towing DODGE CHARGER 2012 7.G Owner's Guide

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the
PARK position for towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Damage to the fascia will occur.
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do
not attach to the front or rear suspension compo-
nents. Damage to your vehicle may result from
improper towing.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
•The manufacturer does not recommend that you
tow this vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.Flatbed towing is recommended.
DO NOTtow an AWD
vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground.
If the transmission is operable, vehicles WITHOUT AWD
may be towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The vehicle towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
•The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km)
for 5-speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for
8-speed transmission.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 485

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) for 5-speed transmission, or 30 miles
(48 km) for 8-speed transmission, tow with the rear
wheels OFF the ground (on a flatbed, or with the rear
wheels raised using a wheel lift and the transmission in
NEUTRAL).
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.Vehicles equipped with AWD can be towed with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the rear wheels OFF the
ground with no limitation on speed or distance.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF position. The only approved
method of towing without the ignition key is with a
flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
486 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
508 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

40,000 Miles (65,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
40,000 miles (65 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
48,000 Miles (78,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
48,000 miles (78 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the
front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 547

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(five-speed transmission only).
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 549

96,000 Miles (156,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 96,000 miles (156 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.6L Engine).
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of
the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S552 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter (five-speed transmission only).
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid – All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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136,000 Miles (221,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
136,000 miles (221 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
144,000 Miles (234,000 km) or 108 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
144,000 miles (234 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the rear axle fluid and on models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) change the
front axle fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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Console, Floor.......................... 279
Console, Overhead ....................... 256
Contract, Service ........................ 563
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 511
Cooling System ......................... 508
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 510
Coolant Capacity ..................... 538
Coolant Level .................... 509,512
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 512
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 509
Inspection .......................... 512
Points to Remember .................. 513
Pressure Cap ........................ 511
Radiator Cap ........................ 511
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....509,538,539
Corrosion Protection ..................... 519
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 222
Cupholders ......................... 275,524
Customer Assistance ..................... 561 Data Recorder, Event
...................... 69
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 209
Daytime Running Lights ................... 202
Dealer Service .......................... 493
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 41
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 39
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 282
Defroster, Windshield ................... 84,352
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 210
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 491
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 205
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 495
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 484
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 512
Engine Oil ......................... 498
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
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INDEX 573