power steering fluid DODGE CHARGER 2008 6.G Owners Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

NMaintenance-Free Battery................381
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............383
NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............384
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............384
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........385
NSteering Linkage......................385
NBody Lubrication.....................385
NWindshield Wiper Blades................386
NWindshield Washers...................386
NExhaust System......................387
NCooling System.......................388
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......393
NFuel System.........................393NBrake System........................394
NAutomatic Transmission................396
NAll Wheel Drive (AWD) Ð If Equipped.....398
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........398
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................398
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 403
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........404
NFuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....404
NFuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......406
mVehicle Storage........................411
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................412
mBulb Replacement......................413
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 Ð Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 Ð Air Cleaner Filter
2 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 7 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
3 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 Ð Engine Oil Fill
4 Ð Coolant Bottle 9 Ð Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 Ð Power Steering Fluid 10 Ð Washer Fluid Bottle 366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 Ð Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 Ð Coolant Bottle
2 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 7 Ð Engine Oil Fill
3 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick
4 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap 9 Ð Washer Fluid Bottle
5 Ð Power Steering Fluid 10 Ð Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery PostMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð EXCEPT DAYTONA & R/T
1 Ð Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 Ð Air Cleaner Filter
2 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap 7 Ð Engine Oil Fill
3 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick
4 Ð Coolant Bottle 9 Ð Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 Ð Power Steering Fluid 10 Ð Washer Fluid Bottle 368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð DAYTONA & R/T
1 Ð Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 Ð Air Cleaner Filter
2 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap 7 Ð Engine Oil Fill
3 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick
4 Ð Coolant Bottle 9 Ð Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 Ð Power Steering Fluid 10 Ð Washer Fluid BottleMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
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, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter Ð 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 ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of
this manual for the recommended air conditioning
filter replacement intervals.
Power Steering Ð 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.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the 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 seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, 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 other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº in Section 8 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.
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:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE