2020 CHRYSLER 300 engine overheat

198STARTING AND OPERATING
AutoStick — If Equipped
When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent down -
shifts. For example, choose “5” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or “3”
if needed to maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid
extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a tow dolly) is NOT ALLOWED.
The only acceptable method for towing this
vehicle (behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle
trailer with all four wheels OFF the ground.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Information in this section will aid in safe
controlled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause
sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY225
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
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.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
To move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available.
WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake before activating the
Manual Park Release. In addition, you should
be seated in the driver's seat with your foot
firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual
Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll
away if it is not secured by the parking brake,
or by proper connection to a tow vehicle.
Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury
or death for those in or around the vehicle.
6

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY227
(Continued)
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then,
shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator.
Use the least amount of accelerator pedal
pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the
engine.
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 two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Push the "ESC OFF" switch, to place the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
"Partial Off" mode, before rocking the vehicle.
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Safety” for further information. Once the
vehicle has been freed, push the "ESC OFF"
switch again to restore "ESC On" mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated 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 vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine 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.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between 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 over -
heating 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).
CAUTION! (Continued)
6

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE247

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However,
it is important to keep the engine properly tuned
to ensure 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
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
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 malfunc
-
tioning operating conditions.
NOTE:
Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped
with an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system,
if the exhaust system is replaced with after -
market products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) will illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing
weather, where applicable). If the engine
coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system should
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 perfor -
mance, 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.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!
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 open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE249
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant
(antifreeze):

We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032.

Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled
water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F
(−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact an
authorized dealer for assistance.

Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use of lower
quality water will reduce the amount of corro -
sion protection in the engine cooling system.

NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in
the area where the vehicle is operated.
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added
to the system, please contact a local autho -
rized dealer.
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is
not recommended and can result in cooling
system damage. If 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 expansion bottle/
recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if
there is any accumulation of foreign material on
the sealing surfaces.Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based 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 animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
coolant 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.
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 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 engine damage may result.
7

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS279
(Continued)
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONSNOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions
control system can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can
impair engine performance and damage
the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or igni -
tion malfunctions can cause the catalytic
converter to overheat. If you notice a
pungent burning odor or some light smoke,
your engine may be out of tune or malfunc -
tioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now
being sold as octane enhancers, is not
recommended. Most of these products
contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor -
mance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsi -
bility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas, which can kill. Never run the engine in
a closed area, such as a garage, and never
sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the
engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
WARNING! (Continued)
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317
Cupholders
...................................................... 72Customer Assistance..................................... 311Cybersecurity................................................. 284
D
Daytime Running Lights................................... 43Dealer Service............................................... 239Deck Lid Power Release............................................ 62Defroster, Windshield.................................... 144Delay (Intermittent) Wipers.............................. 49Diagnostic System, Onboard........................... 93Dimmer SwitchHeadlight..................................................... 43DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................ 238Disable Vehicle Towing.................................. 228DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 249Disturb........................................................... 308Door Ajar.......................................................... 86Door Ajar Light................................................. 86Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 28Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors.... 28Doors............................................................... 23Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 30DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 199
E
Electric Brake Control System.......................... 96Anti-Lock Brake System............................... 95Electronic Roll Mitigation....................97, 102Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 40Electronic Power Distribution Center
(Fuses).......................................................... 210Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 161Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..................... 97Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light......... 86Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 224Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 227Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 201Jacking............................................ 217, 253Jump Starting........................................... 222Towing...................................................... 228Emission Control System Maintenance........... 93Engine.................................................. 236, 237Air Cleaner................................................ 241Block Heater............................................. 149Break-In Recommendations..................... 150Checking Oil Level.................................... 238Compartment.................................. 236, 237Compartment Identification...................... 236Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 247, 281Cooling..................................................... 247Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 143, 279Fails To Start............................................ 149Flooded, Starting...................................... 149
Fuel Requirements................................... 276Jump Starting........................................... 222Oil...........................................240, 280, 281Oil Filler Cap.................................... 236, 241Oil Filter.................................................... 241Oil Selection..................................... 240, 280Oil Synthetic.............................................. 241Overheating.............................................. 225Starting..................................................... 146Engine Oil Viscosity.............................. 240, 241Engine Oil Viscosity Chart.............................. 240Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 129, 230Ethanol.......................................................... 277Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 143, 279Exhaust System................................... 143, 246Exterior Lighting...............................................42Exterior Lights........................................ 42, 145
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 241Air Conditioning................................. 57, 243Engine Oil........................................ 241, 281Engine Oil Disposal................................... 241Flashers........................................................ 201Hazard Warning........................................ 201Turn Signals................................ 46, 92, 145Flash-To-Pass...................................................44Flooded Engine Starting................................ 149
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320 M
Maintenance Free Battery
............................. 238Maintenance Schedule........................ 231, 232Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................................... 88, 93Manual Park Release............................................. 225Service...................................................... 314Media Hub..................................................... 302Memory Feature (Memory Seats).................... 30Memory Seat................................................... 30Memory Seats And Radio................................ 30Methanol....................................................... 277Mirrors............................................................. 39Electric Powered......................................... 40Electric Remote........................................... 40Heated........................................................ 41Outside........................................................ 39Rearview............................................ 39, 201Vanity.......................................................... 42Modifications/AlterationsVehicle.......................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 109Mopar Parts................................................... 313MP3 Control.................................................. 302Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 42
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period......................... 150
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 113Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 276, 281Oil Change Indicator........................................ 79Reset........................................................... 79Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 241Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 241Oil Pressure Light............................................. 87Oil, Engine............................................ 240, 281Capacity.................................................... 280Change Interval........................................ 240Checking................................................... 238Dipstick.................................................... 238Disposal................................................... 241Filter................................................ 241, 281Filter Disposal........................................... 241Identification Logo.................................... 240Materials Added To.................................. 241Pressure Warning Light............................... 87Recommendation............................ 240, 280Synthetic.................................................. 241Viscosity................................. 240, 241, 280Onboard Diagnostic System............................. 93
Operating Precautions.....................................93Operator ManualOwner's Manual....................................9, 314Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................39Overheating, Engine...................................... 225Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)................... 9
P
Paddle Shift Mode........................................ 158Paddle Shifters............................................. 158Paint Care..................................................... 272Panic Alarm......................................................13Parking Brake............................................... 150ParkSense System, Rear............................... 177Passive Entry....................................................24Pets............................................................... 142Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 257PowerBrakes...................................................... 275Deck Lid Release.........................................62Distribution Center (Fuses)....................... 213Door Locks...................................................24Mirrors.........................................................40Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).................74Seats...........................................................31Steering.................................................... 160Sunroof........................................................59Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column................38Windows......................................................57

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