2012 CHRYSLER 300 radiator

Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
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 additional 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, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
496 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 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

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
1 — — Fuse – Spare
2 40 Amp
Green— Radiator Fan #1
3 50 Amp
Red— Power Steering #1
4 30 Amp
Pink— Starter
5 40 Amp
Green— Anti-Lock Brakes
6 — — Fuse – Spare
7 — — Fuse – Spare
8 — — Fuse – Spare
9 — 20 Amp
YellowAll-Wheel Drive Module –
If Equipped
10 — 10 Amp
RedSecurity
11 — 20 Amp
YellowHornsCavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
12 — 10 Amp
RedAir Conditioning Clutch
13 — — Fuse – Spare
14 — 25 Amp
NaturalAnti-Lock Brakes
15 — 25 Amp
NaturalTransmission
16 — — Fuse – Spare
18 50 Amp
Red— Radiator Fan #2
19 50 Amp
Red— Power Steering #2
20 30 Amp
Pink— Wiper Motor
21 30 Amp
Pink— Headlamp Washers
22 — — Fuse – Spare
23 — — Fuse – Spare
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 509

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 184
Bulb Replacement.....................516,517
Bulbs, Light..........................86,516
Camera, Rear........................... 235
Capacities, Fluid........................ 521
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)........................ 481
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............. 495
Car Washes............................ 503
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,424
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 431
Cellular Phone.......................... 332
Certification Label....................... 431
Chains, Tire............................ 406
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 449
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 389
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............279,475Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint..................71,72,73,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............75,76
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 421
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 504
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 488
Climate Control......................... 332
Clock................................ 328
Coin Holder........................... 262
Cold Weather Operation................... 351
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 331
Compact Spare Tire...................... 401
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 297
Connector
UCI .............................. 328
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 328
554 INDEX

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

Paint Care............................. 502
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 225
Parking Brake.......................... 375
Passing Light........................... 181
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 194
Pets.................................. 81
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 393
Power
Deck Lid Release..................... 41
Distribution Center (Fuses)...........508,511
Door Locks......................... 31
Mirrors............................ 97
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 254
Seats............................. 157
Steering........................... 373
Sunroof.........................247,251
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 191
Windows........................... 38Power Steering Fluid..................... 523
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 56
Preparation for Jacking.................... 452
Pretensioners
Seat Belts........................... 54
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 21
Radial Ply Tires......................... 400
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 495
Radio Operation........................ 332
Radio Remote Controls.................... 330
Rain Sensitive Wiper System................ 189
Rear Camera........................... 235
Rear Cupholder......................... 261
Rear Park Sense System................... 225
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 168
Rear Window Defroster................... 267
Rear Window Features.................... 267
10
INDEX 565