check transmission fluid DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2012 3.G Owners Manual

AutoStick .......................... 276
▫ Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter ............... 276
 Sport Mode .......................... 278
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 279
▫ Acceleration ........................ 279
▫ Traction ........................... 280
 Driving Through Water ................. 281
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 281
 Power Steering ....................... 283
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 284
 Parking Brake ........................ 285
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 286▫
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 286
 Brake System ........................ 288
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 288
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 291
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 291
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 292
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 292
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 293
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 295
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 299
▫ Synchronizing ESC ................... 300
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
CAUTION!
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw
the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) 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.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The Deflated
Tire:
•
Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
•After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) 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 (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT kit.
Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Press the Power Button (4) to turn On the
TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt
power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if avail-
able. Make sure the engine is running before turning ON
the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous
use. Call for assistance.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 349

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
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 tocheck 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
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
Clutch Hydraulic System (Manual Transmission) –
If Equipped
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. 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 Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Change Transmission Fluid
If contaminated with water, change the fluid immedi-
ately. See your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391

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.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Checking the fluid level while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the fluid level
reading.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393

Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 89
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 33
Automatic Headlights .................... 140
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 242
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 392
Automatic Transmission .............269,392,393
Adding Fluid .................... 393,415
Autostick .......................... 276
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 393
Fluid Change ....................... 393
Fluid Level Check .................... 392
Fluid Type ......................... 415
Special Additives ..................... 392
Autostick ............................. 276
Axle Fluid ............................. 415
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 415B-Pillar Location
........................ 306
Battery ............................... 374
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 374
Belts, Seat ............................ 45,82
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 379
Brake Assist System ...................... 292
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 291
Brake Fluid ............................ 415
Brake System ........................ 288,389
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 288,291
Fluid Check ..................... 389,415
Master Cylinder ..................... 389
Parking ........................... 285
Warning Light .................... 183,288
Brake, Parking .......................... 285
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Brakes ............................. 288,389
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
10
INDEX 449

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission ................ 392
Brake ............................. 389
Cooling System ...................... 384
Engine Oil ......................... 371
Power Steering ...................... 284
Fluid, Brake ........................... 415
Fluids ................................ 414
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 414
Fog Lights .......................... 142,182
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 137
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 357
Fuel ................................. 329
Adding ........................... 334
Additives .......................... 331
Clean Air .......................... 329
Ethanol ........................... 330
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 334
Gasoline ........................... 329 Gauge
............................ 178
Materials Added ..................... 331
Methanol .......................... 330
Octane Rating .................... 329,414
Requirements ....................... 329
Specifications ....................... 414
Tank Capacity ....................... 413
Fuel System Caution ..................... 334
Fueling ............................... 334
Fuses ................................ 399
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 154
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............334,367
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 329
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 329
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 329
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 179
Fuel .............................. 178
454 INDEX

Manual Transmission...............263,391,393
Fluid Level Check ................. 391,393
Shift Speeds ........................ 265
Manual, Service ......................... 443
Map/Reading Lights .................. 144,153
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 389
Methanol ............................. 330
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 193
Mirrors ................................ 89
Automatic Dimming ................... 89
Electric Powered ...................... 91
Electric Remote ....................... 91
Exterior Folding ...................... 90
Heated ............................. 91
Outside ............................ 90
Vanity ............................. 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 321
Mopar Parts ......................... 369,442MTBE/ETBE
........................... 330
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 142
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 79
Occupant Restraints ................... 42,62,66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........59,60,62,65
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............329,414
Odometer ............................. 178
Trip .............................. 178
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 192
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 192
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 373
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 373
Oil, Engine ......................... 371,414
Capacity ........................... 413
Change Interval ..................... 371
Checking .......................... 371
Dipstick ........................... 371
10
INDEX 459