2021 CHRYSLER 300 check engine

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 211
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,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested
by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately.
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
t
h

ere is no need to remove the radiator/coolant
pressure cap unless checking for engine coolant
freeze point or replacing coolant. 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 is needed to
m a

intain the proper level, only OAT coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor
c om

ing from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from rain,
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
s h

ows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains
a l

uminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion 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 neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
O t

her designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
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.
8

212 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically
Ú page 195.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
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
pe

rforming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
re
moving 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
ma
y cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
re
quirements 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 brake fluid that has been recommended
b
y

the manufacturer, and has been kept in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination from
foreign matter or moisture
Ú page 250.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do
not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
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.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid Ú page 250. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
s y
stem and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
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.
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 contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
c ou
ld be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING!

214 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check the
fu

se element inside the blade fuse for a break/
melt.
Also, please be aware that when using power
ou t

lets for extended periods of time with the
engine off may result in vehicle battery discharge.

Blade Fuses

Underhood Fuses
The Front Power Distribution Center is located in
the engine compartment. This module contains
fuses and relays. Fuse cavity location and
descriptions are printed on the inside of the power
distribution center cover.

Front Power Distribution Center
Front Power Distribution Center

WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use an
appropriate replacement fuse with the same
amp rating as the original fuse. Never replace
a fuse with another fuse of higher amp rating.
Never replace a blown fuse with metal wires or
any other material. Do not place a fuse inside
a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to
use proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the
ignition is off and that all the other services
are switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an
authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems
(air bag system, braking system), power unit
systems (engine system, transmission
system) or steering system blows, contact an
authorized dealer.1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/ functional fuse
element
3 — Blade fuse with a bad/ not functional fuse
el
ement (blown fuse)

245
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
The VIN is on the left front corner of the instrument
panel. The VIN is visible from outside of the vehicle
through the windshield.

Windshield VIN Location

NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems
loses normal capability, the remaining system will
still function. There will be some loss of overall
braking effectiveness. This may be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
ex

ample, repeated brake applications with the
engine OFF), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system
operating.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to the
vehicle. Any time a wheel has been removed and
reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug nuts/bolts
should be torqued using a properly calibrated
torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
**Use only authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until
ea
ch nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt
(do not insert it halfway).
NOTE:
If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
c h
ecked with a torque wrench by an authorized
dealer or service station.
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt
t or

que to be sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are
properly seated against the wheel.
Lug Nut/Bolt Torque**Lug Nut/Bolt Size Lug Nut/Bolt
Soc ket Size
130 ft-lb
( 1

76 N·m) M14 x 1.50
22 mm
9

255
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes.........................................245Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................94Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...............210Adding Fuel....................................................111Adding Washing Fluid....................................201Additives, Fuel...............................................246Adjust Forward.......................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Air Bag...........................................................159Advance Front Air Bag...............................159Air Bag Operation......................................160Air Bag Warning Light................................158Driver Knee Air Bag...................................161Enhanced Accident Response.........164, 194Event Data Recorder (EDR).......................194Front Air Bag.............................................159If Deployment Occurs................................164Knee Impact Bolsters................................161Maintaining Your Air Bag System..............165Maintenance.............................................165Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............159Side Air Bags.............................................161Transporting Pets......................................176
Air Bag Light..................................72, 158, 176
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..203
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................204Air Conditioner Refrigerant...........................204Air Conditioner System...........................47, 204Air Conditioning Filter..............................50, 204Air Conditioning, Operating Tips.......................50Air Filter........................................................203Air PressureTires.........................................................232AlarmArm The System...................................18, 19Rearm The System......................................19Security Alarm......................................18, 74Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18All Wheel DriveTowing......................................................194All Wheel Drive (AWD)...................................213Alterations/ModificationsVehicle...........................................................8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).................210, 248Disposal...................................................211Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)......................137Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................74
Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................18Assist, Hill Start.............................................141Audio Systems (Radio)..................................121Auto Down Power Windows..............................56Automatic Door Locks......................................22Automatic Headlights.......................................41Automatic High Beams.....................................41Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............49Automatic Transmission...................................87Adding Fluid.....................................213, 250Fluid And Filter Change.............................213Fluid Change.............................................213Fluid Level Check.............................212, 213Fluid Type........................................213, 250Special Additives......................................212
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..22, 90
AutoPark..........................................................82AutostickOperation.....................................................90AUX Cord..........................................................53Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........54AWDTowing......................................................194Axle Fluid.......................................................250Axle Lubrication............................................250
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256
B
Back-Up.........................................................110Battery....................................................73, 201Charging System Light.................................73Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................13Location....................................................201Belts, Seat.....................................................176Beverage Holder Cooled (Cupholder)..............53Beverage Holder Heated (Cupholder)..............53Body Mechanism Lubrication........................206B-Pillar Location.............................................229Brake Assist System......................................138Brake Control System....................................138Brake Fluid..........................................212, 250Brake System......................................212, 245Fluid Check.....................................212, 250Master Cylinder.........................................212Parking........................................................84Warning Light.....................................72, 245Brake/Transmission Interlock.........................87Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.......84Brightness, Interior Lights................................44Bulb Replacement.........................................221Bulbs, Light..........................................178, 221
C
Camera, Rear................................................110Capacities, Fluid............................................248
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...............................................199Radiator (Coolant Pressure).....................210Car Washes...................................................242Carbon Monoxide Warning............................178CargoVehicle Loading........................................113Cargo Area Cover.............................................61Cargo Compartment........................................61Cellular Phone..............................................136Certification Label.........................................113Chains, Tire...................................................239Chart, Tire Sizing...........................................226Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................................................79Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................176Checks, Safety..............................................176Child Restraint..............................................166Child Restraints Booster Seats...........................................168Child Seat Installation..............................174How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt....172Infant And Child Restraints.......................167Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children..169Older Children And Child Restraints.........167Seating Positions......................................169Child Safety Locks...........................................23Clean Air Gasoline.........................................246
CleaningWheels......................................................238Climate Control................................................47Automatic....................................................47Coin Holder......................................................52Cold Weather Operation...................................83Compact Spare Tire......................................236ConsoleFloor............................................................52Contract, Service...........................................252Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............210Cooling System.............................................209Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)......................210Coolant Capacity.......................................248Coolant Level...................................209, 211Disposal Of Used Coolant.........................211Drain, Flush, And Refill.............................209Inspection.................................................211Points To Remember................................211Pressure Cap............................................210Radiator Cap.............................................210Selection Of Coolant
(Antifreeze).........................210, 248, 249Corrosion Protection.....................................242Cruise Control (Speed Control)..................92, 94Cruise Light...............................................77, 78Customer Assistance....................................251Cybersecurity................................................121

