check engine light DODGE CHALLENGER 2008 User Guide

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
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Trip Odometer button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if the vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
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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.
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•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 347
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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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Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Checking Oil Level ..................... 301
Compartment ......................... 296
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 314,342
Cooling ............................. 314
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 68,273
Fails to Start .......................... 218
Flooded, Starting ...................... 218
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Oil ........................... 301,341,342
Oil Change Interval .................... 301
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 302
OilFilter ............................ 303
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 303
Oil Selection ....................... 302,341
Overheating .......................... 280
Starting ............................. 214
Temperature Gauge ..................... 151 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 302
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 54
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 271
Event Data Recorder ...................... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 68, 273,313
Exhaust System ....................... 68,313
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 76
ExteriorLighting ........................ 116
ExteriorLights .......................... 70
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 274
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Air Conditioning .................... 208,310
Engine Fuel .......................... 304
Engine Oil ........................ 303,342
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 303
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FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 280
Turn Signal ...................... 70,119,152
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 120
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 218
Fluid, Brake ........................... 343
Fluid Capacities ......................... 341
Fluid Leaks ............................. 70
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 322
Brake ............................... 321
Cooling System ....................... 314
Engine Oil ........................... 301
Power Steering ........................ 310
Fluids ................................ 342
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 342
Fog Lights .......................... 118,154
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 289 Front Suspension Ball Joints
................ 311
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 324
Fuel ................................. 270
Adding ............................. 274
Additives ............................ 272
CleanAir ............................ 270
Ethanol ............................. 271
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 274
Filter ............................... 304
Gasoline ............................ 270
Gauge .............................. 150
Hoses .............................. 319
Materials Added ....................... 272
Methanol ............................ 271
Octane Rating ...................... 270,342
Requirements ......................... 270
Specifications ......................... 342
Tank Capacity ........................ 341
Fuel System Caution ..................... 274
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Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster .................. 116,150
Intensity Control ....................... 121
Interior .......................... 121,129
License ............................. 340
Lights On Reminder .................... 118
Low Fuel ............................ 158
LowTire ............................ 156
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 158
Map Reading ...................... 120,129
Oil Pressure .......................... 153
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) .......... 121
Passing ............................. 120
Reading .......................... 120,129
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 154
Service ........................... 336,337
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 158
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........156,264 Traction Control
....................... 244
Turn Signal ...................... 70,119,152
VanityMirror .......................... 77
Voltage ............................. 150
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 150
Loading Vehicle ...................... 276,277
Capacities ........................... 277
Tires ............................... 250
Locks ................................. 29
AutoUnlock .......................... 31
Automatic Door ........................ 31
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 264
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 61,62
Lubrication, Body ....................... 311
Lumbar Support ........................ 111
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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
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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
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