maintenance DODGE CHARGER 2021 Repair Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE291
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, driving, and braking functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates.

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to
maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.

For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 245.
The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected prior to rotation being performed.

The suggested rotation method is the “rearward
cross” shown in the following diagram. This rotation
pattern does not apply to some directional tires that
must not be reversed. Tire Rotation (Rearward Cross)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by the
tire's manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe
the following precautions:

Because of restricted traction device clearance
between tires and other suspension components,
it is important that only traction devices in good
condition are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device breakage.
Remove the damaged parts of the device before
further use.

Install device as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
Autosock traction devices do not require
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.

Observe the traction device manufacturer’s instruc
-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac -
turer’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
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292SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TREADWEAR
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION GRADES

The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement, as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.

TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat, when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel,
than the minimum required by law.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more
than 3 weeks, you may want to take these steps to
protect your battery.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (e.g., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri-
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,
or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE293
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
A
GENTS
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice and those
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during
other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in
your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your
vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold
weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
Stone and gravel impact.
Insects, tree sap and tar.
Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
BODY AND UNDERBODY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights
and fog lights that are lighter and less susceptible
to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
therefore different lens cleaning procedures must
be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses
and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry
cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap
solution followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components,
solvents, steel wool or other aggressive material to
clean the lenses.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Washing
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your
vehicle in the shade using Mopar® Car Wash, or
a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels
completely with water.
If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, use Mopar®
Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover to remove.
Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar®
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to
protect your paint finish. Use precautions to not
scratch the paint.
Avoid using abrasive compounds and power
buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out
the paint finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning mate -
rials such as steel wool or scouring powder
that will scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8,274 kPa) can result in damage or removal
of paint and decals.
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294SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Special Care
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you
drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage
at least once a month.
It is important that the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be
kept clear and open.
If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the
paint, touch them up immediately.
If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or
similar cause that destroys the paint and protec -
tive coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon
as possible.
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
Use Mopar® Touch Up Paint on scratches as
soon as possible. An authorized dealer has
touch up paint to match the color of your
vehicle.
INTERIORS
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Use Mopar® Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with
chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use Mopar® Total
Clean, a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water.
Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to wash
them. Dry with a soft cloth. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric. Replace
the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
WARNING!

A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect
the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must
be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or
modify the seat belt system. If your vehicle is
involved in a collision, or if you have questions
regarding seat belt or retractor conditions, take
your vehicle to an authorized FCA dealer or
authorized FCA Certified Collision Care Program
facility for inspection.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE295
PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
Use Mopar® Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster
Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this
vehicle are molded in clear plastic. When cleaning
the lenses, care must be taken to avoid scratching
the plastic.
Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution
may be used, but do not use high alcohol content
or abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean
with a clean damp cloth. Dry with a soft cloth.
LEATHER SURFACES
Mopar® Total Clean is specifically recommended
for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by
regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small
particles of dirt can act as an abrasive and damage
the leather upholstery and should be removed
promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils can be
removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar® Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not
use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery.
NOTE:If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to
show any foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye
transfer more so than darker colors. The leather is
designed for easy cleaning, and the manufacturer
recommends Mopar® total care leather cleaner
applied on a cloth to clean the leather seats as
needed.
GLASS SURFACES
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a
regular basis with Mopar® Glass Cleaner, or any
commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never
use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped with
electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio
antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp
instruments that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner
on the towel or cloth that you are using. Do not
spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repel -
lents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the
plastic, painted, or decorated surfaces of the
interior may cause permanent damage. Wipe
away immediately.
Damage caused by these type of products
may not be covered by your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or
Ketone based cleaning products to clean leather
upholstery, as damage to the upholstery may
result.
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302
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE
FOR YOUR VEHICLE
PREPARE FOR THE APPOINTMENT
All work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty. Discuss additional charges with the
service manager. Keep a maintenance log of your
vehicle's service history. This can often provide a
clue to the current problem.
PREPARE A LIST

Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an accident
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let
the service advisor know.

BE REASONABLE WITH REQUESTS
If you list a number of items and you must have
your vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the
situation with the service advisor and list the items
in order of priority. At many authorized dealers, you
may obtain a rental vehicle (additional charges
may apply). If you need a rental, it is advisable to
make these arrangements when you call for an
appointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
FCA US LLC and its authorized dealers are vitally
interested in your satisfaction. We want you to be
happy with our products and services.

Warranty service must be done by an authorized
dealer. We strongly recommend that you take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer. They know your
vehicle the best, and are most concerned that you
get prompt and high quality service. FCA US LLC’s
authorized dealers have the facilities,
factory-trained technicians, special tools, and the
latest information to ensure the vehicle is fixed
correctly and in a timely manner.
This is why you should always talk to an authorized
dealer’s service manager first. If for some reason
you are still not satisfied, talk to the general
manager or owner of the authorized dealer. They
want to know if you need assistance. If an authorized
dealer is unable to resolve the concern, you may
contact FCA US LLC’s Customer Assistance center.
Any communication to FCA US LLC’s customer
center should include the following information:Owner's name and address
Owner's telephone number (home, mobile, and
office)
Authorized dealer name
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle delivery date and mileage
FCA U S LLC CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 21–8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321–8004
Phone: (800) 423-6343
FCA CANADA INC. CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: (800) 465-2001 English /
(800) 387-9983 French

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306
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 296Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 96Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 260Adding Fuel.................................................... 113Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 251Additives, Fuel............................................... 298AdjustForward....................................................... 31Rearward..................................................... 31Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 161Air Bag........................................................... 201Advance Front Air Bag............................... 201Air Bag Operation...................................... 203Air Bag Warning Light................................ 201Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 203Enhanced Accident Response......... 207, 244Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 244Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 206Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 203Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 207Maintenance............................................. 207Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............201Side Air Bags............................................. 203
Air Bag Light.................................. 74, 201, 220Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)............................. 254Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 254Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 254, 255Air Conditioner System................................. 254Air Conditioning......................................... 48, 51Air Conditioning Filter..............................54, 255Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 54Air Filter........................................................ 254Air PressureTires......................................................... 283AlarmArm The System.......................................... 20Rearm The System...................................... 20Security Alarm...................................... 20, 77Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel DriveTowing...................................................... 244Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Android Auto........................................ 163, 164Android Auto™
b
....................................... 163Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 260, 299Disposal................................................... 261
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)....................... 180Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................77Apple CarPlay....................................... 163, 166Apple CarPlay®
b
...................................... 165Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................20Assist, Hill Start............................................. 184Audio Settings............................................... 148Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 124Auto Down Power Windows..............................59Automatic Door Locks......................................24Automatic Headlights.......................................43Automatic High Beams.....................................43Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).......48, 53Automatic Transmission......................... 89, 263Adding Fluid..................................... 263, 301Fluid And Filter Change............................. 263Fluid Change............................................. 263Fluid Level Check...................................... 263Fluid Type........................................ 263, 301Special Additives...................................... 263Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode.........................................................24, 92AutoPark..........................................................84AutostickOperation.....................................................92

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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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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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