257
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................41Dealer Service...............................................202Deck Lid
Power Release............................................60Defroster, Windshield....................................177Diagnostic System, Onboard...........................79Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................41DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................201Disable Vehicle Towing..................................193DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................211Door Ajar..........................................................73Door Ajar Light.................................................73Door LocksAutomatic....................................................22Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors....23Doors...............................................................19Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.....................................27DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
.....................................120
E
Electric Brake Control System.......................138Anti-Lock Brake System.............................137Electronic Roll Mitigation.................138, 142
Electric Remote Mirrors...................................35

Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)...214
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........93Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..................139Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........73Emergency Gas Can Refueling......................189Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck.....................192Hazard Warning Flasher...........................179Jacking.....................................................182Jump Starting..................................186, 187Towing......................................................193Emission Control System Maintenance...........79Engine..................................................199, 200Air Cleaner................................................203Block Heater................................................84Break-In Recommendations........................84Checking Oil Level....................................201Compartment..................................199, 200Compartment Identification......................199Coolant (Antifreeze).........................209, 249Cooling.....................................................209Exhaust Gas Caution................................178Fails To Start...............................................83Flooded, Starting.........................................83Fuel Requirements...................................246Jump Starting..................................186, 187Oil...........................................202, 248, 249Oil Filler Cap.............................................199Oil Filter....................................................203
Oil Selection....................................202, 248
Oil Synthetic..............................................203Overheating..............................................190Starting........................................................81Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................164, 194Ethanol..........................................................247Exhaust Gas Cautions...................................178Exhaust System...................................178, 208Exterior Lighting...............................................40Exterior Lights........................................40, 178
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................203Air Conditioning.................................50, 204Engine Oil........................................203, 249Engine Oil Disposal...................................203Flashers........................................................179Hazard Warning........................................179Turn Signals................................43, 78, 178Flash-To-Pass...................................................41Flooded Engine Starting...................................83Floor Console...................................................52Fluid Capacities............................................248Fluid Leaks....................................................178Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................212Cooling System.........................................209Engine Oil.................................................201
Transfer Case...........................................213
11

259
Keyless Enter 'n Go™................................20, 81Enter The Trunk...........................................13Passive Entry...............................................20Passive Entry Programming.........................20Keys.................................................................12Replacement...............................................14
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................43Lane Change Assist.........................................43LaneSense....................................................108Lap/Shoulder Belts.......................................153Latches..........................................................178Hood...........................................................59Lead Free Gasoline........................................246Leaks, Fluid...................................................178Life Of Tires...................................................234Light Bulbs...........................................178, 221Lights.............................................................178Air Bag.......................................72, 158, 176Automatic Headlights..................................41Brake Assist Warning................................140Brake Warning...................................72, 245Bulb Replacement.....................................221Cruise...................................................77, 78Daytime Running.........................................41Dimmer Switch, Headlight....................40, 41Engine Temperature Warning......................73Exterior......................................................178
Fog..............................................................42Hazard Warning Flasher...........................179Headlight Switch..........................................40Headlights...................................40, 42, 222Headlights On With Wipers..........................42High Beam...................................................41High Beam/Low Beam Select......................41Instrument Cluster.......................................40Intensity Control..........................................44Interior.........................................................43License.....................................................224Lights On Reminder.....................................42Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)..........75Map.............................................................43Park......................................................41, 78Passing........................................................41Reading.......................................................43Seat Belt Reminder.....................................73Security Alarm.............................................74Service.....................................................221Traction Control........................................140Turn Signals.........................40, 43, 78, 178Vanity Mirror................................................34Warning Instrument Cluster
Descriptions.....................................73, 78Load Leveling System......................................63Load Shed Battery Saver On............................70Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction..............70
Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor...............70Loading Vehicle.............................................113Capacities.................................................113Tires..........................................................229Locks Auto Unlock.................................................22Automatic Door............................................22Child Protection...........................................23Power Door..................................................20Low Tire Pressure System.............................148Lubrication, Body..........................................206Lug Nuts........................................................245
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................201Maintenance Schedule........................195, 196Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).....75ManualPark Release............................................190Service......................................................253Media Hub.......................................................53Memory Feature (Memory Seats).....................27Memory Seat....................................................27Memory Seats And Radio.................................27Methanol.......................................................247Mirrors.............................................................34Electric Powered..........................................35Electric Remote...........................................35Heated.........................................................36
11