coolant temperature DODGE CHALLENGER 2009 3.G Owners Manual

6. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices (i.e., radio) or slightly increase engine
speed (if at idle). If the light remains on, it means that the
charging system is experiencing a problem. See your
local authorized dealer to obtain service immediately.
7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the shift lever in PARK, and cycle the ignition key. Thelight should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable. However,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.
8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” and you hear a chime, turn the
engine OFF immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, turns on while driving, or stays on,
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
158 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the Temperature Control to maxi-
mum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the FanControl to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the “Cooling System Pressure Cap”
paragraph.
TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR — IF EQUIPPED
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 339

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, thesystem should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze).When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F
(37°C) are anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendantof this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Emission Control System Maintenance......369,418
Engine............................366,367
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Block Heater......................... 250
Break-In Recommendations................ 66
Checking Oil Level..................... 372
Compartment......................366,367
Coolant (Antifreeze).................384,415
Cooling ............................. 384
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 67,320
Fails to Start.......................... 249
Flooded, Starting...................... 249
Fuel Requirements..................... 316
Jump Starting......................... 356
Multi-Displacement.................... 280
Oil ...........................372,414,415
Oil Change Interval..................162,373
Oil Filler Cap......................... 374
OilFilter ............................ 375Oil Filter Disposal..................... 375
OilSelection .......................373,414
Oil Synthetic......................... 375
Overheating.......................... 338
Starting............................. 243
Temperature Gauge.................... 157
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 374
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Ethanol............................... 317
Event Data Recorder...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 67,320,382
Exhaust System....................... 67,381
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 76
Exterior Lighting........................ 119
Exterior Lights.......................... 69
Filler Location Fuel...................... 321
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INDEX 449

Saver Mode.......................... 172
Specifications......................... 415
Tank Capacity........................ 414
Fuel Optimizer......................... 172
Fuel Saver............................. 172
Fuel System Caution..................... 322
Fueling ............................... 321
Fuses................................ 400
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 133
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............321,368
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 317
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 316
Conserving.......................... 172
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 317
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 157
Fuel............................... 156
Odometer........................... 161Speedometer......................... 156
Tachometer.......................... 156
Gear Ranges........................... 259
General Information............... 17,25,106,316
General Maintenance..................... 371
Glass Cleaning.......................... 399
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............324,326
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............324,325
GVWR ............................... 324
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 78
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 270
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 338
Head Restraints......................... 114
Headlights............................ 409
Automatic........................... 120
Bulb Replacement...................... 409
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INDEX 451

Tachometer............................ 156
Telescoping Steering Column............... 127
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......157,339
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 60
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Tilt Steering Column..................... 127
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 120
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 293
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 292
Tire Markings.......................... 288
Tire Safety Information.................... 288
TIREFIT.............................. 339
Tires ............................ 69,297,440
Aging(LifeofTires) .................... 303
Air Pressure.......................... 297
Chains.............................. 304
Changing.........................345,348
Compact Spare........................ 300Flat Changing........................ 345
General Information.................... 297
High Speed.......................... 299
Inflation Pressures..................... 298
Jacking...........................347,348
LifeofTires .......................... 303
Load Capacity.....................293,294
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 307
Pressure Warning Light.................. 164
Quality Grading....................... 440
Radial.............................. 300
Replacement......................... 303
Rotation ............................ 306
Safety...........................288,297
Sizes ............................... 290
Snow Tires........................... 306
Spare Tire........................... 345
Spinning ............................ 301
TrailerTowing ........................ 332
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INDEX 461