checking oil DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2009 3.G Owners Manual

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk open, make
sure that all windows are closed and the climate control
blower switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the
recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle isdamaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure 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 five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter, remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove the usedfilter. Install the new filter with arrows pointing in the
direction of airflow, which is toward the rear of the
vehicle (text and arrows on the filter indicate this).
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
recommended air conditioning filter replacement inter-
vals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer. No chemical flushes should be used in any
power steering system; only the approved lubricant may
be used.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Change Interval....................... 301
Checking ............................ 301
Dipstick ............................. 301
Disposal ............................ 303
Filter ............................ 303,342
Filter Disposal ........................ 303
Materials Added to ..................... 303
Recommendation ................... 302,341
Viscosity .......................... 302,341
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 303
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 303
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............297,298
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink
) ........... 130
Operating Precautions .................... 297
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 75
Overhead Console ....................... 129
Overheating, Engine ...................... 280
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 357Paint Care
............................. 324
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 232
Parking On Hill ......................... 233
Passing Light ........................... 120
Personal Settings ........................ 172
Pets .................................. 67
Phone, Cellular .................... 78,191,192
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ........78,191,192
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 250
Port Universal Serial Bus (USB) ................ 191
USB ................................ 191
Power Brakes .............................. 234
Deck Lid Release ....................... 35
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 331
Door Locks ........................... 30
374 INDEX