2008 DODGE CHARGER warning

correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N. m).
If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a
service station.
7. For vehicles equipped with center caps, install the
center cap by hand. Do not use a hammer or excessive
force to install the center cap.
8. Stow the jack, tools, and spare tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised.
It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle
has a discharged 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.
²Battery 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.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
²Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output
that exceeds 12 volts.
²The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not be discon-
nected and should only be replaced with a battery of the same type
(vented).
356 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands 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, but
do not allow the vehicles to touch one another.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.3. Set the parking brake, place the automatic transmis-
sion in ªPº (Park), and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
5. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the remote
jump-start positive battery post(+)in the engine com-
partment. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the booster battery. Refer to the
following illustration for jump-starting connections.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 357
6

6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery andthen to the engine ground (-)
of the vehicle with the discharged battery.Make sure
you have a good contact on the engine ground. Refer to
the following illustration for jump-starting connections.WARNING!
²You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery. Let the engine idle a few minutes. Then, start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
Jump-Starting
358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with ESP, refer to9Syn-
chronizing ESP9under9Electronic Stability Program9in
Section 5 of this manual if the ESP/BAS light (in the
instrument cluster) remains on continuously after start-
ing the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Ð if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) Ð if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to
ªElectronic Stability Programº or ªTraction Control Sys-
temº in this manual.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6

CAUTION!
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
²Racing 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.
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.
360 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the proper type of spark plug for
use in your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for engine air cleaner filter maintenance inter-
vals.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªdusty or off-road condi-
tionsº maintenance interval if applicable.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7

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 converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important 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 involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera-
tion 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.
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.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE