stop start DODGE CHALLENGER 2023 Owner's Guide

154MULTIMEDIA
The following options can be selected:
Pressing the STOP button will freeze the graph.
Selecting Play will clear the graph and restart the
process over.
 Press the + or - buttons to change the history of the
graph. The selectable options are “30”, “60”, “90”, and
“120” seconds. The graph will expand or constrict
depending on the setting selected.
 Select the “Gear” display setting to turn the graph gear
markers on and off for automatic transmission vehicles
only.
NOTE:The Gear on/off feature will only display if your vehicle is
equipped with an Automatic Transmission.
DODGE DRIVE MODES — IF EQUIPPED
PERFORMANCE CONTROL —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Performance Control
feature which allows for coordinating the operation of
various vehicle systems depending upon the type of
driving behavior desired. The Performance Control feature
is controlled through the Uconnect system and may be
accessed by performing any of the following:
 Pushing the Super Track Pack button on the instru -
ment panel switch bank.
 Selecting “Performance Control” from the Apps menu.
 Selecting “Performance Control” from within the
Performance Pages menu. You will be able to enable, disable, and customize the
functionality of the Launch Control and Performance
Control Set-Up features within Performance Control.
To access information about the functionality of these
features through the Uconnect system, press the Info
button on the touchscreen.
NOTE:Dodge vehicles equipped with a 6.4L engine, except for
R/T Scat Pack 1320 6.4L non-widebody vehicles, will use
SRT Drive Modes rather than the Dodge Performance
Control Pages. Please refer to the following sections for
further information on the SRT Drive Modes.
Drive Mode Set-Up

Performance Control Set-Up

Pressing the Drive Mode Set-Up button on the
touchscreen within the Performance Control screen
indicates the real-time status of the various systems.
Pressing the Sport Mode Set-Up, Drag Mode Set-Up
(1320 only), or Default Mode Set-Up buttons on the
touchscreen allows the driver to configure their individual
performance control and see how those configurations
affect the performance of the vehicle.
NOTE:Not all of the options listed in this manual are available on
every vehicle. Here is a chart with all available Perfor
-
mance Control vehicle configurations:
Available Mode Configurations
Refer to the Sport and Default Modes for their detailed
operation.
NOTE:These settings will remain in effect when using the Launch
Control feature.
Engine If Manual Transmission
Engine/Transmission If Auto Transmission
Steering X
Paddle Shifters If Auto Transmission
Traction Control X
Suspension If Adaptive Suspension

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154

159
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically prevents wheel lock and enhances vehicle
control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the
ABS is working properly each time the vehicle is started
and driven. During this self-check, you may hear a slight
clicking sound as well as some related motor noises.
The ABS is activated during braking when the system
detects one or more wheels are beginning to lock. Road
conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad
tracks, loose debris, or panic stops may increase the
likelihood of the ABS activating.
You also may experience the following normal
characteristics when the ABS activates:
ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may continue
to hear for a short time after the stop)
 Brake pedal pulsations
 A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop The ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification may
result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
The yellow ABS Warning Light will turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may stay on for as long
as four seconds.
If the ABS Warning Light remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally if the ABS Warning Light is on.
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system should be
serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS Warning Light does not come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have
the light repaired as soon as possible.
WARNING!

The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip -
ment that may be susceptible to interference caused
by improperly installed or high output radio transmit -
ting equipment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by qualified
professionals.
 Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
 The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
 The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
WARNING!
6

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

160SAFETY
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control (EBC) system. This system includes
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS),
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill
Start Assist (HSA), and Traction Control System (TCS).
These systems work together to enhance both vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Ready Alert
Braking (RAB) and Rain Brake Support (RBS).
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly
results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit
of the system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not “pump”
the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is
released, the BAS is deactivated.
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the brake system is not
functioning properly and that immediate service is
required. If the Brake System Warning Light does not
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD manages the distribution of the braking torque
between the front and rear axles by limiting braking
pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent overslip
of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to
prevent the rear axle from entering the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) before the front axle.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
ERM anticipates the potential for wheel lift by monitoring
the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the
vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of
the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are
sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM can only
reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or
evasive driving maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift
due to other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
NOTE:ERM is disabled any time the ESC is in “Full Off” mode
(if equipped). For a complete explanation of the available
ESC modes, see
Úpage 161.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The
capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions
and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel
lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel
lift or rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 160

