check oil DODGE CHARGER 2021 User Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE251
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel
stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is
about ten minutes after a fully warmed up engine
is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the
MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil
level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in
the front of the engine compartment. Be sure to
check the fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a
few seconds to flush out the residual water.

When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture
that meets or exceeds the temperature range of
your climate. This rating information can be found
on most washer fluid containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 Gallon
(4 Liters) of washer fluid when the message “Low
Washer Fluid” appears in the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and inflammable vapors
may be present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may
get burned. Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start; danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!

Be careful not to confuse the various types of
fluids while topping up: they are not compatible
with each other! Topping up with an unsuitable
fluid could severely damage your car.

The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
Always top up using engine oil of the same
specifications as that already in the engine.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler
cap, particularly for vehicles with aluminium
cap (if equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase
will cause aeration or loss of oil pressure.
This could damage your engine.
CAUTION!CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
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254SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
the addition of any additives (other than leak
detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil
and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil
filters, indiscriminately discarded, can present a
problem to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station or governmental agency for
advice on how and where used oil and oil filters can
be safely discarded in your area.

ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new
filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be used
for replacement. The quality of replacement filters
varies considerably. Only high quality Mopar®
certified filters should be used.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 245.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified
filters should be used.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This
service should include cleaning of the condenser
fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension
should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the
air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle
with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.WARNING!

Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for your air
conditioning system. Some unapproved refrig -
erants are flammable and can explode, injuring
you. Other unapproved refrigerants or lubri -
cants can cause the system to fail, requiring
costly repairs. Refer to Warranty Information
Book, for further warranty information.

The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines
to be disconnected should be done by an
experienced technician.

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262SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro
-
sion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú page 245.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
immediately if the brake system warning light
indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing 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
requirements 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 brake fluid that has been recommended
by the manufacturer, and has been kept in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination from
foreign matter or moisture.
For further information Ú
page 300.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid Úpage 300. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep
the master cylinder reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in a open container
absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE263
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives

The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives. Therefore, do not add any
fluid additives to the transmission. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.

Fluid Level Check

The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required; therefore the transmission has no dipstick.
An authorized dealer can check your transmission
fluid level using special service tools. If you notice
fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance
and life. Use only the manufacturer's specified
transmission fluid Úpage 300. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.

REAR AXLE
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are
not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is
suspected inspect the fluid level Ú page 300.

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
CAUTION!

If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. An authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Úpage 300.
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307
AUX
................................................................ 220AUX Cord.......................................................... 56Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet).......... 57AWD Towing....................................................... 244Axle Fluid....................................................... 301Axle Lubrication............................................. 301
B
Back-Up......................................................... 112Battery.................................................... 75, 252Charging System Light................................. 75Keyless Key Fob Replacement.................... 14Location.................................................... 252Battery Saver Feature...................................... 45Belts, Seat..................................................... 220BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................156Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 256B-Pillar Location............................................. 280Brake Assist System...................................... 181Brake Control System.................................... 181Brake Fluid.......................................... 262, 301Brake System...................................... 262, 296Fluid Check..................................... 262, 301Master Cylinder......................................... 262Parking........................................................ 87Warning Light..................................... 74, 296Brake/Transmission Interlock......................... 89
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 86Brightness, Interior Lights................................ 46Bulb Replacement........................................ 271Bulbs, Light.......................................... 222, 271
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 112Capacities, Fluid........................................... 299Caps, FillerOil (Engine)............................................... 249Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................... 261Car Washes................................................... 293Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 222CargoVehicle Loading........................................ 114Cargo Area Cover............................................. 64Cargo Compartment........................................ 64CD................................................................. 150Certification Label......................................... 114Chains, Tire................................................... 290Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 276Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................. 82Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 220Checks, Safety.............................................. 220Child Restraint.............................................. 208Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 211Child Seat Installation.............................. 218
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 216Infant And Child Restraints....................... 210Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 213Older Children And Child Restraints.......... 210Seating Positions...................................... 212Child Safety Locks............................................24Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 297CleaningWheels...................................................... 289Climate Control................................................48Automatic....................................................48Manual........................................................51Coin Holder......................................................55Cold Weather Operation...................................85Compact Spare Tire...................................... 287ConsoleFloor............................................................55Contract, Service........................................... 303Controls........................................................ 141Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 261Cooling System............................................. 259Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 260Coolant Level................................... 260, 261Cooling Capacity....................................... 299Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 261Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 260Inspection................................................. 261Points To Remember................................ 26111

