How to Change Antifreeze in a 2006 300C
by Robert MooreThe 2006 Chrysler 300C came with a 5.7-liter Hemi v-8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. The cooling system for your engine holds just over 3.5 gallons of Mopar 50-50 premixed long-life coolant that should be changed every 50,000 miles. You will have to follow a specific bleeding procedure when filling the cooling system to prevent air pockets from forming in the cooling system. Be aware, to properly bleed the cooling system you will need to remove a plug from the thermostat housing and replace it with a bleeder valve that is readily available at your local parts store or Chrysler dealership.
Draining
Step 1
Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with a floor jack and place jack stands under the front sub-frame. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Allow the engine to cool completely before continuing.
Step 2
Loosen the coolant pressure bottle cap one quarter turn and allow the cooling system pressure to vent. Remove the pressure bottle cap and set it aside. Place a drain pan under the left corner of the radiator below the radiator drain cock. Rotate the radiator drain cock counter clockwise and allow the coolant to drain into the drain pan. When the coolant has finished draining rotate the drain cock clockwise until it is in the closed position.
Step 3
Slide the drain pan under the left side of the engine. Look up the center of the block to see the left coolant drain plug just below the exhaust manifold. Loosen the coolant drain plug with a socket and socketed hex key. Remove the drain plug by hand and allow the coolant to drain. Slide the drain pan to the right side of the engine and repeat. Store the used coolant in a safe place until it can be disposed of properly.
Step 4
Clean bolt block drain plug threads with a wire brush. Apply thread sealant with teflon to the threads of both drain plugs and install the drain plugs to the block. Tighten the drain plugs to 177 inch-pounds for 1/4-inch plugs and 240 inch-pounds for 3/8-inch plugs.
Step 5
Lift the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Filling
Step 1
Examine the engine water outlet on the front of the engine and locate the bleeder pipe plug. Remove the pipe plug with a ratchet and socketed hex key.
Step 2
Thread a 1/4-inch by 18 npt barbed fitting into the water outlet and tighten with a socket and ratchet. Push the 1/4-inch clear hose onto the barbed fitting. Place the small drain pan on the ground directly in front of the vehicle. Place the opposite end of the clear hose in the small drain pan.
Step 3
Place tool number 8195 filling funnel into the pressure bottle neck. Pinch the overflow hose shut with the clamp attached to the funnel. Pour the pre-mixed 50-50 Mopar coolant into the large opening of the filler funnel. Continue to fill the cooling system until a steady stream of coolant flows from the clear hose. Remove the bleeder fitting. Clean the threads on the pipe plug with a wire brush and coat the threads with thread sealer. Install the pipe plug to the water outlet and tighten snug.
Step 4
Continue filling the cooling system until the radiator system reaches and holds steady at full. Fill the funnel to the top with coolant. Remove the hose clamp on the over flow hose and allow the coolant to drain through the hose. Remove the funnel and install the pressure bottle cap.
Step 5
Start the engine and increase the engine speed to between 1500 and 2000 rpm for 30 minutes. Shut the engine down and allow it to cool.
Step 6
Drive the vehicle for about an hour, keeping an eye on the temperature gauge. IF the engine overheats pull over, turn on your hazard lights and allow the engine to cool. Do not remove the coolant pressure cap at this time. After the driving process has been complete park the vehicle and allow the engine to cool. Top off the coolant as necessary to raise level to between the min and max marks on the coolant bottle.
Step 7
Take the used coolant to a local repair facility for proper recycling and disposal.
References
- Alldata: 2006 Chrysler 300, Cooling System Service and Repair, Procedures: Cooling System Filling
- Alldata: 2006 Chrysler 300, Coolant Specifications, Fluid Types
- Alldata: 2006 Chrysler 300,Coolant Specifications, Capacities
- Alldata: 2006 Chrysler 300,Engine Specifications, Mechanical: Engine Torque Specifications
- Edmunds.com: 2006 Chrysler 300 Specs and Features
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Large drain pan (4 gallon)
- Small drain pan
- Socket set
- Socketed hex key set
- Ratchet
- Wire brush
- Line wrench set
- Thread sealant with Teflon
- Threaded barbed fitting (1/4-inch by 18 npt)
- Filling aid funnel (tool # 8195)
- 4 Gallons Mopar H.O.A.T. Premixed 50-50 coolant (Part # 68048953AB)
- 1/4-inch clear hose (4 foot long)
Warnings
- Do not remove the coolant pressure cap if the engine overheat's, or the coolant in the outboard chamber of the overflow bottle will not return to the engine.
- Never open the cooling system when hot.
- Coolant is poisonous and should be stored safely away from children and animals.
Writer Bio
Robert Moore started writing professionally in 2002. His career started has head writer and Web designer for VFW post 1224 in Hamburg, Michigan. He has prepared business plans, proposals and grant requests. Moore is a state of Michigan-certified mechanic and is pursuing an Associate of Arts in automotive technology from Lansing Community College.
