check oil DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2009 3.G User Guide

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7

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
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations 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.
Windshield Washers
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir 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).
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
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 top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.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 coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 347
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Master Cylinder....................... 321
Parking ............................. 232
Warning Light ..................... 155,234
Brakes ............................. 234,320
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 222
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 121
Bulb Replacement ..................... 336,337
Bulbs, Light .......................... 70,336
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 341
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 274
Oil (Engine) .......................... 302
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 316
Car Washes ............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............68,273
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 276 Catalytic Converter
...................... 305
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 191
Cellular Phone ..................... 78,191,192
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 340
Certification Label ....................... 276
Chains, Tire ............................ 261
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 298
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint .................. 58,59,60,62,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............61,62
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 270
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 326
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 312
Climate Control ......................... 203
Clock ............................. 178,193
364 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Checking Oil Level ..................... 301
Compartment ......................... 296
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 314,342
Cooling ............................. 314
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 68,273
Fails to Start .......................... 218
Flooded, Starting ...................... 218
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Oil ........................... 301,341,342
Oil Change Interval .................... 301
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 302
Oil Filter ............................ 303
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 303
Oil Selection ....................... 302,341
Overheating .......................... 280
Starting ............................. 214
Temperature Gauge ..................... 151 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 302
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 54
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 271
Event Data Recorder ...................... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................68,273,313
Exhaust System ....................... 68,313
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 76
Exterior Lighting ........................ 116
Exterior Lights .......................... 70
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 274
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Air Conditioning .................... 208,310
Engine Fuel .......................... 304
Engine Oil ........................ 303,342
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 303
INDEX 367
10

FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 280
Turn Signal ...................... 70,119,152
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 120
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 218
Fluid, Brake ........................... 343
Fluid Capacities ......................... 341
Fluid Leaks ............................. 70
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 322
Brake ............................... 321
Cooling System ....................... 314
Engine Oil ........................... 301
Power Steering ........................ 310
Fluids ................................ 342
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 342
Fog Lights .......................... 1 18,154
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 289 Front Suspension Ball Joints
................ 311
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 324
Fuel ................................. 270
Adding ............................. 274
Additives ............................ 272
Clean Air ............................ 270
Ethanol ............................. 271
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 274
Filter ............................... 304
Gasoline ............................ 270
Gauge .............................. 150
Hoses .............................. 319
Materials Added ....................... 272
Methanol ............................ 271
Octane Rating ...................... 270,342
Requirements ......................... 270
Specifications ......................... 342
Tank Capacity ........................ 341
Fuel System Caution ..................... 274
368 INDEX

Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster .................. 1 16,150
Intensity Control ....................... 121
Interior .......................... 121,129
License ............................. 340
Lights On Reminder .................... 118
Low Fuel ............................ 158
LowTire ............................ 156
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 158
Map Reading ...................... 120,129
Oil Pressure .......................... 153
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) .......... 121
Passing ............................. 120
Reading .......................... 120,129
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 154
Service ........................... 336,337
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 158
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........156,264 Traction Control
....................... 244
Turn Signal ...................... 70,119,152
Vanity Mirror .......................... 77
Voltage ............................. 150
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 150
Loading Vehicle ...................... 276,277
Capacities ........................... 277
Tires ............................... 250
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Automatic Door ........................ 31
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 264
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 61,62
Lubrication, Body ....................... 311
Lumbar Support ........................ 111
372 INDEX

Maintenance Free Battery.................. 307
Maintenance, General ..................... 300
Maintenance Procedures ................... 300
Maintenance Schedule .................... 346
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 139
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 158,298
Manual, Service ......................... 357
Map/Reading Lights .................. 120,129
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 321
Methanol ............................. 271
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 163
Mirrors ................................ 75
Automatic Dimming ..................... 75
Electric Powered ....................... 76
Electric Remote ........................ 76
Exterior Folding ........................ 76
Heated .............................. 77
Outside .............................. 75
Vanity ............................... 77 Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 264
Mopar Parts ......................... 299,356
MP3 Player ............................ 191
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 271
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 119
Navigation Radio ........................ 191
Navigation System ....................... 191
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 67
Occupant Restraints ....................... 37
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............270,342
Odometer ............................. 150
Trip ................................ 150
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 162
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 162
Oil, Engine ......................... 301,342
Capacity ............................ 341
INDEX 373
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