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308 Pressure Cap
............................................. 261Radiator Cap............................................. 261Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)........................ 260, 299, 300Corrosion Protection...................................... 293Cruise Control (Speed Control)................. 95, 96Cruise Light..................................................... 80Customer Assistance..................................... 302Customer Programmable Features................125Cybersecurity................................................. 124
D
Daytime Running Lights................................... 42Deck LidPower Release............................................ 63Defroster, Windshield.................................... 220De-Icer, Remote Start...................................... 19Deleting A Phone........................................... 157Diagnostic System, Onboard........................... 81Dimmer SwitchHeadlight..................................................... 43DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................ 251Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 243Disc Drive...................................................... 150Disconnecting................................................ 157DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 261Disturb........................................................... 159Door Ajar.......................................................... 75
Door Ajar Light................................................. 75Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 24Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors.... 24Doors............................................................... 21Drag & Drop.................................................. 140Drive Modes.................................................. 174Driver Memory Presets................................. 148Driver’s Seat Back Tilt...................................... 29DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 122
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 181Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 180Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 181, 185Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 37Electronic Power Distribution
Center (Fuses).............................................. 264Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........ 95Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 182Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light......... 75Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 238Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 242Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 223Jacking..................................................... 226Jump Starting.................................. 236, 237Towing...................................................... 243
Emission Control System Maintenance............82Engine.................................................. 249, 250Air Cleaner................................................ 254Block Heater................................................86Break-In Recommendations........................86Checking Oil Level.................................... 251Compartment.................................. 249, 250Compartment Identification...................... 249Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 260, 300Cooling...................................................... 259Exhaust Gas Caution................................ 222Fails To Start................................................85Flooded, Starting.........................................85Fuel Requirements.......................... 297, 299Jump Starting.................................. 236, 237Oil...........................................253, 299, 300Oil Filler Cap............................................. 249Oil Filter.................................................... 254Oil Selection..................................... 253, 299Oil Synthetic.............................................. 253Overheating.............................................. 239Starting........................................................83Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 207, 244Ethanol.......................................................... 298Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 222Exhaust System................................... 222, 258Exterior Lighting...............................................41Exterior Lights........................................ 41, 222