162SAFETY
(Continued)
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, the push
and release of the switch will toggle the ESC modes.
Multiple attempts may be required to return to "ESC
On" mode.
 Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC
system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
 If Equipped — "ESC Sport" and "ESC Track" are ESC
“Partial Off” mode(s).
Full Off – If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only
and should not be used on any public roadways. In this
mode, TCS and ESC features are turned off. To enter the
“Full Off” mode, push and hold the ESC OFF button for five
seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running. After five seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC
OFF Indicator Light will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF”
message will display in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC
on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF button.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON mode. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than
30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light starts to
flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system
becomes active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates that the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is in a reduced
mode.
NOTE:

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and the
ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each
time the ignition is placed in the ON position.
 Each time the ignition is placed in the ON position, the
ESC system will be on even if it was turned off
previously.
 The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a complete stop
while on an incline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake
pressure for a short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill as
normal.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque reduc -
tion and stability features are disabled. Therefore,
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver,
the ESC system will not engage to assist in main -
taining stability. ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.
 The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions.
WARNING!

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162

SAFETY163
The following conditions must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
The feature must be enabled.
 The vehicle must be stopped.
 The parking brake must be off.
 The driver door must be closed.
 The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
 The gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
 HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears.
The system will not activate if the transmission is in
PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission, if the clutch is pressed, HSA will
remain active.Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, see
Úpage 107.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll back while
towing a trailer.
Rain Brake Support (RBS)
RBS may improve braking performance in wet conditions.
It will periodically apply a small amount of brake pressure
to remove any water buildup on the front brake rotors. It
functions when the windshield wipers are in LO or HI
speed. When RBS is active, there is no notification to the
driver and no driver interaction is required.
Ready Alert Braking (RAB)
RAB may reduce the time required to reach full braking
during emergency braking situations. It anticipates when
an emergency braking situation may occur by monitoring
how fast the throttle is released by the driver. The
Electronic Brake Controller (EBC) will prepare the brake
system for a panic stop.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the
driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may apply
brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce
engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD) functions similarly to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will
allow more engine power to be applied to the wheel that is
not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS and
ESC are in reduced modes.WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) will not activate and slight rolling may occur, such
as on minor hills or with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer. HSA is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people, and
objects, and most importantly brake operation to
ensure safe operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always required
while driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a collision
or serious personal injury.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your trailer,
the trailer brakes may be activated and deactivated
with the brake switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle and the
trailer on a hill when the brake pedal is released. In
order to avoid rolling down an incline while resuming
acceleration, manually activate the trailer brake or
apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to releasing
the brake pedal.
 HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when exiting your vehicle. Also, be certain
to place the transmission in PARK.
 Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion or serious personal injury.
6

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

184SAFETY
(Continued)
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.
If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not
be in place to protect you.
NOTE:

Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.
 After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication network
remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending
on the nature of the event, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the
following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped).
 Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if equipped).
 Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power.
 Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the inter -
vention of the Enhanced Accident Response System.
 Unlock the power door locks. Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these
other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident
Response System:

Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC Blower
Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
 Cut off battery power to the:
 Engine
 Electric Motor (if equipped)
 Electric power steering
 Brake booster
 Electric park brake
 Automatic transmission gear selector
 Horn
 Front wiper
NOTE:After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to the
STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Carefully
check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment
and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the engine.
If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle elec -
trical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset the
system by following the procedure described below. If you
have any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System
functions after an event, the ignition switch must be
changed from ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting the system
and starting the engine.
After an accident, if the vehicle will not start after
performing the reset procedure, the vehicle must be
towed to an authorized dealer to be inspected and to have
the Enhanced Accident Response System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint
Controller System serviced as well.
WARNING!
 Modifications to any part of the air bag system could
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured
if the air bag system is not there to protect you. Do
not modify the components or wiring, including
adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering
wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger side of
the instrument panel. Do not modify the front fascia/
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 184

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY203
(Continued)
3. Rotate the fastener securing the spare tire counter
-
clockwise to remove it.

