check engine DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2011 3.G Owner's Manual

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.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.Adding Washer Fluid
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).
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of the old
antifreeze solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•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 your
local 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 theengine 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.
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

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.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
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 thispolicy 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.
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.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S408 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 144
Bulb Replacement ..................... 395,396
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,395
Calibration, Compass ..................... 196
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 401
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 322
Oil (Engine) ........................ 362
Power Steering ...................... 275
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 374
Car Washes ............................ 382
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............80,322
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 325
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,236
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 400
Certification Label ....................... 325
Chains, Tire ............................ 307 Chart, Tire Sizing
........................ 292
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 358
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80
Checks, Safety ........................... 80
Child Restraint .................. 70,71,72,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 318
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 384
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 367
Clock ............................. 203,212
Cold Weather Operation ................... 254
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 236
Compass .............................. 195
Compass Calibration ..................... 196
Compass Variance ....................... 196
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 189
438 INDEX

Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 348
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 375
Engine Oil ......................... 363
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 270
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 271
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 91
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 161
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 282
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 390
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 148
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 285
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 175Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 184
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 346
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 331
Jump Starting ....................... 342
Overheating ........................ 331
Towing ............................ 348
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 358
Engine ............................... 356
Air Cleaner ......................... 363
Block Heater ........................ 256
Break-In Recommendations .............. 79
Checking Oil Level ................... 361
Compartment ....................... 356
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 372,402
Cooling ........................... 371
Exhaust Gas Caution ................80,322
440 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission ................ 380
Brake ............................. 377
Cooling System ...................... 372
Engine Oil ......................... 361
Power Steering ...................... 275
Fluid, Brake ........................... 403
Fluids ................................ 402
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 402
Fog Lights .......................... 141,178
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 136
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 346
Fuel ................................. 318
Adding ........................... 322
Additives .......................... 320
Clean Air .......................... 318
Ethanol ........................... 319
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 322
Gasoline ........................... 318 Gauge
............................ 174
Materials Added ..................... 320
Methanol .......................... 319
Octane Rating .................... 318,402
Requirements ....................... 318
Specifications ....................... 402
Tank Capacity ....................... 401
Fuel System Caution ..................... 323
Fueling ............................... 322
Fuses ................................ 387
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 152
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............322,357
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 318
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 318
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 318
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 175
Fuel .............................. 174
442 INDEX