2008 DODGE CHALLENGER engine overheat

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “1st” and 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 some-
one. 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.
290 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emissions 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.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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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 exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything 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 the 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.
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The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
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 scald-
ing 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 en-
gine 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 the
ground. 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
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Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 297
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 120
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 301
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 291
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 317
Engine Oil ........................... 303
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 130
DriveBelts ............................ 303
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 229
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 230
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 76 Electrical Power Outlets
................... 140
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 238
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 331
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 240
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 151
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 159
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of FreeingVehicleWhenStuck ............... 289
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 280
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Overheating .......................... 280
Towing ............................. 291
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......298,346
Engine ............................... 296
Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Block Heater ......................... 219
366 INDEX
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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
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Change Interval....................... 301
Checking ............................ 301
Dipstick ............................. 301
Disposal ............................ 303
Filter ............................ 303,342
Filter Disposal ........................ 303
Materials Added to ..................... 303
Recommendation ................... 302,341
Viscosity .......................... 302,341
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 303
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 303
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............297,298
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 130
Operating Precautions .................... 297
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 75
Overhead Console ....................... 129
Overheating, Engine ...................... 280
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 357PaintCare ............................. 324
Panic Alarm
............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 232
Parking On Hill ......................... 233
Passing Light ........................... 120
Personal Settings ........................ 172
Pets .................................. 67
Phone, Cellular .................... 78, 191,192
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ........ 78,191,192
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 250
Port Universal Serial Bus (USB) ................ 191
USB ................................ 191
Power Brakes .............................. 234
Deck Lid Release ....................... 35
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 331
Door Locks ........................... 30
374 INDEX
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