2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT engine overheat

NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving 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 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 445

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.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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469

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 engine
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.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 245
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 366
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 367
Driving to Achieve Maximum
Fuel Economy .......................... 301
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 276
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 99
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 262
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 376
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 377
Brake Assist System ................... 377
Traction Control System ................ 377
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 487
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....202,205
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 378Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
....................... 241,292
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 444
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 428
Jump Starting ....................... 440
Overheating ........................ 428
Towing ............................ 447
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 454
Engine ............................... 453
Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations .............. 82
Checking Oil Level ................... 458
Compartment ....................... 453
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 471,503
Cooling ........................... 470
538 INDEX

Exhaust Gas Caution................84,418
Fails to Start ........................ 352
Flooded, Starting ..................... 352
Fuel Requirements .................... 414
Jump Starting ....................... 440
Oil ......................... 458,502,503
Oil Change Interval ................ 300,458
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 459
Oil Filter ........................... 460
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 459
Oil Selection ..................... 458,502
Oil Synthetic ........................ 459
Overheating ........................ 428
Starting ........................... 349
Temperature Gauge ................... 290
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 459
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 66
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 415 Event Data Recorder
...................... 70
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 84,418
Exhaust System ....................... 84,468
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 97
Exterior Lighting ........................ 180
Exterior Lights .......................... 87
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 286
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Air Conditioning .................. 343,464
Engine Oil ....................... 460,503
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 459
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 186
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 428
Turn Signal .................... 87,186,281
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 352
Floor Console .......................... 270
10
INDEX 539

Oil, Engine......................... 458,503
Capacity ........................... 502
Change Interval ................... 300,458
Checking .......................... 458
Dipstick ........................... 458
Disposal ........................... 459
Filter .......................... 460,503
Filter Disposal ....................... 459
Materials Added to ................... 459
Recommendation .................. 458,502
Synthetic .......................... 459
Viscosity ........................ 459,502
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 454
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 245
Operating Precautions .................... 454
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 97
Overdrive ............................. 362
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 362 Overhead Console
....................... 243
Overheating, Engine ................... 291,428
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,530
Paint Care ............................. 481
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 231
Parking Brake .......................... 371
Passing Light ........................... 186
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 200
Pets .................................. 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 391
Power Brakes ............................ 373
Deck Lid Release ..................... 41
Distribution Center (Fuses) ...........487,491
Door Locks ......................... 30
Mirrors ............................ 99
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 262
546 INDEX