How to Change the Lower Radiator Hose on a 2001 Chrysler 300M

The 1955 model year marked the beginning for the 300-series of vehicles, as Chrysler released the 300 -- no letter after the "300." The 300 continued from 1956 through 1965, using a different letter to indicate each year; 300-B through 300-L, respectively. The 300-L marked the end of the letter nomenclature in the 300 lineup. The 300 lasted only another six years after Chrysler dropped the lettering system. There was one attempt to resurrect the 300 in 1979, but the true resurrection came with the release of the 300M in 1999 -- a front-driven, V-6-powered sedan. Replacing the lower radiator hose on the 2002 300M's 3.5-liter V-6 requires special care, as you must drain the coolant, which is highly toxic.

Instructions

1

Unscrew the cap on top of the coolant expansion tank, and pull the cap off.

2

Raise the front of the 300M, using a floor jack, and position jack stands beneath the Chrysler's subframe. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

3

Crawl beneath the front of the 300M, and find the radiator petcock -- the plastic drain screw -- on the passenger's side of the radiator. Position a drain pan under the petcock, and twist the petcock counterclockwise to start the flow of coolant from the radiator. Once the flow of coolant from the radiator stops, close the petcock by twisting it clockwise.

4

Slide to the driver's side of the radiator, and find the lower radiator hose. Position the drain pan under the lower radiator hose. Squeeze the ears of the hose clamps on either end of the radiator hose with slip-joint pliers, and slide each hose clamp about 3 inches toward the middle of the hose.

5

Pull the hose from the radiator with a slight twisting motion. Pull the hose from the water outlet tube, using a slight twisting motion.

6

Squeeze the ears of a new hose clamp, using slip-joint pliers, and slide the hose clamp onto one end of the new hose. Position the hose clamp about 3 inches toward the middle of the hose and release the hose clamp. Repeat this step to place a new hose clamp near the other end of the hose.

7

Press one end of the hose onto the radiator, and the other end onto the water outlet tube -- the hose is formed, so it only fits one way. Squeeze each hose clamp's ears, using slip-joint pliers, slide each clamp toward the end of the hose until it's about 1 inch from the end of the hose, and release the hose clamp.

8

Raise the 300M off the jack stands, using a floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

9

Add a 50-50 mixture of Mopar Formula OAT Coolant and clean water into the coolant expansion tank until the coolant level reaches the "Full Cold" range on the tank. Start the engine, and allow it to run until the upper radiator hose feels hot, indicating that the thermostat has opened.

10

Tighten the cap back onto the coolant expansion tank, and shut the engine off. Allow the engine to set until it is cool to the touch. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank, and verify it is within the "Full Cold" range. Add more of the coolant mixture as needed. The 300M's cooling system has a total capacity of 2 gallons, but the exact refill amount will vary.

11

Take the old coolant to a nearby used automotive fluid-recycling center. Some auto parts stores take used coolant free of charge.