brakes DODGE CHALLENGER 2011 3.G User Guide

An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the AutoStickmode to select a lower gear range.
NOTE: Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

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 “MAX”
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.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

24,000 Miles (39,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
24,000 miles (39 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
32,000 Miles (52,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
32,000 miles (52 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the manual transmission fluid (if equipped) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: Most of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C), driving in dusty conditions, or stop and go driving.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the manual transmission fluid (if equipped) if using your vehicle for any of the following: Most of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C), driving in dusty conditions, or stop and go driving.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 445

96,000 Miles (156,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 96,000 miles (156 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.6L Engine).
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. †
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Change the manual transmission fluid (if equipped) if using your vehicle for any of the following: Most of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C), driving in dusty conditions, or stop and go driving.
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the manual transmission fluid (if equipped) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: Most of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C), driving in dusty conditions, or stop and go driving.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
136,000 Miles (221,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
136,000 miles (221 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 451

About Your Brakes.................... 278,281
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............281,284
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 404
Adding Fuel ........................... 330
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 398
Additives, Fuel ......................... 324
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 393
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 396
Air Conditioning ........................ 238
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 238
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 245
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............396,397
Air Conditioning System ................238,396
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 246
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 301
Airbag .............................. 55,65
Airbag Deployment ....................... 66
Airbag Light ................... 63,64,68,82,178
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 67 Airbag, Side
...................... 59,62,64,65
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........60,62,65
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm Light ........................... 185
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 25
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 225
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............281,284
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............186,283
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............403,433
Disposal ........................... 405
Appearance Care ........................ 412
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ....................... 107
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 39
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 90
466 INDEX

Automatic Door Locks................... 32,33
Automatic Headlights .................... 140
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 182
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 238
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 411
Automatic Transmission .............268,410,412
Adding Fluid .................... 412,435
Autostick .......................... 271
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 412
Fluid Change ....................... 412
Fluid Level Check .................... 411
Fluid Type ......................... 435
Shifting ........................... 268
Special Additives ..................... 411
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ..... 270
Autostick ............................. 271
Axle Fluid ............................. 435
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 435B-Pillar Location
........................ 296
Battery ............................... 394
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 394
Belts, Seat ............................ 45,81
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 397
Brake Assist System ...................... 285
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 284
Brake Fluid ............................ 435
Brake System ........................ 281,407
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 281,284
Fluid Check ..................... 408,435
Master Cylinder ..................... 408
Parking ........................... 278
Warning Light .................... 183,281
Brake, Parking .......................... 278
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 267
Brakes ............................. 281,407
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
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INDEX 467