cooling DODGE CHARGER SRT 2008 6.G User Guide

Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule in Section
8.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct coolant type.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT
engine coolants, may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based coolants. Use of propylene
glycol-based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to five years or 100,000 mi (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34°F (
37°C) are
anticipated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized 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.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant
and to ensure that coolant will return to the radiator from
the coolant recovery bottle.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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 scald-
ing 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 en-
gine damage may result.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
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, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal 72 l
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent15.2 qts 14.4 l
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — SocketMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3957

Cleaning
Wheels............................. 377
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 363
Climate Control......................... 244
Clock ........................196,199,214,218
CoinHolder ........................... 155
Cold Weather Operation................... 263
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 244
Compass.............................. 184
Compass Calibration..................... 184
Compass Variance....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 178
Connector
UCI ................................ 238
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 238
Console, Floor.......................... 155
Console, Overhead....................... 140
Contract, Service........................ 411
Converter, Catalytic...................... 357Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 368
Cooling System......................... 365
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 367
Coolant Capacity...................... 395
Coolant Level......................366,369
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 369
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 366
Inspection........................... 369
Points to Remember.................... 369
Pressure Cap......................... 368
Radiator Cap......................... 368
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......366,395,396
Corrosion Protection..................... 375
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 137
CruiseLight ........................... 165
CupHolder .........................153,380
Customer Assistance..................... 409
Data Recorder, Event...................... 61
INDEX 421
10

Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 341
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 332
Jump Starting......................... 338
Overheating.......................... 332
Towing ............................. 342
Emergency Trunk Release................... 37
Emission Control System Maintenance......350,400
Engine............................... 348
Air Cleaner.......................... 356
Block Heater......................... 265
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Checking Oil Level..................... 353
Compartment......................... 348
Coolant (Antifreeze).................366,396
Cooling ............................. 365
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 74,324
Fails to Start.......................... 264
Flooded, Starting...................... 264Fuel Requirements..................... 321
Jump Starting......................... 338
Oil ...........................353,395,396
Oil Change Interval.................... 354
Oil Filler Cap......................... 354
OilFilter ............................ 355
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 355
Oil Selection.......................354,395
Overheating.......................... 332
Starting............................. 261
Temperature Gauge..................... 166
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 354
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 59
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 322
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 74,75,324,365
Exhaust System....................... 74,364
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 83
INDEX 423
10

Exterior Lighting........................ 125
Exterior Lights.......................... 76
Filler Location Fuel...................... 324
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 356
Air Conditioning....................254,361
Engine Fuel.......................... 357
Engine Oil........................355,396
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 355
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 332
Turn Signal...................... 76,129,167
Flash-To-Pass........................... 130
Flooded Engine Starting................... 264
Floor Console.......................... 155
Fluid, Brake........................... 397
Fluid Capacities......................... 395
Fluid Leaks............................. 76Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 374
Brake............................... 373
Cooling System....................... 366
Engine Oil........................... 353
Power Steering........................ 362
Fluids ................................ 396
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 396
Fog Lights..........................128,169
Folding Rear Seat........................ 122
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 341
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 362
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 375
Fuel................................. 321
Adding............................. 324
Additives............................ 323
CleanAir ............................ 321
Ethanol............................. 322
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 324
424 INDEX