towing DODGE CHALLENGER 2008 User Guide

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher ..................280

If Your Engine Overheats .................280

TIREFIT Tire Repair .....................281

Jump Starting .........................286

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................289

Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................291 ▫
Without The Ignition Key ...............291
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................291
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
WithATowDolly .....................292
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WARNING!
•You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought above the
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Usually, the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
NOTE: Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program,” or “Traction Control” in Section 5.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 289
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flat-bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission is only permitted within the following
limitations.
With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance
to be traveled must not exceed 30 mi (48 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transmission
geartrain failure. If the transmission is not operative or if
the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km), the
vehicle must be transported using a flat-bed truck.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 291
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CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•If the transmission is not operative or if the
vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km),
then the only approved method of towing is with
a flat-bed truck. Damage to the transmission may
result.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transmission
remains in NEUTRAL.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturer
does not recommend that you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
292 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
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WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalyst 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
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing. 48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. 60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. † 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. 120,000 200 000 120
† This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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About Your Brakes.................... 232,234
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............235,238
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 316
Adding Fuel ........................... 274
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 124,312
Additives, Fuel ......................... 272
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 304
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 309
Air Conditioning ........................ 203
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 203
Air Conditioning Filter .................208,310
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 209
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............309,310
Air Conditioning System ................203,309
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 156,255
Airbag ................................ 46
Airbag Deployment ..................... 51,53
Airbag Light ..................... 52,55,70,152
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 55 Airbag, Side
.......................... 47,53
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............. 47,53
Alarm, Panic ............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm) ................. 18,156
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 261
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 196
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........315,316,341
Disposal ............................ 317
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............235,238
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............158,236
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ....................... 156
Appearance Care ........................ 324
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ........................ 91
Audio Systems (Radio) .................... 191
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
362 INDEX
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Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 297
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 120
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 301
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 291
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 317
Engine Oil ........................... 303
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 130
DriveBelts ............................ 303
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 229
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 230
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 76 Electrical Power Outlets
................... 140
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 238
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 331
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 240
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 151
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 159
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of FreeingVehicleWhenStuck ............... 289
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 280
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Overheating .......................... 280
Towing ............................. 291
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......298,346
Engine ............................... 296
Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Block Heater ......................... 219
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Mirrors .............................. 76
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 140
Seats ............................... 109
Steering ............................. 237
Steering, Checking ..................... 310
Sunroof ............................. 136
Windows ............................. 33
Power Steering Fluid .................. 310,343
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 45
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................. 43
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 172
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry) ................................. 21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 257
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 316
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 175
Radio, Navigation ....................... 191 Radio Operation
...................... 192,202
Radio Remote Controls .................... 201
Radio, Satellite .................... 191,192,195
Radio (Sound Systems) .................... 191
Rear Cup Holder ........................ 142
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 113
Rear Wheel Bearings ..................... 324
Rear Window Defroster ................... 144
Rear Window Features .................... 144
Reception, Radio ........................ 175
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 56
Recreational Towing ...................... 278
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 270
Refrigerant ............................ 310
Release, Hood .......................... 114
Reminder, Lights On ..................... 118
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 43
Remote Control Starting System ........................ 27
INDEX 375
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