2012 CHRYSLER 300 engine overheat

into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation 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 “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
•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 ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
490 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•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
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491

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

Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 32
Door Opener, Garage..................... 238
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 370
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water............................. 371
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy.... 294
E-85 Fuel............................. 424
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 267
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 97
Electrical Power Outlets................... 254
Electronic Brake Control System............. 379
Anti-Lock Brake System................ 379
Brake Assist System................... 380
Traction Control System................ 380
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 508
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....196,199Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............. 381
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................235,285
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 43
Emergency Trunk Release................... 43
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 462
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 448
Jacking............................ 449
Jump Starting....................... 458
Overheating........................ 448
Towing............................ 467
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 475
Engine............................... 474
Air Cleaner......................... 482
Block Heater........................ 352
Break-In Recommendations.............. 81
Checking Oil Level................... 479
Compartment....................473,474
556 INDEX

Compartment Identification............. 473
Coolant (Antifreeze)................492,522
Cooling........................... 492
Exhaust Gas Caution................83,424
Fails to Start........................ 351
Flooded, Starting..................... 351
Fuel Requirements.................... 420
Jump Starting....................... 458
Multi-Displacement................... 374
Oil .........................479,521,522
Oil Change Interval................293,480
Oil Filler Cap....................... 481
Oil Filter........................... 482
Oil Filter Disposal.................... 482
Oil Selection.....................480,521
Oil Synthetic........................ 481
Overheating........................ 448
Starting........................... 348
Temperature Gauge................... 284Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 481
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 21
Ethanol............................... 421
Event Data Recorder...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution...................83,424
Exhaust System.......................83,489
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 95
Exterior Lighting........................ 175
Exterior Lights.......................... 86
Filler Location Fuel...................... 280
Filters
Air Cleaner......................... 482
Air Conditioning..................342,486
Engine Oil.......................482,522
Engine Oil Disposal................... 482
Flash-To-Pass........................... 181
10
INDEX 557

MTBE/ETBE........................... 421
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 374
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 180
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps).......... 235
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 81
Occupant Restraints...................43,62,67
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............60,62,66
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 522
Odometer............................. 276
Oil Change Indicator..................277,293
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............277,293
Oil Filter, Change........................ 482
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 482
Oil, Engine.........................479,522
Capacity........................... 521
Change Interval...................293,480
Checking.......................... 479Dipstick........................... 479
Disposal........................... 482
Filter..........................482,522
Filter Disposal....................... 482
Identification Logo................... 480
Materials Added to................... 481
Recommendation..................480,521
Synthetic.......................... 481
Viscosity........................481,521
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 475
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)........... 238
Operating Precautions.................... 475
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 95
Overdrive............................. 365
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 365
Overhead Console....................... 237
Overheating, Engine...................284,448
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,547
564 INDEX