check engine DODGE CHALLENGER 2013 3.G Owner's Manual

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 neces-
sary.
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.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 L) of washer
fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped).
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459

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
controlled 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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463

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
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• 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 Engine 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 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 attendant
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 467

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 expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
468 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Make sure that the coolant expansion 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 emis-
sions.
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.
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluidleaks. 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.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided.
Your authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid
level using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 501

Caps, FillerFuel ................................ .383
Oil (Engine) .......................... .451
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................466
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................97
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................386
Car Washes ............................ .476
Cellular Phone .......................... .280
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............494
Certification Label ........................ .386
Chains, Tire ............................ .366
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .418
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .344
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . .445
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................74
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .380Cleaning
Wheels .............................. .477
Climate Control ......................... .280
Clock ................................. .243
Cold Weather Operation ....................300
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............279
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .361
Compass .............................. .233
Compass Calibration ...................... .234
Compass Variance ........................ .234
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .229
Connector UCI................................ .268
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........268
Conserving Fuel ......................... .229
Console ............................... .203
Console, Floor .......................... .203
Console, Overhead ....................... .184
Contract, Service ......................... .512
522 INDEX

Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy......229
Electrical Power Outlets .....................198
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................110
Electronic Brake Control System ...............332
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......483
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........173
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............337
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........213
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......224
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................45
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................432
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................406
Jacking .............................. .418
Jump Starting ......................... .427
Overheating .......................... .406
Towing ............................. .435
Emergency Trunk Release ....................45 Emission Control System Maintenance
..........445
Engine ................................ .443
Air Cleaner .......................... .453
Block Heater ......................... .303
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .448
Compartment ......................... .442
Compartment Identification ................442
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................463
Cooling ............................. .463
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................97
Fails to Start .......................... .301
Flooded, Starting ...................... .301
Fuel Requirements ..................... .378
Jump Starting ......................... .427
Oil................................. .448
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .451
Oil Selection .......................... .450
Oil Synthetic ......................... .452
524 INDEX

Overheating.......................... .406
Starting ............................. .294
Temperature Gauge ..................... .214
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .451
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................451
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............69
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .380
Event Data Recorder ........................72
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................97
Exhaust System ...........................97
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................110
Exterior Lighting ......................... .162
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .383
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .453
Air Conditioning ...................... .287Engine Oil
........................... .452
Engine Oil Disposal .....................452
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .406
Turn Signal .......................... .101
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .167
Flooded Engine Starting ....................301
Fluid, Brake ............................ .498
Fluid Capacities ......................... .495
Fluid Leaks ............................ .101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................473
Brake ............................... .469
Cooling System ........................ .463
Engine Oil ........................... .448
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........496
Fog Lights ............................. .165
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .158
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................432
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INDEX 525