2016 CHRYSLER 300 engine overheat

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel between the center air
outlets.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
478 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for
more than 2 seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle. NOTE:
Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” in your Owner’s
Manual on the DVD for further information. Once the
vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch again to
restore ESC On mode.CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting 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 trans-
mission shifting occurring).
496 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!(Continued)
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 527

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.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or cycle the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure 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.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine 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 in open containers or allow it to remain in
532 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Remote...............................31
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................31
Door Locks, Automatic ......................34
Driver Information Display DID ............................ .303, 306
Instrument Cluster Display .............303, 306
Driver Information Display (DID) Driver Information Display (DID) ............301
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .396
E-85 Fuel .............................. .455
Electrical Power Outlets .....................247
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................261
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................121
Electronic Brake Control System ...............403
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................404
Electronic Roll Mitigation .................415 Traction Control System
...................410
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......547
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..................174, 175, 178
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............410
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........279
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................46
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................495
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................478
Jacking .............................. .481
Jump Starting ...................491, 492, 493
Overheating .......................... .478
Towing ............................. .499
Emergency Trunk Release ....................46
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........511
Engine ................................ .509
Air Cleaner .......................... .519
Block Heater ......................... .381
10
INDEX 599

Break-In Recommendations.................99
Checking Oil Level ...................514, 515
Compartment ...................... .508, 509
Compartment Identification ................508
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........528, 568, 569, 570
Cooling ............................. .528
Exhaust Gas Caution .................100, 454
Fails To Start ......................... .380
Flooded, Starting ...................... .380
Fuel Requirements ..................... .450
Jump Starting ...................491, 492, 493
Oil ....................514, 566, 568, 569, 570
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .517
Oil Filter ............................ .518
Oil Selection ...................... .516, 566
Oil Synthetic ......................... .518
Overheating .......................... .478
Starting ............................. .376
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .517Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
...................517
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............72
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
Ethanol ............................ .451, 455
Event Data Recorder ........................76
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................100, 454
Exhaust System ...................... .100, 526
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................119
Exterior Lighting ......................... .152
Exterior Lights .......................... .103
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .519
Air Conditioning ....................348, 522
Engine Oil ..................518, 568, 569, 570
Engine Oil Disposal .....................518
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .478
Turn Signal .....................103, 158, 297
600 INDEX

Synthetic............................ .518
Viscosity ......................... .517, 566
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .518
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .518
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .278
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................510
Operating Precautions ..................... .510
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................118
Overheating, Engine ...................... .478
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,588
Paddle Shifters .......................... .391
Paddle Shift Mode ....................... .391
Paint Care ............................. .539
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ........................... .400
ParkSense System, Rear .....................215
Passing Light ........................... .159Passive Entry
.............................36
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .172
Personalized Menu Bar .....................350
Pets ....................................98
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........424
Power Brakes .............................. .402
Deck Lid Release ........................45
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................552
Door Locks ............................33
Mirrors ............................. .121
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........247
Seats ............................... .134
Steering ............................. .398
Sunroof ............................. .243
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ............169
Windows ..............................41
Power Seats Down .............................. .135
10
INDEX 607