

Capacities, Fluid........................ 438
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 393,401
Power Steering ...................... 304
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 414
Car Washes ............................ 423
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............84,350
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,268
Chains, Tire ............................ 335
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 318
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 396
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Restraint .................... 72,73,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33 Cigar Lighter
........................... 174
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 346
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 425
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 408
Climate Control ......................... 268
Clock ........................ 215,217,236,245
Coin Holder ........................... 176
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 267
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 330
Compass ........................... 201,209
Compass Calibration ..................... 210
Compass Variance ....................... 210
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,207
Connector UCI .............................. 259
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 259
Console ............................ 144,176
Console, Floor ....................... 144,176
470 INDEX

Contract, Service........................ 461
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 414
Cooling System ......................... 412
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 413
Coolant Capacity ..................... 438
Coolant Level .................... 412,415
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 415
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 412
Inspection .......................... 415
Points to Remember .................. 416
Pressure Cap ........................ 414
Radiator Cap ....................... 414
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....413,438,439
Corrosion Protection ..................... 422
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 195
Cupholders ...................... 144,174,428
Customer Assistance ..................... 459
Customer Programmable Features ............ 212Data Recorder, Event
...................... 71
Daytime Running Lights ................... 150
Dealer Service .......................... 398
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 38
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 181
Defroster, Windshield ................86,271,277
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...............30,154
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 395
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 149
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ...............421,422
Oil (Engine) ........................ 399
Power Steering ...................... 304
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 388
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 415
Engine Oil ......................... 402
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 160
10
INDEX 471

Personal Settings........................ 212
Pets .................................. 83
Phone, Cellular .......................... 97
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 97
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 322
Power Deck Lid Release ..................... 38
Door Locks ......................... 31
Mirrors ............................ 95
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 170
Seats ............................. 132
Steering ........................ 303,304
Sunroof ........................... 167
Windows ........................... 34
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 57
Preparation for Jacking .................... 375
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 51
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 212Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)
.................... 25
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 329
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 414
Radio Operation ........................ 268
Radio Remote Controls .................... 266
Rear Cupholder ......................... 175
Rear Seat, Folding .................... 143,144
Rear Window Defroster ................... 181
Rear Window Features .................... 181
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 93
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 71
Recreational Towing ...................... 369
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 346
Refrigerant ............................ 406
Reminder, Seat Belt ..................... 55,56
480 INDEX