check engine DODGE CHALLENGER 2012 3.G Owner's Manual

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 (OFF position for
Keyless Enter-N-Go). The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition switch
is in the ON position (RUN position for Keyless
Enter-N-Go).
•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, the
system 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
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411

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 attendant
of 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
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 “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443

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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
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