check engine light DODGE CHALLENGER 2012 3.G 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 emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. 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
”gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or 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
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 your 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 your 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, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391

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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 144
Bulb Replacement ..................... 432,433
Bulbs, Light .......................... 82,432
Calibration, Compass ..................... 196
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 438
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 332
Oil (Engine) ........................ 396
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 411
Car Washes ............................ 419
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............79,331
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 334
Cellular Phone ........................ 92,237
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 436
Certification Label ....................... 334
Chains, Tire ............................ 314
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 365
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 297 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 391
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Restraint .................... 68,70,73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,73
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 328
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 421
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 404
Clock ............................. 204,213
Cold Weather Operation ................... 258
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 237
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 309
Compass .............................. 195
Compass Calibration ..................... 196
Compass Variance ....................... 196
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 191
472 INDEX

DipsticksOil (Engine) ........................ 394
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 381
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 411
Engine Oil ......................... 397
Door Locks ............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 277
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 278
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 191
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 89
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 163
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 287
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 427Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 148
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 291
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 177
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 186
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 378
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 353
Jacking ............................ 365
Jump Starting ....................... 374
Overheating ........................ 353
Towing ............................ 381
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 391
Engine ............................... 389
Air Cleaner ......................... 397
Block Heater ........................ 260
Break-In Recommendations .............. 77
Checking Oil Level ................... 394
474 INDEX

FlashersHazard Warning ..................... 353
Turn Signal .................... 82,142,178
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 365
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 258
Fluid Capacities ......................... 438
Fluid Leaks ............................. 82
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 417
Brake ............................. 414
Cooling System ...................... 408
Engine Oil ......................... 394
Fluid, Brake ........................... 440
Fluids ................................ 439
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 439
Fog Lights .......................... 141,181
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 135
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 378 Fuel
................................. 327
Adding ........................... 332
Additives .......................... 330
Clean Air .......................... 328
Conserving ......................... 191
Ethanol ........................... 328
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 332
Gasoline ........................... 327
Gauge ............................ 176
Materials Added ..................... 330
Methanol .......................... 328
Octane Rating .................... 327,439
Requirements ....................... 327
Saver Mode ........................ 191
Specifications ....................... 439
Tank Capacity ....................... 438
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 191
Fuel Saver ............................. 191
Fuel System Caution ..................... 333
476 INDEX

Headlight Switch..................... 138
Headlights ...................... 138,433
Headlights On Reminder ............... 141
Headlights On With Wipers ..........139,147
High Beam ...................... 143,180
High Beam Indicator .................. 180
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 143
Illuminated Entry ..................... 21
Instrument Cluster ................. 138,176
Intensity Control ..................... 144
Interior ......................... 143,151
License ............................ 437
Lights On Reminder .................. 141
Low Fuel .......................... 185
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 185
Map Reading ..................... 143,151
Oil Pressure ........................ 180
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 144
Passing ............................ 143 Reading
........................ 143,151
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 180
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 183
Service ......................... 432,433
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 185
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 183
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......183,317
Traction Control ..................... 294
Turn Signal .................... 82,142,178
Vanity Mirror ........................ 90
Voltage ............................ 176
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 176
Loading Vehicle ...................... 334,336
Capacities .......................... 336
Tires .............................. 301
Locks ................................. 31
Auto Unlock ......................... 33
Automatic Door ...................... 33
480 INDEX

Door.............................. 31
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 317
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 72,73
Lubrication, Body ....................... 403
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 398
Maintenance Procedures ................... 393
Maintenance Schedule .................... 442
Maintenance, General ..................... 393
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 163
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 185,391
Manual Transmission ...............260,415,418
Fluid Level Check ................. 415,418
Manual, Service ......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights .................. 143,151
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 414
Methanol ............................. 328 Mini-Trip Computer
...................... 191
Mirrors ................................ 87
Automatic Dimming ................... 87
Electric Powered ...................... 89
Electric Remote ....................... 89
Exterior Folding ...................... 89
Heated ............................. 90
Outside ............................ 88
Vanity ............................. 90
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 191
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 317
Mopar Parts ......................... 392,464
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 328
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 142
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
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INDEX 481

Occupant Restraints................... 42,60,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............58,60,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............327,439
Odometer .......................... 176,181
Trip ........................... 176,181
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 190
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 190
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 397
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 397
Oil, Engine ......................... 394,439
Capacity ........................... 438
Change Interval ..................... 395
Checking .......................... 394
Dipstick ........................... 394
Disposal ........................... 397
Filter .......................... 397,439
Filter Disposal ....................... 397
Identification Logo ................... 395
Materials Added to ................... 397 Recommendation
.................. 395,438
Synthetic .......................... 397
Viscosity ........................ 396,438
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............390,391
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 152
Operating Precautions .................... 390
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 88
Overdrive ............................. 273
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 273
Overhead Console ....................... 151
Overheating, Engine ................... 178,353
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,465
Paint Care ............................. 418
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 281
Passing Light ........................... 143
Personal Settings ........................ 198
482 INDEX