check engine DODGE CHARGER 2021 Owners Manual

5
PERFORMANCE PAGES ...................................... 167 Home .............................................................. 168
Timers ............................................................ 170
Gauges ........................................................... 172G-Force ........................................................... 173Engine ............................................................ 173
Dynamometer (Dyno) .................................... 174
DODGE DRIVE MODES — IF EQUIPPED............. 174
Performance Control —
If Equipped..................................................... 174
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES...... 179
Regulatory And Safety Information .............. 179
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 180 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................... 180
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ....... 181
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS .......................... 185
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped..................................................... 185
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation Operation ..................................... 188
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) .............................................. 190 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................... 193
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....... 193
Important Safety Precautions ...................... 193Seat Belt Systems ........................................ 194Supplemental Restraint
Systems (SRS) ............................................... 200
Child Restraints ............................................. 208
SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 220
Transporting Passengers .............................. 220Transporting Pets ......................................... 220
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................... 220
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 221
Exhaust Gas................................................... 222
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 222
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ........................ 223
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED ..... 223
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ......................... 226 Preparations For Jacking .............................. 226Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage .............. 227Jacking Instructions ...................................... 228 TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ..................... 231
Tire Service Kit Storage ................................ 231Tire Service Kit Components And
Operation ....................................................... 231Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .............. 232
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .............. 233
JUMP STARTING ................................................. 236
Preparations For Jump Start ........................ 236Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 237
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY .............................. 238
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 239
MANUAL PARK RELEASE —
8-SPEED TRANSMISSION ................................... 240
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................... 242
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................... 243 All Wheel Drive (AWD) Models...................... 244
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Models ................ 244
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................... 244
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......................... 244

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6
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................... 245
3.6L And 5.7L Engines ................................. 245
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 249
3.6L Engine ................................................... 2495.7L Engine ................................................... 250Checking Oil Level ......................................... 251
Adding Washer Fluid ..................................... 251
Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 252
Pressure Washing ......................................... 252
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ..................................... 253
Engine Oil ....................................................... 253
Engine Oil Filter ............................................. 254
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 254Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 254
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 256
Body Lubrication............................................ 256
Windshield Wiper Blades .............................. 257Exhaust System ............................................. 258
Cooling System ............................................. 259
Brake System ............................................... 262
Automatic Transmission ............................... 263
Rear Axle ........................................................ 263
FUSES .................................................................... 264
General Information ...................................... 264Underhood Fuses .......................................... 264
Rear Interior Fuses........................................ 267 BULB REPLACEMENT ......................................... 271
Replacement Bulbs ....................................... 271
Replacing Exterior Bulbs............................... 273
TIRES..................................................................... 275
Tire Safety Information ................................ 275Tires — General Information ........................ 283
Tire Types....................................................... 286
Spare Tires — If Equipped ............................. 287
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ........................ 289
Snow Traction Devices ................................. 290
Tire Rotation Recommendations ................. 291
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES ................... 291
Treadwear ...................................................... 292
Traction Grades ............................................. 292Temperature Grades ..................................... 292
STORING THE VEHICLE ...................................... 292
BODYWORK ......................................................... 293
Protection From Atmospheric Agents .......... 293
Body And Underbody Maintenance.............. 293Preserving The Bodywork ............................. 293
INTERIORS .......................................................... 294
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................. 294
Plastic And Coated Parts .............................. 295Leather Surfaces ........................................... 295Glass Surfaces ............................................. 295
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) ........ 296
BRAKE SYSTEM .................................................. 296
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .. 296
Torque Specifications ................................... 296
FUEL REQUIREMENTS ........................................ 297
3.6L Engine ................................................... 297
5.7L Engine ................................................... 297
Reformulated Gasoline ................................ 297Materials Added To Fuel ............................... 298
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ......................... 298
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ......................................................... 298
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ...... 298Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT) In Gasoline ..................... 299
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................... 299
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................... 300
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................. 301

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10 Battery Charge Warning Light Úpage 75
Door Open Warning Light Úpage 75
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light Úpage 75
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Úpage 75
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Úpage 76
Oil Pressure Warning Light Úpage 76
Oil Temperature Warning Light Úpage 76
Red Warning Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 76
Transmission Temperature Warning Light Úpage 76
Trunk Open Warning Light Úpage 77
Vehicle Security Warning Light Úpage 77
Yellow Warning Lights
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Úpage 77
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL) Úpage 78
Red Warning Lights

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE15
3. Remove the back cover to access and replace the battery. When replacing the battery, match
the (+) sign on the battery to the (+) sign on the
inside of the battery clip, located on the back
cover. Avoid touching the new battery with your
fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterio -
ration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
4. To assemble the key fob case, snap the two halves together.
Programming And Requesting Additional
Key Fobs
Programming the key fob may be performed by an
authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be repurposed and reprogrammed to
another vehicle.
Only key fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. Once a key fob is
programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an
authorized dealer. This procedure consists of
programming a blank key fob to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key fob is one that has
never been programmed.
NOTE:When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer system
serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the
engine. The system does not need to be armed or
activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of
whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a key fob, keyless push button
ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to
prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore,
only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The
system cannot reprogram a key fob obtained from
another vehicle.
After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains
on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a
problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates
that someone attempted to start the engine with
an invalid key fob. In the event that a valid key fob
is used to start the engine but there is an issue
with the vehicle electronics, the engine will start
and shut off after two seconds.
WARNING!
The integrated key fob contains a coin cell
battery. Do not ingest the battery; there is a
chemical burn hazard. If the coin cell battery is
swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns
in just two hours and can lead to death.
If you think a battery may have been swal-
lowed or placed inside any part of the body,
seek immediate medical attention.
Keep new and used batteries away from chil -
dren. If the battery compartment does not
close securely, stop using the product and
keep it away from children.
WARNING!
Always remove the key fobs from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.

