2007 DODGE CHARGER engine overheat

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and don’t
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the following
limitations:
With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 30 miles (48 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
6

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
scalding 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
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7

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

Materials Added to.................... 299
Recommendation..................297,337
Synthetic........................... 299
Viscosity.........................298,337
Onboard Diagnostic System............292,293
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 109
Operating Precautions................... 292
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 67
Overdrive............................ 202
Overhead Console...................... 108
Overheating, Engine..................130,272
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 365
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 213
Parking On Hill........................ 213
Passing Light........................... 98
Pedals, Adjustable...................... 104
Personal Settings....................... 146
Pets.................................. 58
Phone, Cellular......................... 69
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 69
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 228Power
Brakes............................. 214
Distribution Center (Fuses).............. 323
Door Locks.......................... 24
Mirrors............................. 68
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 117
Seats............................... 89
Steering.........................217,305
Steering, Checking.................... 305
Sunroof............................ 114
Windows............................ 28
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 41
Preparation for Jacking................... 274
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 39
Programmable Electronic Features..... 110,113,146
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)..............21,110,113
Radial Ply Tires........................ 235
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 310
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 149
Radio, Navigation...................... 168
INDEX 379
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