2008 DODGE CHARGER overheating

7. Return to the vehicle and press the programmed
HomeLinktbutton twice (holding the button for 2 sec-
onds each time). If the device is plugged in and activates,
programming is complete.
If the device does not activate, press the button a third
time (for 2 seconds) to complete the training.
If you are have any problems, or require assistance,
please call toll-free 1±800±355±3515 or, on the Internet at
www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance.
To program the remaining two HomeLinktbuttons,
repeat each step for each remaining button. DO NOT
erase the channels.
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to ªtime-outº (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission ± which may not be long enough for
HomeLinktto pick up the signal during programming.Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to ªtime-outº in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace ªProgramming
HomeLinkº Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinktbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(ªcycleº) your hand-held transmitter until HomeLinkt
has successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
EVIC display will change from ªCHANNEL # TRAIN-
INGº to ªCHANNEL # TRAINED.º
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
3

turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
²Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
4

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever. Ac-
cidents can also be caused by pressing the accel-
erator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the
exhaust system, resulting in overheating and ve-
hicle fire, which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
5

NOTE:
²If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the ªNoteº under ªTorque Converter
Clutchº later in this section.
²If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
ª3º (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The ª3º position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.NOTE:Using the ª3º 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.
ªLº (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in
ªNº (Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to HI. This allows the heater core to act as
a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªH,º pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
ªH,º turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 345
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

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

Electrical Power Outlets................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 285
Electronic Stability Program............... 286
Traction Control System................. 284
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 404
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 135
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 286
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 165
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 175
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 359
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Jacking............................. 346
Jump Starting......................... 356
Overheating.......................... 345
Towing............................. 360
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40Emission Control System Maintenance......371,426
Engine.....................74,366,367,368,369
Air Cleaner.......................... 379
Block Heater......................... 258
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Checking Oil Level..................374,375
Compartment................366,367,368,369
Coolant (Antifreeze).................388,421
Cooling............................. 388
Exhaust Gas Caution..................75,322
Fails to Start.......................... 257
Flooded, Starting...................... 257
Fuel Requirements..................... 319
Jump Starting......................... 356
Multi-Displacement..................... 283
Oil ...........................374,419,421
Oil Change Interval...............169,178,376
Oil Filler Cap......................376,377
Oil Filter............................ 378
INDEX 449
10