2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT coolant level

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475

•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

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 19 Gallons72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.4 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40, Synthetic API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.4 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula or equivalent) 15.2 Quarts 14.4 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Console, Overhead....................... 243
Contract, Service ........................ 527
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 474
Cooling System ......................... 470
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 473
Coolant Capacity ..................... 502
Coolant Level .................... 471,475
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 474
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 471
Inspection .......................... 475
Points to Remember .................. 475
Pressure Cap ........................ 474
Radiator Cap ....................... 474
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....472,502,503
Corrosion Protection ..................... 481
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 205
Cupholders ......................... 267,487
Customer Assistance ..................... 525 Data Recorder, Event
...................... 70
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 191
Daytime Running Lights ................... 184
Dealer Service .......................... 456
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 41
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 276
Defroster, Windshield ................... 85,339
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 192
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 454
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 186
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 458
Power Steering ...................... 370
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 447
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 474
Engine Oil ......................... 459
Door Locks ............................. 28
10
INDEX 537

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