For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™
Ignition, always remember to place the ignition in
the OFF position.

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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
With Remote Start, the engine will only run for
15 minutes.
Remote Start can only be used twice.
If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low,
the vehicle will start and then shut down in
10 seconds.
The parking lights will turn on and remain on
during Remote Start mode.
For security, power window operation is
disabled when the vehicle is in the Remote Start
mode.
The ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN posi -
tion before the Remote Start sequence can be
repeated for a third cycle.
All of the following conditions must be met before
the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Trunk closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
Check engine light shall not be present
PANIC button not pushed
System not disabled from previous Remote
Start event
Vehicle Security system indicator flashing
Ignition in the OFF position
Fuel level meets minimum requirement

Vehicle Security system is not signaling an intrusion
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not illuminated

TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE
To drive the vehicle after starting the Remote Start
system, either push and release the unlock button
on the key fob to unlock the doors, or unlock the
vehicle using Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Passive Entry
via the door handles, and disarm the Vehicle
Security system (if equipped). Then, prior to the
end of the 15 minute cycle, push and release the
START/STOP ignition button.
The Remote Start system will turn the engine off if
the Remote Start button is pushed again, or if the
engine is allowed to run for the entire 15 minute
cycle. Once the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position, the climate controls will resume
previously set operations (temperature, blower
control, etc.).
NOTE:
To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system
will disable for two seconds after receiving a
valid Remote Start request.
For vehicles equipped with the Keyless Enter ‘n
Go™ — Passive Entry feature, the message
“Remote Start Active — Push Start Button” will
display in the instrument cluster display until
you push the START/STOP Ignition button.
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed
garage or confined area. Exhaust gas contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is odorless and
colorless. Carbon Monoxide is poisonous and
can cause serious injury or death when
inhaled.
Keep key fobs away from children. Operation
of the Remote Start system, windows, door
locks or other controls could cause serious
injury or death.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL67
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 67.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within the
normal range indicates that the engine
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal oper -
ating range. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to
the side of the vehicle where the
fuel door is located.
NOTE:The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY

Your vehicle is equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver.
With the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/closing
of a door will activate the display for viewing, and
display the total miles, or kilometers, in the
odometer. Your instrument cluster display is
designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver
interactive display located on the instrument panel,
your instrument cluster display can show you how
systems are working and give you warnings when
they are not. The steering wheel mounted controls
allow you to scroll through the main menus and
submenus. You can access the specific information
you want and make selections and adjustments.

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, follow
the warnings under Cooling System Úpage 259.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range.
If the pointer remains on the “H”, turn the
engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.
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72GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
2. Upper Right
None
Compass
Outside Temperature
Time
Range to Empty
Avg L/100 km (MPG or km/L)
Current L/100 km (MPG or km/L)
Trip A
Trip B
Trailer Trip
Gain
3. Current Gear
On
Off
4. Gear Display
Full
Single 5. Favorites Menu
Speedometer
Vehicle Info
Performance
Driver Assist
Fuel Economy
Trip
Audio
Stored Messages
Screen Setup
Diagnostic Codes
Speed Warning
6. Defaults
Restore
Cancel
Diagnostics — If Equipped
This feature allows the driver to view engine and
emission vehicle faults.
Push OK to have the most recent fault code
sent.
There is a delay when the next diagnostic code
is requested during which the following
message is displayed:
“Checking System for Diagnostic Codes.”
Driver must push the OK button again to see the
next P code otherwise current message remains
displayed.
Driver exits when they cycle to another
submenu (up or down).
Faults are displayed from newest to the oldest.
If the menu is exited before the end of codes is
reached - when the driver re-enters the list will
be restarted from the beginning.
When no codes are present or the last code is
reached = (P0000) and this message is
displayed:
“No or End of Diagnostic Codes.”

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL75
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD
failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along
with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON/RUN position. The light should
illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light
should then turn off unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does
not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer. The light also will turn on when the parking brake
is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may
be a malfunction with the charging
system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
chime.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Ú page 94.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC system.
If a problem is detected while the vehicle
is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is placed
in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If
the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have
failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
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76GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
pedals are pressed at the same time.

If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough
idle, or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing. The light will come on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light

This warning light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine coolant
temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If
the temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous
chime will sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool: whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does
not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately
and call for service
Ú
page 239.

Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon
as possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how much
oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine
as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to
return to normal levels.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when
the driver or passenger seat belt is
unbuckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When
driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound Ú page 193.
Transmission Temperature Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or
NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.

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78GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches
approximately 2 gal (7.5 L), this light will
turn on and a chime will sound. The light
will remain on until fuel is added.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low
Ú
page 251.

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the ignition switch from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The
vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible if this occurs.

Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when a ACC is not
operating and needs service Ú
page 96.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Collision
Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service Úpage 188.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that
the tire pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal
tire duration and fuel consumption may not be
guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire.
WARNING!

A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
you drive slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the
vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power
loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.

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