Removing Tire Fastener

4. Remove the spare tire.
5. Rotate the fastener securing the jack counter -
clockwise to remove it.

Removing Jack Fastener

6. Remove the jack and lug wrench assembly from under the spare tire. Turn the jack screw to the left to
loosen the lug wrench, and remove the wrench from
the jack assembly.
JACKING AND CHANGING A TIRE

Jack Warning Label

WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or
replaced immediately.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.
 Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
 Apply the parking brake firmly and place an auto -
matic transmission in PARK; a manual transmission
in REVERSE or FIRST gear.
 Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be
raised.
Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
 Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
 Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
 Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for
lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
 If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful
of motor traffic.
WARNING!
7

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 203

208IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit
Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s
Hazard Warning Flashers.

2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the
ground. This will allow the Tire Service Kit Hose to
reach the valve stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat
on the ground. This will provide the best positioning of
the kit when injecting the sealant into the deflated
tire and running the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in this position
before proceeding.
3. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button to set the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Apply the parking brake.
Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.

2. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire. 3. Remove the cap from the valve stem and
then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant
Hose onto the valve stem.
4. Uncoil the Power Plug and insert the plug
into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) from
the tire.
Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The Deflated Tire:
5. Always start the vehicle before turning the
Tire Service Kit on.
6. Ensure the Mode Select Knob is to the
Sealant Mode position.
7. After pushing the Power Button, the sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle
through the Sealant Hose and into the tire.
NOTE:Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within
0 – 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose:

1. Push the Power Button to turn the Tire Service Kit
off. Disconnect the Sealant Hose from the valve
stem. Make sure the valve stem is free of debris.
Reconnect the Sealant Hose to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob is in the Sealant
Mode position and not Air Mode. Push the Power
Button to turn the Tire Service Kit on.

2. Connect the Power Plug to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the vehicle is running before turning the
Tire Service Kit on.
3. The Sealant Bottle may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the Sealant
Hose: 4. Continue to operate the pump until sealant
is no longer flowing through hose (typically
takes 30 - 70 seconds). As the sealant flows
through the Sealant Hose, the Pressure Gauge
can read as high as 70 psi (4.8 bar). The Pressure Gauge
will decrease quickly from approximately 70 psi (4.8 bar)
to the actual tire pressure when the Sealant Bottle is
empty.
5. The pump will start to inject air into the tire
immediately after the Sealant Bottle is empty.
Continue to operate the pump and inflate the
tire to the cold tire inflation pressure found on
the tire and loading information label located in the
driver-side door opening. Check the tire pressure by
looking at the Pressure Gauge.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208

218IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system
inspected at an authorized dealer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be serviced by
an authorized dealer.
Potential signs of vehicle overheating can be:
Temperature gauge is at HOT (H)
 Strong smell of coolant
 White smoke coming from engine or exhaust
 Coolant bottle coolant has bubbles present In the event it is observed that the temperature gauge is
moving towards or close to the HOT (H) position, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.

On the highways — slow down.
 In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
 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 supple -
ment to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE–8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use
(i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or
prevent the engine from starting.
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.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 218

230SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING OIL LEVELTo ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about ten minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
 Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
 Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
 Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN
and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
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 Gallon (4 Liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the instrument cluster.WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine compart -
ment: gas and flammable vapors may be present,
with the risk of fire.
 Be very careful when working in the engine compart -
ment when the engine is hot: you may get burned. Do
not get too close to the radiator cooling fan: the elec -
tric fan may start; danger of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!
 Be careful not to confuse the various types of fluids
while topping up: they are not compatible with each
other! Topping up with an unsuitable fluid could
severely damage your car.
 The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
 Always top up using engine oil of the same specifica -
tions as what is already in the engine.
 If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler cap,
particularly for vehicles with aluminum caps (if
equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
 Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents are
flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the washer
solution.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 230