check transmission fluid DODGE CHALLENGER 2009 3.G Owners Manual

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L
Engine)........................... 264
▫Gear Ranges........................ 264
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 268
▫AutoStickOperation................. 268
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 269
▫Acceleration........................ 269
▫Traction........................... 270
Driving Through Water................. 270
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 271
Power Steering....................... 273
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 273
Parking Brake........................ 274▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped...... 275
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped.... 276
Brake System........................ 277
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped.......................... 277
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only............. 280
Electronic Brake Control System........... 280
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) — If
Equipped.......................... 280
▫TCS (Traction Control System) — If
Equipped.......................... 281
▫BAS (Brake Assist System) — If Equipped . . . 281
▫HSA (Hill Start Assist) — Manual
Transmission Only................... 283
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
turn on when the parking brake is applied and the
ignition switch is ON.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position (automatic transmission), R (Reverse) or
first gear (manual transmission) first and then apply the
parking brake.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level — 3.5L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level atregular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level — 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped)
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section for the
correct fluid type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be at the
bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain
the proper level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid
type.
Change Transmission Fluid
If contaminated with water, change the fluid immedi-
ately. See your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
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 gear shift 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 result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
(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” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393

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 this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
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.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Headlights.................... 120
Automatic Oil Change Indicator............. 162
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 394
Automatic Transmission.............259,264,393
Adding Fluid......................393,416
Autostick............................ 268
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 393
Fluid Change......................... 393
Fluid Level Check..................... 393
FluidType ........................... 416
Gear Ranges......................... 259
Overdrive........................... 261
Shifting ..........................259,264
Special Additives...................... 394
Torque Converter...................... 262
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 263,267
Autostick............................. 268AxleFluid ............................. 416
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 416
Battery............................... 376
Emergency Starting..................... 356
Jump Starting......................... 356
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Location..........................357,376
Belts, Seat............................ 37,68
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
B-Pillar Location........................ 293
Brake Assist System...................... 281
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 280
Brake Fluid............................ 416
Brake, Parking.......................... 274
Brake System........................277,389
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................277,280
Fluid Check.......................390,416
Master Cylinder....................... 390
10
INDEX 445

Parking............................. 274
Warning Light.....................163,277
Brakes.............................277,389
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 257
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 66
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 124
Bulb Replacement.....................408,409
Bulbs,Light .......................... 69,408
Calibration, Compass..................... 176
Capacities, Fluid........................ 414
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 321
Oil (Engine).......................... 374
Power Steering........................ 273
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 387
Car Washes............................ 395
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 67,320
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 323Cellular Phone.......................... 78
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 413
Certification Label....................... 323
Chains, Tire............................ 304
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 345
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 290
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 369
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 67
Checks, Safety........................... 67
Child Restraint.................. 57,58,59,62,63
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 60,62
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 317
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 397
Windshield Wiper Blades................ 380
Climate Control......................... 230
Clock ........................183,194,198,207
Cold Weather Operation................... 248
446 INDEX

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Air Conditioning...................... 236
Engine Oil........................375,415
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 375
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 338
Turn Signal...................... 69,122,158
Flash-To-Pass........................... 123
Flat Tire Changing....................... 345
Flooded Engine Starting................... 249
Fluid, Brake........................... 416
Fluid Capacities......................... 414
Fluid Leaks............................. 69
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 393
Brake.............................. 390
Cooling System....................... 384
Engine Oil........................... 372Power Steering........................ 273
Fluids ................................ 415
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 415
FogLights ..........................121,160
Folding Rear Seat........................ 116
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 359
Fuel................................. 316
Adding............................. 321
Additives ............................ 319
CleanAir ............................ 317
Conserving.......................... 172
Ethanol............................. 317
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 321
Gasoline............................ 316
Gauge.............................. 156
Materials Added....................... 319
Methanol............................ 317
Octane Rating......................316,415
Requirements......................... 316
450 INDEX

Auto Unlock.......................... 30
Automatic Door........................ 30
Door................................ 28
Power Door........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 307
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH)..................... 60,62
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Lumbar Support........................ 114
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 376
Maintenance, General..................... 371
Maintenance Procedures................... 371
Maintenance Schedule.................... 418
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 142
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 166,369
Manual, Service......................... 439
Manual Transmission...............251,392,394
Fluid Level Check...................392,394Map/Reading Lights..................123,132
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 390
Methanol............................. 317
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 172
Mirrors ................................ 75
Automatic Dimming..................... 75
Electric Powered....................... 76
Electric Remote........................ 76
ExteriorFolding ........................ 76
Heated.............................. 77
Outside .............................. 75
Vanity ............................... 77
Mode
Fuel Saver........................... 172
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 307
Mopar Parts.........................370,438
MTBE/ETBE........................... 317
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 280
10
INDEX 455