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309
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................. 254Air Conditioning.................................. 54, 255Engine Oil........................................ 254, 300Engine Oil Disposal................................... 254Flashers......................................................... 223Hazard Warning......................................... 223Turn Signals................................ 44, 80, 222Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 43Flooded Engine Starting.................................. 85Floor Console................................................... 55Fluid Capacities............................................. 299Fluid Leaks.................................................... 222Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 262Cooling System.......................................... 260Engine Oil.................................................. 251Fluid, Brake................................................... 301Fog Lights........................................................ 44Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 29Folding Rear Seats.......................................... 30Forward Collision Warning............................. 188Four-Way Hazard Flasher............................... 223Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 242Fuel............................................................... 297Additives................................................... 298Clean Air.................................................... 297
Ethanol..................................................... 298Gasoline................................................... 297Materials Added....................................... 298Methanol.................................................. 298Octane Rating.................................. 297, 300Requirements.................................. 297, 299Specifications........................................... 300Tank Capacity........................................... 299Fuses............................................................ 264
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 38Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 297Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 297Gear Ranges.................................................... 90Glass Cleaning.............................................. 295Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 114, 116Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 114, 115GVWR............................................................ 114
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 122Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 223Head Restraints........................................ 34, 35Head Rests............................................... 34, 35
HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................43Cleaning.................................................... 293High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........43Lights On Reminder.....................................44On With Wipers............................................43Passing........................................................43Switch..........................................................41Time Delay...................................................44Washers.................................................... 251Heated Mirrors.................................................38Heater, Engine Block........................................86High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch..............................................................43Hill Start Assist.............................................. 184HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 117Holder, Coin.....................................................55HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................38Hood Prop........................................................62Hood Release...................................................62
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311
Oil Temperature Warning
............................ 76Park...................................................... 43, 80Passing........................................................ 43Reading....................................................... 45Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 76Security Alarm............................................. 77Service...................................................... 271Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Warning.................................................. 78Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW).... 78Service LaneSense Warning........................ 77Sport Mode Indicator.................................. 80Traction Control......................................... 183Transmission Temperature Warning........... 76Trunk Open Warning................................... 77Turn Signals......................... 42, 44, 80, 222Vanity Mirror................................................ 36Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 76, 80Load Shed Battery Saver On............................ 73Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction.............. 73Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor.............. 73Loading Vehicle................................... 114, 115Capacities................................................. 115Tires.......................................................... 280LocksAuto Unlock................................................. 24Automatic Door........................................... 24Child Protection........................................... 24Power Door.................................................. 21
Low Tire Pressure System............................. 190Lubrication, Body.......................................... 256Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 296
M
Maintenance.................................................... 61Maintenance Free Battery............................ 252Maintenance Schedule........................ 245, 246Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................................... 78, 82ManualService..................................................... 305Media Hub....................................................... 56Media Mode.................................................. 150Memory Seat................................................... 27Memory Settings.............................................. 27Methanol...................................................... 298Mirrors............................................................. 36Electric Powered.......................................... 37Electric Remote........................................... 37Heated......................................................... 38Outside........................................................ 37Rearview.............................................36, 223Vanity.......................................................... 36Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 190Mopar Parts.................................................. 304MP3 Control..................................................... 56Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 42
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................86
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 193Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 297, 300Oil Change Indicator.........................................69Reset...........................................................69Oil Filter, Change........................................... 254Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 254Oil Pressure Light.............................................76Oil, Engine............................................ 253, 300Capacity.................................................... 299Checking................................................... 251Dipstick..................................................... 251Disposal.................................................... 254Filter................................................ 254, 300Filter Disposal........................................... 254Identification Logo.................................... 253Materials Added To................................... 254Pressure Warning Light................................76Recommendation............................ 253, 299Synthetic................................................... 253Viscosity.................................................... 299Onboard Diagnostic System.............................81Operating Precautions.....................................81Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 305Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................37Overheating, Engine...................................... 239
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313
S
Safety
............................................................ 140Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 220Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 221Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 304Safety Features............................................. 140Safety Information, Tire................................. 275Safety Tips..................................................... 220Safety, Exhaust Gas....................................... 222Satellite Radio............................................... 143Saved Radio Stations.................................... 148Schedule, Maintenance....................... 245, 246Seat Belt Reminder......................................... 76Seat Belts............................................ 194, 220Adjustable Shoulder Belt........................... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................. 198Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)............ 199Child Restraints......................................... 208Energy Management Feature.................... 199Extender.................................................... 198Front Seat.............................. 194, 195, 197Inspection................................................. 220Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 197Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................197Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 195Operating Instructions............................... 197Pregnant Women...................................... 199
Pretensioners........................................... 199Rear Seat................................................. 195Reminder.................................................. 194Seat Belt Extender.................................... 198Seat Belt Pretensioner............................. 199Untwisting Procedure............................... 197Seat Belts Maintenance............................... 294Seats................................................. 29, 31, 32Adjustment........................................... 29, 31Easy Entry.................................................... 32Head Restraints.................................... 34, 35Heated......................................................... 32Height Adjustment....................................... 31Power.......................................................... 31Rear Folding......................................... 29, 30Seatback Release................................ 29, 30Tilting.................................................... 29, 31Vented......................................................... 34Ventilated.................................................... 34Security Alarm........................................... 20, 77Arm The System.......................................... 20Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 300Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 15Service Assistance........................................ 302Service Contract........................................... 303Service Manuals........................................... 305Settings, Audio.............................................. 148Shifting............................................................ 88Automatic Transmission....................... 88, 89Shoulder Belts.............................................. 195
Side View Mirror Adjustment............................37Signals, Turn................................... 44, 80, 222Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 143Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 146Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 290Snow Tires.................................................... 287Spare Tires..................................227, 287, 288SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline).......................................... 300Oil............................................................. 300Speed ControlAccel/Decel.................................................96Accel/Decel (ACC Only)............................. 100Cancel..........................................................96Resume.......................................................96Set...............................................................95Speed Control (Cruise Control)..................95, 96Sport Mode......................................................94Starting............................................................83Automatic Transmission..............................83Button..........................................................16Cold Weather...............................................85Engine Fails To Start....................................85Remote........................................................17Starting And Operating.....................................83
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