2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT check engine

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

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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 507

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S508 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Bulb Replacement..................... 496,497
Bulbs, Light .......................... 87,496
Camera, Rear ........................... 241
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 502
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ 459
Power Steering ...................... 370
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 474
Car Washes ............................ 482
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............84,418
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 422
Cellular Phone .......................... 332
Certification Label ....................... 422
Chains, Tire ............................ 403
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 387
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............285,454
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 83Checks, Safety
........................... 83
Child Restraint .................. 71,73,74,77,80
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............75,77
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 414
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 484
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 466
Climate Control ......................... 332
Clock ................................ 328
Coin Holder ........................... 270
Cold Weather Operation ................... 352
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 331
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 304
Connector UCI .............................. 328
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 328
Conserving Fuel ........................ 301
Console, Floor .......................... 270
536 INDEX

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

Fluid Capacities......................... 502
Fluid Leaks ............................. 87
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 480
Brake ............................. 477
Cooling System ...................... 471
Engine Oil ......................... 458
Power Steering ...................... 370
Fluid, Brake ........................... 504
Fluids ................................ 503
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 503
Fog Lights .......................... 184,281
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 173
Forward Collision Warning ..............228,296
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 444
Fuel ................................. 414
Additives .......................... 416
Clean Air .......................... 414
Conserving ......................... 301 Ethanol
........................... 415
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 286
Gasoline ........................... 414
Gauge ............................ 286
Light ............................. 296
Materials Added ..................... 416
Methanol .......................... 415
Octane Rating .................... 414,503
Requirements ....................... 414
Saver Mode ........................ 301
Specifications ....................... 503
Tank Capacity ....................... 502
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 301
Fuel Saver ............................. 301
Fuses ................................ 487
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 245
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 414
Conserving ......................... 301
540 INDEX

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 285
Map Reading ..................... 187,188
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 191
Passing ............................ 186
Reading ...................... 187,188,244
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 290
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 287
Service ......................... 496,497
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 285
SmartBeams ........................ 183
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 287
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......283,406
Traction Control ..................... 384
Turn Signal .................... 87,185,186
Vanity Mirror ....................... 100
Warning (Instrument Cluster
Description) ........................ 281 Loading Vehicle
...................... 422,424
Capacities .......................... 424
Tires .............................. 391
Locks ................................. 28
Auto Unlock ......................... 31
Automatic Door ...................... 31
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 406
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ..................... 75,77
Lubrication, Body ....................... 466
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 461
Maintenance Procedures ................... 457
Maintenance Schedule .................... 506
Maintenance, General ..................... 457
544 INDEX