2008 DODGE CHALLENGER check engine light

A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service. To reset the
transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur. Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described under “Tem-
porary Transmission Limp Home Mode” in this section.
In Permanent Limp Home Mode, PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Second gear will
operate in the DRIVE position. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may illuminate.
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WARNING!
With the ESP switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not en-
gage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full Off”
ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-road only.
Synchronizing ESP
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS Malfunction
Indicator Light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and the
yellow ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the instru-
ment cluster both come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. They should go out with the
engine running.
The system will turn the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator
Light on continuously while the engine is running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles
and you have driven the vehicle several miles (kilome-
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the
ESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
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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
“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
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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 this 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 the 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, the vehicle may fail the test.
This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the 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 the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
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necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
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.
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•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•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 terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 347
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M A I
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Master Cylinder....................... 321
Parking ............................. 232
Warning Light ..................... 155,234
Brakes ............................. 234,320
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 222
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 121
Bulb Replacement ..................... 336,337
Bulbs,Light .......................... 70,336
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 341
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 274
Oil (Engine) .......................... 302
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 316
Car Washes ............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 68,273
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 276 Catalytic Converter
...................... 305
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 191
Cellular Phone ..................... 78, 191,192
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 340
Certification Label ....................... 276
Chains, Tire ............................ 261
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 298
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint .................. 58,59,60,62,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 61,62
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 270
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 326
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 312
Climate Control ......................... 203
Clock ............................. 178,193
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Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Checking Oil Level ..................... 301
Compartment ......................... 296
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 314,342
Cooling ............................. 314
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 68,273
Fails to Start .......................... 218
Flooded, Starting ...................... 218
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Oil ........................... 301,341,342
Oil Change Interval .................... 301
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 302
OilFilter ............................ 303
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 303
Oil Selection ....................... 302,341
Overheating .......................... 280
Starting ............................. 214
Temperature Gauge ..................... 151 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 302
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 54
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 271
Event Data Recorder ...................... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 68, 273,313
Exhaust System ....................... 68,313
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 76
ExteriorLighting ........................ 116
ExteriorLights .......................... 70
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 274
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Air Conditioning .................... 208,310
Engine Fuel .......................... 304
Engine Oil ........................ 303,342
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 303
INDEX 367
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