ECU DODGE CHALLENGER 2008 Owner's 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.
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•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear. 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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
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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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Cavity CartridgeFuse Mini-
FuseDescription
8 — 15 Amp BlueDiagnostic Link Connec-
tor (DLC)/Wireless Con-
trol Module (WCM)/
Wireless Ignition Node
(WIN)
9 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet
10 — — —
11 * ———
12 * ———
13 * ———
14 — 10 Amp RedAC Heater Control/
Cluster/Security Module
- if equipped
15 — — —
16 — — —Cavity Cartridge Fuse Mini-
FuseDescription
17 — 20 Amp YellowCluster
18 — 20 Amp YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 — 10 Amp RedStop Lights
20 — — —
21 — — —
22 — — —
23 — — —
24 — — —
25 — — —
26 — — —
27 — 10 Amp RedOccupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC)
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11. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the tail
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
12. Reinstall the tail light assembly, fasteners, electrical
connector, and trunk liner.
13. Close the trunk.
Center Tail/Backup Light
See your authorized dealer for bulb replacement.
Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
The CHMSL uses LED lights that are not serviceable
separately. The CHMSL must be replaced as an assembly,
see your authorized dealer.
License Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — Socket
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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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Seats................................. 109
Adjustment .......................... 109
Head Restraints ....................... 111
Heated .............................. 112
Height Adjustment ..................... 109
Lumbar Support ....................... 111
Power .............................. 109
Rear Folding ......................... 113
Seatback Release ....................... 113
Tilting .............................. 109
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 18,156
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........315,342
Selection of Oil ......................... 302
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 353
Service Contract ......................... 355 Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction
Indicator)
............................. 158
Service Manuals ........................ 357
Setting the Clock ..................... 178,193
Settings, Personal ........................ 172
Shifting ............................... 220 Automatic Transmission ...............220,223
Shoulder Belts ........................... 38
Side Airbag ........................... 47,53
Side Curtain (Window Airbag) ............... 47
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 207
Signals, Turn ...................... 70,119,152
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 229
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 261
Snow Tires ............................ 262
Sound System Kicker .............................. 200
Sound Systems (Radio) .................... 191
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Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 125
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 117
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 250
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 249
Tire Markings .......................... 245
Tire Safety Information .................... 245
TIREFIT .............................. 281
Tires ............................ 70, 254,358
Aging(LifeofTires) .................... 259
Air Pressure .......................... 254
Alignment ........................... 261
Chains .............................. 261
General Information .................... 254
High Speed .......................... 257
Inflation Pressures ..................... 255
LifeofTires .......................... 259
Load Capacity ..................... 250,251Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
........... 264
Quality Grading ....................... 358
Radial .............................. 257
Replacement ......................... 260
Rotation ............................. 262
Safety ........................... 245,254
Sizes ............................... 247
Snow Tires ........................... 262
Spinning ............................ 258
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 258
To Open Hood .......................... 114
Towing ............................... 278 24-Hour Towing Assistance ................ 91
Behind a Motor Home .................. 278
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 291
Recreational .......................... 278
Towing Assistance ........................ 91
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home ......... 278
Traction Control ......................... 239
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TrailerTowing .......................... 278
Transmission........................... 322
Automatic ...................... 220,223,322
Fluid ............................... 343
Shifting ............................. 220
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless
Entry) ................................. 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 130
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . 21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 21
Transporting Pets ........................ 67
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 258
Trip Odometer .......................... 150
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .................... 35,36
Trunk Release, Emergency .................. 36
Trunk Release Remote Control ............... 35
Turn Signals ......................... 119,152 UConnectâ„¢ (Hands-Free Phone)
........... 78,191
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 358
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port .............. 191
Universal Transmitter ..................... 130
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 270
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 42
USB Port .............................. 191
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses ................. 319
VanityMirrors ........................... 77
Variance, Compass ....................... 170
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 276
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 251,276,277
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 207,335
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 18
380 INDEX
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