DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2018 Owners Manual

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. For vehicles with automatic transmission, push
and hold the lock button on the gear selector. Then shift
back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with auto-
matic transmission) or FIRST GEAR and REVERSE (with
manual transmission), while gently pressing the accelera-
tor. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at
wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE
or REVERSE.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of clutch or transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the “ESC Off” switch (if necessary), to place
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial
Off” mode, before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in “Safety” for further information.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch
again to restore “ESC On” mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
(Continued)
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 309

WARNING!(Continued)
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE / FIRST GEAR and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Automatic/Manual Transmission
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 30 miles (48 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT RECOMMENDED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
310 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode, not the ACC mode.
CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may occur from improper towing.
• The manufacturer does not recommend towing this
vehicle using a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to
Manual Park Release in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL when the engine
is off.
• The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles (48 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 30
miles (48 km), then the only acceptable method of towing
is with a flatbed truck.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 311

If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out
of PARK for towing.
Manual Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles (48 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, then the only acceptable
method of towing is with a flatbed truck.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System (EARS) function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed under certain crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).
312 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................315
▫ 6.2L Supercharged And 6.4L Engines .........315
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................320
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine ................320
▫ 6.4L Engine ......................... .321
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................322
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................322
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................322
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .324
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .324
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .326
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................326
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............327
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............329▫
Body Lubrication ..................... .331
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................331
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .334
▫ Cooling System ....................... .336
▫ Brake System ........................ .340
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped) ......................... .342
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........342
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......342
▫ Rear Axle ........................... .344
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................344
 TIRES ............................... .344
▫ T
ire Safety Information ..................344
▫ Tires — General Information ..............354
8

▫Tire Types ........................... .360
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................361
▫ Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..............364
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............365
▫ Tire Rotation Recommendations .............365
▫ Tire Rotation—Different Tire Size On Front And
Rear Axle ........................... .366
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ..................367
▫ Treadwear ........................... .367
▫ Traction Grades ....................... .367
▫ Temperature Grades .....................367 
VEHICLE STORAGE .....................368
 BODYWORK .......................... .368
▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents ........368
▫ Body And Underbody Maintenance ..........369
▫ Preserving The Bodywork .................369
 INTERIORS ........................... .370
▫ Seats And Fabric Parts ...................370
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts ..................371
▫ Leather Parts ......................... .371
▫ Glass Surfaces ........................ .372
314 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING
6.2L Supercharged And 6.4L Engines
The scheduled maintenance services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages specified to protect
your vehicle warranty and ensure the best vehicle perfor-
mance and reliability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as
dusty areas and very short trip driving. Inspection and
service should also be done anytime a malfunction is
suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
A “Oil Change Required” message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (800 km).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/track usage for an extended period of
time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
An 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 “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 315

At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this chapter for further information.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if re-
quired.
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 (6.2L only), 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.
316 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Plan
Miles:6,000
12,000
18,000
24,000
30,000
36,000
42,000
48,000
54,000
60,000
66,000
72,000
78,000
84,000
90,000
96,000
102,000
108,000
114,000
120,000
126,000
132,000
138,000
144,000
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138 144 150
Or Kilometers:
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
160,000
170,000
180,000
190,000
200,000
210,000
220,000
230,000
240,000
250,000
Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs be-
fore scheduled maintenance. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends,
and boot seals, for cracks or leaks
and all parts for damage, wear, im-
proper looseness or end play; replace
if necessary. XXXXXXXX
XXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the fol-
lowing: dusty or off-road conditions.
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter;
replace if necessary. XXXXXXXX
XXXX
Inspect the brake linings; replace if
necessary. XXXXXXXX
XXXX
Inspect the CV joints. XXXXXXXX XXXX
Inspect the exhaust system. XXXXXXXX X X X
Adjust the parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four wheel disc brakes. XXX X X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid
– if equipped. XXXXX X X X
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 317

Miles:6,000
12,000
18,000
24,000
30,000
36,000
42,000
48,000
54,000
60,000
66,000
72,000
78,000
84,000
90,000
96,000
102,000
108,000
114,000
120,000
126,000
132,000
138,000
144,000
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138 144 150
Or Kilometers:
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
160,000
170,000
180,000
190,000
200,000
210,000
220,000
230,000
240,000
250,000
Inspect the rear axle fluid. XXX XX X XX
Change the manual transmission fluid
– if equipped. XX X
Change the rear axle fluid if using
your vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer
towing. XX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. XX X X X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XXXXXXXX XXXX
Inspect and replace the PCV Valve if
necessary X
Replace the spark plugs –
6.2L Supercharged Engine ** XX
Replace the spark plugs –
6.4L Engine ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant
at 120 months if not done at 150,000
miles (240,000 km). XX
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
318 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE