check engine light DODGE CHARGER 2009 6.G User Guide

ESP on again, momentarily depress the ESP OFF switch
and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will turn off.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn the ESP on again by momentarily
depressing the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while
the vehicle is in motion.
Synchronizing ESP
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The ESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and the ESP/
TCS Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
both come on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. They should go out with the engine run-
ning.
The system will turn the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator
Light on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and you have driven the vehicle several miles (kilome-
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
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.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

•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.
434 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 294
Fluid Check ....................... 403,430
Master Cylinder ....................... 403
Parking ............................. 292
Warning Light ........................ 179
Brakes ............................... 402
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 275
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 136
Bulb Replacement ..................... 418,419
Bulbs, Light .......................... 80,418
Calibration, Compass ..................... 191
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 427
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 337
Oil (Engine) .......................... 387
Power Steering ........................ 291
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 400Car Washes
............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............78,336
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 340
Cellular Phone ........................ 89,252
Certification Label ....................... 340
Chains, Tire ............................ 319
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 357
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 303
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 383
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Restraint .................... 67,69,72,74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............71,72
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 333
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 408
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 393
462 INDEX

Exterior Lighting........................ 131
Exterior Lights .......................... 80
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 337
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 389
Air Conditioning .................... 262,392
Engine Oil ........................ 388,429
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 388
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 356
Turn Signal ...................... 80,134,174
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 135
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 357
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 271
Floor Console .......................... 159
Fluid, Brake ........................... 430
Fluid Capacities ......................... 427
Fluid Leaks ............................. 80 Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................. 404
Brake .............................. 403
Cooling System ....................... 397
Engine Oil ........................ 385,386
Power Steering ........................ 291
Transfer Case ......................... 405
Fluids ................................ 429
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 429
Fog Lights .......................... 133,176
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 128
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 372
Fuel ................................. 332
Adding ............................. 337
Additives ............................ 335
Clean Air ............................ 333
Ethanol ............................. 333
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 337
Gasoline ............................ 332
466 INDEX

Engine Temperature Warning.............. 175
Exterior .............................. 80
Fog ............................. 133,176
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 356
Headlight Switch ...................... 131
Headlights ........................ 131,422
Headlights On Reminder ................. 133
Headlights On With Wipers ............132,138
High Beam ........................ 135,176
High Beam Indicator .................... 176
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 135
Instrument Cluster .................. 131,172
Intensity Control ...................... 136
Interior .......................... 135,145
License ............................. 426
Lights On Reminder .................... 133
Low Fuel ............................ 182
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 183
Map Reading ...................... 135,145Oil Pressure
.......................... 176
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ......... 136
Passing ............................. 135
Reading .......................... 135,145
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 176
Service ........................... 418,419
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 183
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........180,322
Traction Control ....................... 300
Turn Signal ...................... 80,134,174
Vanity Mirror .......................... 88
Voltage ............................. 173
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 172
Load Leveling System .................... 164
Loading Vehicle ...................... 340,341
Capacities ........................... 341
Tires ............................... 306
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock .......................... 31
470 INDEX

Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection ........................ 33
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 322
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 71,72
Lubrication, Body ....................... 392
Lumbar Support ........................ 126
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 389
Maintenance, General ..................... 385
Maintenance Procedures ................... 385
Maintenance Schedule .................... 432
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 155
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 183,383
Manual, Service ......................... 455
Map/Reading Lights .................. 135,145
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 403 Methanol
............................. 333
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 187
Mirrors ................................ 85
Automatic Dimming ..................... 86
Electric Powered ....................... 88
Electric Remote ........................ 88
Exterior Folding ........................ 87
Heated .............................. 88
Outside .............................. 86
Rearview ............................. 85
Vanity ............................... 88
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 322
Mopar Parts ......................... 384,454
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 333
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 134
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
INDEX 471
10

Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............332,429
Odometer .......................... 172,177
Trip ............................. 172,177
Oil Change Indicator .................. 177,186
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............177,186
Oil, Engine ......................... 385,429
Capacity ............................ 427
Change Interval .................. 177,186,386
Checking ......................... 385,386
Dipstick .......................... 385,386
Disposal ............................ 388
Filter ............................ 388,429
Filter Disposal ........................ 388
Identification Logo ..................... 387
Materials Added to ..................... 388
Recommendation ................... 387,427
Synthetic ............................ 388
Viscosity ......................... 387,427Oil Filter, Change
........................ 388
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 388
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............382,383
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 146
Operating Precautions .................... 382
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 86
Overdrive ............................. 278
Overhead Console ....................... 145
Overheating, Engine ................... 174,356
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,455
Paint Care ............................. 406
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 292
Passing Light ........................... 135
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 140
Personal Settings ........................ 193
Pets .................................. 77
472 INDEX