2007 DODGE CHARGER check engine light

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
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
Autostickmodes, 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
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

Loose Fuel Filler Cap
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. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset 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 Malfunction Indicator Light (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, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD 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 system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
7

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 top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean, and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
344 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Fluid Level Check..................... 316
Fluid Type.......................... 339
Gear Ranges......................... 201
Shifting..........................200,205
Special Additives..................... 317
Torque Converter..................... 204
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 204
Autostick..........................207,209
Ball Joints............................ 306
Battery............................... 303
Emergency Starting.................... 282
Jump Starting........................ 282
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................282,303
Bearings.............................. 318
Belts, Drive........................... 300
Belts, Seat............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 306
B-Pillar Location....................... 228
Brake Assist System..................... 220
Brake, Parking......................... 213
Brake System.......................214,313Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 214
Fluid Check......................315,339
Hoses.............................. 314
Master Cylinder...................... 315
Parking............................ 213
Warning Light....................133,214
Brakes............................... 214
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 200
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 59
Bulb Replacement...................... 331
Bulbs, Light........................... 330
Calibration, Compass.................... 142
Capacities, Fluid....................... 337
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 254
Oil (Engine)......................... 298
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 310
Car Washes........................... 319
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............60,253
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 178
Catalytic Converter..................... 301
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............150,157
INDEX 371
10

Cellular Phone.......................... 69
Chains, Tire........................... 240
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 274
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 225
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 293
Child Restraint.................51,52,53,55,57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........54,55
Child Safety Locks....................... 26
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 251
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 320
Climate Control........................ 180
Clock..........................152,158,169
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 179
Compact Spare Tire..................... 235
Compass............................. 142
Compass Calibration.................... 142
Compass Variance...................... 143
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 140
Console.............................. 120
Console, Floor......................... 120
Console, Overhead...................... 108Contract, Service....................... 364
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 310
Cooling System........................ 308
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 310
Coolant Capacity..................... 337
Coolant Level.....................308,311
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 311
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 309
Inspection........................... 311
Points to Remember................... 312
Pressure Cap........................ 310
Radiator Cap........................ 310
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....309,337,338
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 105
Cruise Light........................... 129
Cup Holder........................ 119,322
Customer Assistance.................... 362
Data Recorder, Event..................... 49
Daytime Running Lights.................. 97
Dealer Service......................... 294
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 190
Defroster, Windshield...............61,181,186
372 INDEX

Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 292
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 98
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 311
Door Locks............................ 23
Door Locks, Automatic................... 24
Door Opener, Garage.................... 109
Drive Belts............................ 300
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 212
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 172
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 68
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 117
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 105
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 221
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 130
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)..... 137
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 284
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 272
Jacking............................. 274Jump Starting........................ 282
Overheating......................... 272
Towing............................. 285
Emission Control System Maintenance....293,342
Engine.........................289,290,291
Air Cleaner.......................... 300
Block Heater......................... 197
Break-In Recommendations............... 59
Checking Oil Level.................295,296
Compartment..................289,290,291
Coolant (Antifreeze)................308,338
Cooling............................ 308
Exhaust Gas Caution................60,253
Fails to Start......................... 195
Flooded, Starting..................... 195
Fuel Requirements.................250,337
Oil ..........................295,337,338
Oil Change Interval................... 297
Oil Filler Cap........................ 298
Oil Selection......................297,337
Oil Synthetic......................... 299
Overheating......................... 272
Temperature Gauge................... 130
INDEX 373
10

Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 48
Ethanol.............................. 251
Event Data Recorder..................... 49
Exhaust Gas Caution...............60,253,308
Exhaust System......................60,307
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 67
Exterior Lighting........................ 95
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 300
Air Conditioning..................188,305
Engine Fuel......................... 301
Engine Oil.......................300,338
Engine Oil Disposal................... 299
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 272
Turn Signal........................98,131
Flash-To-Pass........................... 98
Flat Tire Changing...................... 274
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 195
Floor Console.......................... 120
Fluid Capacities........................ 337
Fluid Leaks............................ 61Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 315
Cooling System....................... 308
Engine Oil.......................295,296
Power Steering....................... 305
Fluids............................... 338
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 338
Fog Lights..........................97,133
Folding Rear Seat....................... 93
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 284
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 306
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 318
Fuel................................. 250
Adding............................. 254
Clean Air........................... 251
Ethanol............................. 251
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 254
Filter.............................. 301
Gasoline............................ 250
Gauge............................. 129
Hoses.............................. 313
Methanol........................... 251
Octane Rating.....................250,338
374 INDEX