check engine DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2010 3.G Owner's Manual

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 Go™). The fan is temperature controlled
and can start at any time the ignition switch is in
the ON position (RUN position for Keyless Go™).
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
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 the 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 A/C condenser 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
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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 scald-
ing 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 Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with yourlocal authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals 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 coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between 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
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357

When additional coolant 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 coolant 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 recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
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.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
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 to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, 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.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your 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 your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 387

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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S388 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Bulbs, Light.......................... 72,376
Calibration, Compass ..................... 180
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 382
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 308
Oil (Engine) .......................... 344
Power Steering ........................ 263
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 356
Car Washes ............................ 364
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............70,307
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 310
Cellular Phone .......................... 81
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 381
Certification Label ....................... 310
Chains, Tire ............................ 295
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 281
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 340Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
............. 69
Checks, Safety ........................... 69
Child Restraint .................... 59,61,64,66
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............63,64
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 304
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 366
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 349
Clock ........................ 186,188,191,200
Cold Weather Operation ................... 242
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 223
Compass .............................. 180
Compass Calibration ..................... 180
Compass Variance ....................... 181
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 173
Connector UCI ................................ 211
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 211
Console .............................. 150
418 INDEX

Door Locks............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 137
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 259
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 260
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 79
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 147
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 270
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 371
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 133
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 274
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 159
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 169
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 35
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 331 Hazard Warning Flasher
................. 316
Jump Starting ......................... 327
Overheating .......................... 316
Towing ............................. 332
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 35
Emission Control System Maintenance ......340,386
Engine ............................... 338
Air Cleaner .......................... 345
Block Heater ......................... 244
Break-In Recommendations ................ 68
Checking Oil Level ..................... 343
Compartment ......................... 338
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 354,383
Cooling ............................. 354
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 70,307
Fails to Start .......................... 243
Flooded, Starting ...................... 243
Fuel Requirements ..................... 304
Jump Starting ......................... 327
420 INDEX

Oil ...........................343,382,383
Oil Change Interval .................... 343
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 344
Oil Filter ............................ 345
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 344
Oil Selection ....................... 344,382
Overheating .......................... 316
Starting ............................. 237
Temperature Gauge .................... 159
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 344
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 54
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 305
Exhaust Gas Caution ................70,307,351
Exhaust System ....................... 70,351
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 78
Exterior Lighting ........................ 123
Exterior Lights .......................... 72 Filler Location Fuel
...................... 308
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 345
Engine Oil ........................ 345,383
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 344
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 316
Turn Signal ...................... 72,126,160
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 127
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 243
Fluid, Brake ........................... 384
Fluid Capacities ......................... 382
Fluid Leaks ............................. 72
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 361
Brake .............................. 359
Cooling System ....................... 354
Engine Oil ........................... 343
Power Steering ........................ 263
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Brake Warning..................... 164,267
Bulb Replacement ................... 376,377
Center Mounted Stop ................... 381
Courtesy/Reading ................... 128,137
Cruise .............................. 158
Daytime Running ...................... 125
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............126,127
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 279
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 159
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 161
Exterior .............................. 72
Fog ............................. 125,163
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 316
Headlight Switch ...................... 123
Headlights ........................ 123,377
Headlights On Reminder ................. 125
Headlights On With Wipers ............124,131
High Beam ........................ 127,162
High Beam Indicator .................... 162 High Beam/Low Beam Select
............. 127
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Instrument Cluster .................. 123,158
Intensity Control ...................... 129
Interior .......................... 129,137
License ............................. 381
Lights On Reminder .................... 125
Low Fuel ............................ 167
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 168
Map Reading ...................... 128,137
Oil Pressure .......................... 162
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ......... 129
Passing ............................. 127
Reading .......................... 128,137
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 162
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 165
Service ........................... 376,377
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 168
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 165
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