2012 CHRYSLER 300 cooling

▫Cooling System..................... 492
▫Brake System....................... 497
▫Automatic Transmission............... 499
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) – If Equipped..... 501
▫Rear Axle.......................... 502
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 502
Fuses.............................. 508
▫Integrated Power Module.............. 508
▫Rear Power Distribution Center.......... 511
Vehicle Storage....................... 516Replacement Bulbs.................... 516
Bulb Replacement..................... 517
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp, Inner Park
Lamp, And Outer Park Lamp............ 517
▫
Rear Backup Lamp And Turn Signal Lamps. . 519
▫License Lamp....................... 520
Fluid Capacities...................... 521
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 522
▫Engine............................ 522
▫Chassis........................... 523
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front
of the radiator 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.
492 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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” for the 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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corrosion
protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 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) 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.
494 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant,
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 precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495

•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 coolant 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.
•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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 497

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines 19 Gallons 72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts 5.6 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6 Liter Engine without All Wheel Drive (MOPARAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)11.1 Quarts 10.5 Liters
3.6 Liter Engine with All Wheel Drive (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)11.4 Quarts 10.8 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)14.7 Quarts 13.9 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)15.1 Quarts 14.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 521

Conserving Fuel........................ 294
Console, Floor.......................... 262
Console, Overhead....................... 237
Contract, Service........................ 545
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 495
Cooling System......................... 492
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 494
Coolant Capacity..................... 521
Coolant Level....................492,496
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 495
Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 493
Inspection.......................... 496
Points to Remember.................. 496
Pressure Cap........................ 495
Radiator Cap....................... 495
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....493,521,522
Corrosion Protection..................... 502
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 199
Cupholders.........................259,507Customer Assistance..................... 543
Data Recorder, Event...................... 70
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 186
Daytime Running Lights................... 179
Dealer Service.......................... 477
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 43
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 41
Defroster, Rear Window................... 267
Defroster, Windshield...................84,338
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 187
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 475
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 181
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine)........................ 479
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 467
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 495
Engine Oil......................... 482
10
INDEX 555