brakes DODGE CHALLENGER 2008 User Guide

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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Care should be taken with installing quick connect
fittings to ensure they are properly installed and fully
connected. See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedule in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
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necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
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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
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Master Cylinder....................... 321
Parking ............................. 232
Warning Light ..................... 155,234
Brakes ............................. 234,320
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 222
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 121
Bulb Replacement ..................... 336,337
Bulbs,Light .......................... 70,336
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 341
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 274
Oil (Engine) .......................... 302
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 316
Car Washes ............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 68,273
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 276 Catalytic Converter
...................... 305
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 191
Cellular Phone ..................... 78, 191,192
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 340
Certification Label ....................... 276
Chains, Tire ............................ 261
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 298
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint .................. 58,59,60,62,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 61,62
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 270
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 326
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 312
Climate Control ......................... 203
Clock ............................. 178,193
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Maintenance Free Battery.................. 307
Maintenance, General ..................... 300
Maintenance Procedures ................... 300
Maintenance Schedule .................... 346
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 139
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 158,298
Manual, Service ......................... 357
Map/Reading Lights .................. 120,129
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 321
Methanol ............................. 271
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 163
Mirrors ................................ 75 Automatic Dimming ..................... 75
Electric Powered ....................... 76
Electric Remote ........................ 76
Exterior Folding ........................ 76
Heated .............................. 77
Outside .............................. 75
Vanity ............................... 77 Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 264
Mopar Parts ......................... 299,356
MP3 Player ............................ 191
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 271
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 119
Navigation Radio ........................ 191
Navigation System ....................... 191
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 67
Occupant Restraints ....................... 37
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............270,342
Odometer ............................. 150
Trip ................................ 150
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 162
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 162
Oil, Engine ......................... 301,342
Capacity ............................ 341
INDEX 373
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Change Interval....................... 301
Checking ............................ 301
Dipstick ............................. 301
Disposal ............................ 303
Filter ............................ 303,342
Filter Disposal ........................ 303
Materials Added to ..................... 303
Recommendation ................... 302,341
Viscosity .......................... 302,341
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 303
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 303
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............297,298
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 130
Operating Precautions .................... 297
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 75
Overhead Console ....................... 129
Overheating, Engine ...................... 280
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 357PaintCare ............................. 324
Panic Alarm
............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 232
Parking On Hill ......................... 233
Passing Light ........................... 120
Personal Settings ........................ 172
Pets .................................. 67
Phone, Cellular .................... 78, 191,192
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ........ 78,191,192
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 250
Port Universal Serial Bus (USB) ................ 191
USB ................................ 191
Power Brakes .............................. 234
Deck Lid Release ....................... 35
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 331
Door Locks ........................... 30
374 INDEX
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