check engine light DODGE CHARGER SRT 2010 7.G User Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will appear in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333

•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 necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. 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.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the “MAX”
mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 131
Bulb Replacement ..................... 372,373
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,372
Calibration, Compass ..................... 184
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 380
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 302
Oil (Engine) .......................... 337
Power Steering ........................ 259
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 351
Car Washes ............................ 359
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............73,302
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 305
Cellular Phone ........................ 85,231
Certification Label ....................... 305
Chains, Tire ............................ 287
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 273 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 333
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 72
Checks, Safety ........................... 72
Child Restraint .................. 62,63,64,67,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............66,67
Child Safety Locks ........................ 29
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 298
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 360
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 344
Climate Control ......................... 231
Clock ........................ 191,192,196,205
Coin Holder ........................... 153
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 230
Compass .............................. 184
Compass Calibration ..................... 184
Compass Variance ....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 178
414 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 352
Engine Oil ........................... 338
Door Locks ............................. 25
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 27
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 140
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 255
Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................. 256
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 156
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 265
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 267
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 164Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 174
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 325
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 310
Jump Starting ......................... 321
Overheating .......................... 310
Towing ............................. 327
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......333,384
Engine ............................... 331
Air Cleaner .......................... 338
Block Heater ......................... 245
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 336
Compartment ......................... 331
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 349,381
Cooling ............................. 348
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 73,302
416 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission ................. 356
Brake .............................. 354
Cooling System ....................... 349
Engine Oil ........................... 336
Power Steering ........................ 259
Fluids ................................ 381
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 381
Fog Lights .......................... 129,167
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 124
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 325
Fuel ................................. 298
Adding ............................. 302
Additives ............................ 300
Clean Air ............................ 298
Ethanol ............................. 299
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 302
Gasoline ............................ 298
Gauge .............................. 163 Materials Added
....................... 300
Methanol ............................ 299
Octane Rating ...................... 298,381
Requirements ......................... 298
Specifications ......................... 381
Tank Capacity ........................ 380
Fuel System Caution ..................... 303
Fueling ............................... 302
Fuses ................................ 364
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 140
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............302,332
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 298
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 298
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 298
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 164
Fuel ............................... 163
Speedometer ......................... 163
418 INDEX

Lights.............................. 75,127
Airbag ...................... 49,55,60,74,165
Anti-Lock ......................... 172,265
Automatic Headlights ................... 127
Brake Assist Warning ................... 271
Brake Warning ..................... 169,262
Bulb Replacement ................... 372,373
Courtesy/Reading ................... 130,139
Cruise .............................. 163
Daytime Running ...................... 128
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............129,130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 271
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 164
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 166
Exterior .............................. 75
Fog ............................. 129,167
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 310
Headlight Switch ...................... 127
Headlights ........................ 127,375Headlights On Reminder
................. 129
Headlights On With Wipers ............128,134
High Beam ........................ 130,167
High Beam Indicator .................... 167
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 130
Illuminated Entry ....................... 18
Instrument Cluster .................. 127,163
Intensity Control ...................... 131
Interior .......................... 131,139
License ............................. 379
Lights On Reminder .................... 129
Low Fuel ............................ 172
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 173
Map Reading ...................... 130,139
Oil Pressure .......................... 167
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ......... 132
Passing ............................. 130
Reading .......................... 130,139
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 167
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INDEX 421

Service........................... 372,373
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 173
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........170,291
Traction Control ....................... 271
Turn Signal ................... 75,129,130,165
Vanity Mirror .......................... 84
Voltage ............................. 163
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 163
Loading Vehicle ...................... 305,306
Capacities ........................... 306
Tires ............................... 277
Locks ................................. 25
Auto Unlock .......................... 28
Automatic Door ........................ 27
Child Protection ........................ 29
Door ................................ 25
Power Door ........................... 26
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 291 Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH)
..................... 66,67
Lubrication, Body ....................... 343
Lumbar Support ........................ 120
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 339
Maintenance, General ..................... 335
Maintenance Procedures ................... 335
Maintenance Schedule .................... 384
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 149
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 173,333
Manual, Service ......................... 407
Map/Reading Lights .................. 130,139
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 354
Methanol ............................. 299
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 178
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82
Electric Powered ....................... 84
422 INDEX