2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT brake

•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.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
•
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly
with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
•To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use
MOPARWheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended. NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Dark Vapor
Chrome wheels DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives
or polishing compounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and void your warranty. USE ONLY MILD
SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a
regular basis this is all that is required to maintain this
finish.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR Total Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•When installing the integrated power module
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the integrated power
module and possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Mini-
Fuse Description
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
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Mini-
Fuse Description
10 — 10 Amp RedSecurity
11 — 20 Amp YellowHorns
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 #2Cavity Car-
tridgeFuse Mini-
Fuse Description
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
24 — — Fuse – Spare
28 — 25 Amp NaturalFuel Pump
29 — 15 Amp BlueTransmission/Shifter
30 — — Fuse – Spare
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 489

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Mini-
Fuse Description
31 — 25 Amp NaturalEngine Module
32 — — Fuse – Spare
33 — — Fuse – Spare
34 — 25 Amp NaturalPowertrain #1
35 — 20 Amp YellowPowertrain #2
36 — 10 Amp RedAnti-Lock Brake Module
37 — 10 Amp RedEngine Controller/Rad
Fan Relays
38 — 10 Amp RedAirbag ModuleCavity Car-
tridgeFuse Mini-
Fuse Description
39 — 10 Amp RedPower Steering
Module/AC Clutch
Relay
48 — 10 Amp RedAWD Module/Front
Axle Disconnect
49 — — Fuse – Spare
50 — — Fuse – Spare
51 — 20 Amp YellowVacuum Pump
52 — — Fuse – Spare
53 — — Fuse – Spare
490 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid + 4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic
Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Rear Axle MOPARSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W–90 (API GL-5) or equivalent
(with MOPAR Friction Modifier — Hypoid Gear Additive).
504 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE