transmission DODGE CHARGER 2021 Service Manual

228IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
6. Remove the wheel chocks, jack and lug
wrench assembly from under the spare tire.
Turn the jack screw to the left to loosen the lug
wrench, and remove the wrench from the jack
assembly.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Jack Warning Label

Placement for the front and rear jacking locations
are critical. See the following images for proper
jacking locations.

Jacking Locations

WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire
in the places provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire
repaired or replaced immediately.

WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before
raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set an auto -
matic transmission in PARK.
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the vehicle
on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is
on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with
the valve stem facing the ground.
WARNING!

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY233
SEALING A TIRE WITH TIRE SERVICE KIT

(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the
vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.

2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the
ground. This will allow the Tire Service Kit Hoses
(4) and (8) to reach the valve stem and keep the
Tire Service Kit flat on the ground. This will
provide the best positioning of the kit when
injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and
running the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.

3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual transmission)
and place the ignition in the OFF position.

4. Apply the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (6) and turn to the Sealant Mode position.

2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (4) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire. 4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then
screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant
Hose (4) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into
The Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the gear selector in
NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (3), the sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1)
through the Sealant Hose (4) and into the tire.
NOTE:Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire.
Keep Tire Service Kit away from open flames
or heat source.
A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the Tire
Service Kit in the place provided. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in injuries
that are serious or fatal to you, your passen -
gers, and others around you.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire
Service Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes,
or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is harmful
if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the
skin. It causes skin, eye, and respiratory irrita -
tion. Flush immediately with plenty of water if
there is any contact with eyes or skin. Change
clothing as soon as possible, if there is any
contact with clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty of
water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
WARNING!
7

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236IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be
jump started using a set of jumper cables and a
battery in another vehicle, or by using a portable
battery booster pack. Jump starting can be
dangerous if done improperly, so please follow the
procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer's operating instructions and
precautions.
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START
The battery is stored under an access cover in the
trunk. Remote battery posts are located on the
right side of the engine compartment for jump
starting.

Jump Starting Locations

NOTE:The remote battery posts are viewed by standing
on the right side of the vehicle looking over the
fender. The positive battery post may be covered
with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain
access to the positive battery post. Do not jump off
fuses. Only jump directly off positive post which
has a positive (+) symbol on or around the post.
See below steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and place the ignition
in the OFF position.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.
3. Pull upward and remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake, and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system voltage
greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery,
starter motor, alternator or electrical system may
occur.
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post

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240IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8-SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available. Follow these steps to use the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Remove the console storage bin.

Console Storage Bin

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 try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the
driver's seat with your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when activating the Manual Park Release.
Activating the Manual Park Release will allow
your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake, or by proper connection to a tow
vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.

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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).

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 242

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY243
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service Ú page 121.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equipment designed for this purpose, following
equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle,
not to fascia/bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's battery is discharged, find Instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK Ú page 240.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground RWD MODELS
AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT RECOMMENDED (but, if used, same
limitations as above) NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED, but, if used:
Ignition in ON/RUN mode
Transmission in
NEUTRAL (NOT in PARK)
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
7

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244IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If the transmission and driveline are operable,
AWD models can also be towed with the ignition in
the ON/RUN mode, the transmission in NEUTRAL
(not in PARK!), and the rear wheels OFF the ground
with no limitation on speed or distance. Since the
ignition MUST be in the ON/RUN mode to tow in
this manner, AWD vehicles must be towed with ALL
FOUR wheels OFF the ground (e.g. on a flatbed
truck) if the key fob is unavailable.
REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed. If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, this vehicle may be flat
towed (with all four wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:

The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N). Instruc
-
tions on shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL (N)
when the engine is off
Ú
page 240.

The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles
(48 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle
must be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
or farther than 30 miles (48 km), then the only
acceptable method of towing is with a flatbed
truck.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System.
This feature is a communication network that
takes effect in the event of an impact Úpage 207.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record data that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed under certain crash
or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle Úpage 208.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle using any other method
can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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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.
8

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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.
8

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264SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
FUSES
GENERAL INFORMATION
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check the fuse
element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.

Also, please be aware that when using power
outlets for extended periods of time with the
engine off may result in vehicle battery discharge.

Blade Fuses

UNDERHOOD FUSES
The Front Power Distribution Center is located in
the engine compartment. This module contains
fuses and relays. Fuse cavity location and
descriptions are printed on the inside of the power
distribution center cover.
Front Power Distribution Center

WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use an
appropriate replacement fuse with the same
amp rating as the original fuse. Never replace
a fuse with another fuse of higher amp rating.
Never replace a blown fuse with metal wires or
any other material. Do not place a fuse inside
a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the
ignition is off and that all the other services
are switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an
authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems
(air bag system, braking system), power unit
systems (engine system, transmission
system) or steering system blows, contact an
authorized dealer.
1 — Fuse Element

2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse element

3 — Blade fuse with a bad/not functional fuse
element (blown fuse)
CAUTION!
When installing the power distribution center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure
to do so may allow water to get into the power
distribution center and possibly result in an
electrical system failure.
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other
than indicated may result in a dangerous elec
-
trical system overload. If a properly rated fuse
continues to blow, it indicates a problem in the
circuit that must be corrected.

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