2021 CHRYSLER 300 radiator cap

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 187
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START
The battery is stored under an access cover in the
trunk. Remote battery posts are located on the
right side of the engine compartment for jump
starting.

Jump Starting Locations

NOTE:
The remote battery posts are viewed by standing
on
the right side of the vehicle looking over the
fender. The positive battery post may be covered
with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain
access to the positive battery post. Do not jump off
fuses. Only jump directly off positive post which
has a positive (+) symbol on or around the post.
Jump Starting Posts

See below steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic t
ransmission into PARK and cycle the ignition
to OFF.

2. T urn off the heater, radio, and all electrical
a
ccessories.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the b
attery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, set the parking brake, and make
sure the ignition is OFF.
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be
injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could make
an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be
seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn
your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open
flames or sparks away from the battery.7

190 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
th

e 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
e n
gine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
i m
pending 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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 209
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
da

mage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni -
tion when the transmission is in gear and the
v e
hicle 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 diag -
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during
ve
ry rough idle or malfunctioning operating
conditions.
NOTE:
Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped
w i
th an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if
the exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket
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,
w h
ere applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer. Check the front of the radiator
for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle
r
u

bber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the
connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING
SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
p r
operly. 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 an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
c on

tains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 195.
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 radi
-
ator 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 automatically 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 igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
c on

trolled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
8

210 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Ú page 249.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant, may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection. OAT
engine coolant is different and should not be
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is
i n

troduced into the cooling system in an emer -
gency, the cooling system will need to be
d r

ained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant products. Do not use additional rust
inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant
and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not
recommended.
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 an authorized dealer.
Adding Coolant

Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that
allows extended maintenance intervals. This engine
coolant (antifreeze) can be used up to 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) before replacement.
To

prevent reducing this extended maintenance
period, it is important that you use the same engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032)
throughout the life of your vehicle.

Please review these recommendations for using
O r

ganic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032. When adding
engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
F or
mula OAT that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer 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 solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of corrosion 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 authorized
dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recom
-
mended and can result in cooling system
d a
mage. 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 will return to the radiator from the
coolant expansion bottle/recovery tank if
equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
i s

any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.

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

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

260
Outside........................................................35Rearview............................................34, 179Vanity..........................................................34Modifications/Alterations
Vehicle..........................................................8Monitor, Tire Pressure System.......................148Mopar Parts...................................................253MP3 Control....................................................53Multi-Function Control Lever............................40
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................84
O
Occupant Restraints......................................151Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............246, 249Oil Change Indicator........................................67Reset...........................................................67Oil Filter, Change...........................................203Oil Filter, Selection.........................................203Oil Pressure Light............................................74Oil, Engine...........................................202, 249Capacity....................................................248Checking...................................................201Dipstick.....................................................201Disposal....................................................203Filter................................................203, 249Filter Disposal...........................................203Identification Logo.....................................203
Materials Added To...................................203
Pressure Warning Light...............................74Recommendation............................202, 248Synthetic..................................................203Viscosity...................................................248Onboard Diagnostic System.............................79Operating Precautions.....................................79Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................253Outside Rearview Mirrors................................35Overheating, Engine......................................190
P
Paddle Shift Mode...........................................90Paddle Shifters................................................90Paint Care.....................................................242Parking Brake..................................................84ParkSense System, Rear..............................103Passive Entry...................................................20Pets..............................................................176Placard, Tire And Loading Information..........229PowerBrakes......................................................245Deck Lid Release.........................................60Distribution Center (Fuses).......................217Door Locks..................................................20Mirrors.........................................................35Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)................54Seats...........................................................28Steering.......................................................92
Sunroof........................................................58
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column................24Windows......................................................56Power SeatsForward.......................................................29Lumbar........................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Recline.........................................................29Pregnant Women And Seat Belts..................157Preparation For Jacking................................182PretensionersSeat Belts.................................................157
R
Radial Ply Tires..............................................233Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............210Radio Operation............................................136Rain Sensitive Wiper System...........................46Rear Axle (Differential)..................................213Rear Camera.................................................110Rear Cross Path............................................145Rear ParkSense System................................103Rear Seats, Folding..........................................27Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)Towing......................................................194Recreational Towing......................................119Reformulated Gasoline.................................246Refrigerant....................................................204Release, Hood..................................................59Reminder, Lights On........................................42
Reminder, Seat Belt......................................152