automatic transmission fluid DODGE CHARGER 2012 7.G Owners Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
a lower gear using the AutoStickshift control (if
equipped).
NOTE: Selecting a lower gear while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick
– If Equipped

By using the AutoStick mode and selecting a specific
gear, frequent shifting can be avoided. Select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts.
460 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System ..................... 508
▫ Brake System ....................... 514
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 516
▫ All Wheel Drive (AWD) – If Equipped ..... 518
▫ Rear Axle .......................... 518
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 519
 Fuses .............................. 524
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 524
▫ Rear Power Distribution Center .......... 528
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 533
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 533 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 534
▫ Front Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp, And Side
Marker Lamp — Models With Halogen
Headlamps ......................... 534
▫ Front Low Beam Headlamp And Park/Turn
Lamp — Models With High Intensity
Discharge Headlamps (HID) ............ 535
▫ Backup Lamps ...................... 536
▫ License Lamp ....................... 537
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 538
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 539
▫ Engine ............................ 539
▫ Chassis ........................... 540
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
516 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 517

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission –
3.6L Engine Shell L12108 Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission –
5.7L Engine MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARHydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs
EG ZH 3044 or Pentosin CHF 11s.
Front Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MOPARTransfer Case Lubricant for BorgWarner 44–40 or equivalent.
540 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(five-speed transmission only).
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 549

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter (five-speed transmission only).
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid – All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S554 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Headlights .................... 200
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 308
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 354
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 516
Automatic Transmission ...........370,374,516,517
Adding Fluid .................... 517,540
Autostick .......................... 381
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 517
Fluid Change ....................... 517
Fluid Level Check .................... 517
Fluid Type ......................... 540
Special Additives ..................... 516
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ..... 373
Autostick ............................. 381
Axle Fluid ............................. 540
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 540B-Pillar Location
........................ 409
Battery ............................... 499
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Location ........................... 499
Belts, Seat ............................ 43,83
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 504
Brake Assist System ...................... 397
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 396
Brake Fluid ............................ 540
Brake System ........................... 514
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 394
Fluid Check ..................... 514,540
Master Cylinder ..................... 514
Parking ........................... 391
Warning Light ....................... 296
Brake, Parking .......................... 391
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 370
Brakes ............................... 514
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
10
INDEX 571

FlashersHazard Warning ..................... 464
Turn Signal .................... 85,204,290
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 465
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 443
Engine Oil ......................... 442
Fuel Requirements ................. 440,441
Maintenance ........................ 443
Replacement Parts .................... 443
Starting ........................... 443
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 367
Floor Console .......................... 279
Fluid Capacities ......................... 538
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 517
Brake ............................. 514
Cooling System ...................... 509 Engine Oil
......................... 495
Transfer Case ....................... 518
Fluid, Brake ........................... 540
Fluids ................................ 539
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 539
Fog Lights .......................... 203,290
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 191
Forward Collision Warning ..............243,304
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 479
Fuel ................................. 436
Additives .......................... 439
Clean Air .......................... 437
Conserving ......................... 310
Ethanol ........................... 437
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 294
Gasoline ........................... 436
Gauge ............................ 294
Light ............................. 304
Materials Added ..................... 439
576 INDEX

Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock ......................... 30
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 31
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 426
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ..................... 74,75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 504
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 499
Maintenance Procedures ................... 494
Maintenance Schedule .................... 542
Maintenance, General ..................... 494
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 269
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 293,492
Manual Transmission ..................... 518
Fluid Level Check .................... 518 Manual, Service
......................... 565
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 514
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 193
Memory Seat ........................... 193
Memory Seats and Radio .................. 193
Methanol ............................. 437
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ................................ 94
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 97
Electric Remote ....................... 97
Exterior Folding ...................... 96
Heated ............................. 98
Outside ............................ 95
Rearview ........................... 94
Vanity ............................. 98
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
10
INDEX 581