2006 DODGE CHARGER fuel

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. Push in on the left side (near the
edge) of the fuel filler door to access the fuel filler cap. If
the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement
cap is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Door
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap), and may result in a
malfunction indicator light on the instrument clus-
ter. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the
fuel system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
Gas Cap Tether Hook
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a“clicking”sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap”message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer
to“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”in
Section 4 of this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System”in Section 7 of this manual
for more information.
WARNING!
•Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
•The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule“B”in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips—Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips—Autostick (If Equipped)

For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Towing Tips—Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12 volts.
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump starting.
NOTE:The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be replaced
with a battery of the same type (vented).
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF (or LOCK) position for both
vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 271
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.7L Engine..........................279

3.5L Engine..........................280

5.7L Engine..........................281

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......282

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................283

Replacement Parts.....................284

Dealer Service........................284

Maintenance Procedures.................285
▫Engine Oil..........................285
▫Engine Oil Filter......................290▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................290
▫Spark Plugs.........................290
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................290
▫Fuel Filter..........................291
▫Catalytic Converter....................291
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................292
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............294
▫A/C Air Filter—If Equipped............295
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............295
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........296
▫Steering Linkage......................296
7

▫Body Lubrication.....................296
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................296
▫Windshield Washers...................297
▫Exhaust System......................297
▫Cooling System.......................298
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......303
▫Brakes.............................303
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................304
▫Fuel System Hoses....................305
▫Automatic Transmission................306
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........307
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................307
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 310

Power Distribution Centers...............311▫Front Power Distribution Center...........311
▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........313

Vehicle Storage........................317

Replacement Light Bulbs................317

Bulb Replacement......................318
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, And Front Sidemarker
Light..............................318
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, Tail/Turn
Light, And Tail/Stop Light...............320
▫License Light........................322

Fluids And Capacities...................323

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts.......324
▫Engine.............................324
▫Chassis............................325
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE