engine overheat DODGE CHARGER 2021 User Guide

242IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow,
it can often be moved using a rocking motion.
Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear the
area around the front wheels. For vehicles with
automatic transmission, push and hold the lock
button on the gear selector. Then shift back and
forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with automatic
transmission) or FIRST gear and REVERSE (with
manual transmission), while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator
pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.

NOTE:
For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved
at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for
more than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.

Push the ESC OFF button to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle Ú page 182.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC OFF
button again to restore “ESC On” mode.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of clutch or
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause
damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires.
A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck
and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.

Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin
the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in
gear (no transmission shifting occurring).

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE259
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni-
tion 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 diag
-
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating
conditions.
NOTE:The vehicle exhaust system may be equipped with
an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if the
exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket
products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will
illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condi -
tion. In the event of engine malfunction, particu-
larly involving engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your vehicle with
a severe malfunction could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible damage to the
converter and vehicle.

WARNING!
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 open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radi -
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may
start at any time, whether the engine is
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE261
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection
in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the
area where the vehicle is operated.

Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system, please contact an authorized dealer.

Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain,
flush, and refill with OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap

The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle/recovery tank (if equipped).
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent
ingestion by animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested,
seek emergency assistance immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method
for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine off and cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be
between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so
there is no need to remove the radiator/coolant
pressure cap unless checking for engine coolant
freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that
meets the requirements of manufacturer Material
Standard MS.90032 should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo
-
meters of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from rain,
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never
add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine.
Heat causes pressure to build up in the
cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
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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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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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