steering DODGE CHARGER 2006 6.G Owner's Guide

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.7L Engine..........................279

3.5L Engine..........................280

5.7L Engine..........................281

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......282

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................283

Replacement Parts.....................284

Dealer Service........................284

Maintenance Procedures.................285
▫Engine Oil..........................285
▫Engine Oil Filter......................290▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................290
▫Spark Plugs.........................290
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................290
▫Fuel Filter..........................291
▫Catalytic Converter....................291
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................292
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............294
▫A/C Air Filter—If Equipped............295
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............295
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........296
▫Steering Linkage......................296
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or 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 used filter.
Install 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 Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
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 a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing otherunderhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
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.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Fuse Circuits
13 25 Amp
C/BRKRDoor Modules - except base/
Driver Door Lock Switch -
base/Driver Express Power
Window Switch - if equipped/
Passenger Door Lock Switch -
base
14 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/Cluster/
Sentry Key Remote Keyless
Entry
15 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow Brake Module - if
equipped
16——
17 20 Amp
YellowCluster
18 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20——
21——
22——Cavity Fuse Circuits
23——
24——
25——
26——
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeAntilock Brakes Module/
Cluster/Front Control Module
(FCM)/Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Sentry Key
Remote Keyless Entry/Stop
Lights
30 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power Mirrors
- if equipped/Steering Control
Module
31——
32——
33——
34——
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent.
Rear Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
7

Cooling System....................... 299
Engine Oil.......................285,286
Power Steering....................... 295
Fluids............................... 324
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 324
Fog Lights.........................103,138
Folding Rear Seat....................... 94
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 273
Fuel................................. 241
Adding............................. 244
Additives........................... 243
Clean Air........................... 241
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 244
Filter.............................. 291
Gasoline............................ 241
Gauge............................. 135
Hoses.............................. 305
Octane Rating.....................241,324
Requirements.....................241,323
Tank Capacity........................ 323
Fueling.............................. 244
Fuses................................ 311Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 115
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)................. 244
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 241
Gasoline (Fuel)........................ 241
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 242
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 135
Fuel............................... 135
Speedometer......................... 135
Tachometer.......................... 135
Gear Ranges.......................... 199
General Information.................15,24,238
Glass Cleaning......................... 309
Gross Axle Weight Rating..............247,250
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............247,249
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™) ............ 70
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 262
Head Restraints......................... 94
Headlights
High Beam.......................... 103
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 103
On With Wipers...................... 102
356 INDEX

Parking On Hill........................ 213
Passing Light.......................... 103
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 95
Personal Settings....................... 150
Pets.................................. 58
Phone, Cellular......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 222
Power
Brakes............................. 214
Distribution Center.................... 311
Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 69
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 123
Seats............................... 90
Steering............................ 217
Steering, Checking.................... 295
Sunroof............................ 120
Windows............................ 28
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 37
Preparation for Jacking................... 264
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 36Programmable Electronic Features..... 116,119,150
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)................ 116,119
Radial Ply Tires........................ 229
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 301
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 153
Radio Operation..................154,161,181
Radio Remote Controls.................. 178
Radio, Satellite......................... 172
Radio (Sound Systems)................154,161
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 94
Rear Window Defroster.................. 182
Rearview Mirrors........................ 67
Reclining Front Seats..................... 91
Recorder, Event Data..................... 50
Recreational Towing..................... 259
Refrigerant............................ 295
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 36
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 178
Remote Trunk Release.................... 27
Replacement Tires...................... 232
360 INDEX

Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 272
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 238
Snow Tires............................ 239
Spare Tire.......................229,230,265
Spark Plugs........................... 290
Speed Control (Cruise Control)............. 111
Speedometer.......................... 135
Starting.............................. 196
Engine Fails to Start................... 197
Starting and Operating................... 196
Steering
Linkage............................ 296
Power...........................217,295
Tilt Column......................... 106
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 106
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 178
Storage...........................127,317
Storage, Vehicle.....................190,317
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 317
Sun Roof............................. 120
Sunglasses Storage...................... 114
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 38System, Navigation..................... 177
Tachometer........................... 135
Telescoping Steering Column.............. 106
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 184
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......135,263
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 25
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 25
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 127
Tilt Steering Column.................... 106
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 222
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 221
Tire Markings......................... 218
Tire Safety Information................... 218
Tires ...........................60,226,349
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 232
Air Pressure......................... 226
Alignment.......................... 233
Chains............................. 238
Changing........................263,266
Compact Spare....................... 229
Flat Changing........................ 263
General Information................... 226
362 INDEX