engine coolant DODGE CHALLENGER 2020 Owners Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE53
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual
override features. The AUTO symbol in the front
ATC display will be turned off when the system
is being used in the manual mode.
OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and
defroster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and the
proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation
mode during Winter months is not
recommended, because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes, in fresh air with the blower setting
on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started
again.
SRT Storage
SRT models include a Storage Mode feature to
prevent battery drain while parked for long
durations. The vehicle can be put into Storage
Mode through the info menu in the instrument
cluster display by selecting “Enter Storage
Mode”.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild, rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear the
windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use the
Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstructions,
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air
intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the
plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear
of ice, slush, and snow.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
2

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 53

70GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature 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. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
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 an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see “Servicing And
Maintenance.” Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
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,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 70

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL73
SRT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature 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. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle will be equipped with an
instrument cluster display, which offers useful
information to the driver. With the ignition in the
OFF mode, opening/closing of a door will
activate the display for viewing, and display the
total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your
instrument cluster display is designed to display
important information about your vehicle’s
systems and features.
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 an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads greater than 230°F
(110°C) 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 above 230°F
(110°C), turn the engine off immediately and
call an authorized dealer for service.
3

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 73

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL77
Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
Trans Temp — If Equipped
Displays the actual transmission tempera -
ture.
Oil Temp
Displays the actual oil temperature.
Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
Oil Life
To reset the Oil Life, you must hold the OK
button. The “Hold OK to Reset” instruction will
be displayed at all times, but the following
conditions will need to be met in order to reset
Oil Life:
The vehicle must be off
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position
If the conditions are met, holding the OK button
will reset the gauge and the numeric display will
return to 100%.
If the conditions are not met, a pop-up message
will display for 5 seconds, describing the
required conditions, and then the Oil Life screen
will reappear. Battery Voltage
Displays the actual battery voltage.
Storage Mode
Through this option, the vehicle can be
placed into Storage Mode. Refer to
“Vehicle Storage” in “Servicing And Main
-
tenance” for further information.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Status — If Equipped
Displays the status of the All Wheel Drive
system.
Intake Air Temp — If Equipped
Displays the current temperature of the air
entering the engine.
Engine Torque — If Equipped
Displays the current engine torque.
Engine Power — If Equipped
Displays the current engine power.
Air/Fuel Ratio — If Equipped
Displays the air/fuel ratio.
Boost Pressure — If Equipped
Displays the current boost pressure.
I/C Coolant Temp — If Equipped
Displays the current I/C coolant temperature.
Performance Features
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Performance menu is displayed
in the instrument cluster display. Push the
right or left arrow button to enter the
submenus.
WARNING!
Measurement of vehicle statistics with the
Performance Features is intended for
off-highway or track use only and should not
be done on any public roadways. It is
recommended that these features be used in
a controlled environment and within the limits
of the law. The capabilities of the vehicle as
measured by the performance pages must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which can jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
3

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77

84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/
C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

SAFETY147
(Continued)
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the accel -
erator, the brake, and the clutch pedal (if
present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
WARNING! (Continued)
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet
to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 147

158STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
1–4 SKIP SHIFT
In Auto Drive Mode, Default, or Street Drive
Modes, there are times when you must shift the
transmission directly from FIRST gear to
FOURTH gear instead of from FIRST gear to
SECOND gear. This is to help you get the best
possible fuel economy from your vehicle. This
occurs when the engine coolant (antifreeze) is
higher than 106°F (41°C), vehicle speed is
greater than 19 mph (30 km/h) but less than
21 mph (34 km/h), and the transmission is in
FIRST gear, and the accelerator is at ¼ throttle
or less.
NOTE:
The 1 - 4 Skip Shift feature is disabled when
selecting Sport Mode, or when selecting Track
or Custom Drive Modes (SRT only). Refer to the
“Drive Mode Supplement” for further descrip-
tions of these modes.
After you shift the transmission to FOURTH gear,
you can press the clutch in and shift to another
forward gear.
DOWNSHIFTING
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life,
downshift to maintain a safe speed when
descending a steep grade.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while
downshifting, could cause you to lose control
of your vehicle. You could have a collision.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while down -
shifting or downshift at too high an engine
speed, you could damage the engine, trans -
mission, or clutch.
Do not downshift into FIRST gear when the
vehicle is moving faster than 15 mph
(24 km/h), as you could damage the
engine and/or clutch.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY229
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
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
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control 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.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake before activating the
Manual Park Release. In addition, you should
be seated in the driver's seat with your foot
firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual
Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll
away if it is not secured by the parking brake,
or by proper connection to a tow vehicle.
Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury
or death for those in or around the vehicle.
6

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 229

234
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
3.6L AND 5.7L ENGINES
These engines are equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for the vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the
“Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message
is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can
cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last
reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
The “Oil Change Required” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster and a single
chime will sound, indicating that an oil change
is necessary.An 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 an
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off-road environment,
or is operated predominantly at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before your
next scheduled service.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
Maintenance Plan — 3.6L And 5.7L
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance chart for the required
maintenance intervals.

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 234

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE237
Flush and replace the
engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. X
X
Change the manual transmission
fluid (if equipped) if using your
vehicle for any of the following: Most
of your driving is at sustained
speeds during hot weather, above
90°F (32°C), driving in dusty
conditions, or stop and go driving. X
X X
Change the transfer case fluid; if
using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towing. (All Wheel
Drive Only). X
X
Mileage or time passed (whichever
comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
7

20_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 237