2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT check engine light

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.
AUTOSTICK
Autostickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting to provide you with more control of
the vehicle. Autostickallows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
AutostickOperation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, it can be
moved from side to side. This allows the driver to select
a higher or lower range of gears. Moving the shift lever to
the Left (-) triggers a downshift and to the Right (+) an
upshift. The gear position will display in the instrument
cluster on the transmission range indicator.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. There will be some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident
by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine off)
the brakes will still function. The effort required to brake
the vehicle will be much greater than that required with
the power system operating.
Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents the
rear wheels from over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces applied to the rear
axle.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

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
instrument 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 Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine 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 theESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
•TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightand theESP/BAS
Malfunction Indicator Lightwill turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be on even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
7

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.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

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 401
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Brake System........................281,371
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................281,285
Fluid Check.......................373,397
Hoses.............................. 372
Master Cylinder....................... 373
Parking............................. 279
Warning Light.....................169,281
Brakes.............................281,371
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 268
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 72
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 131
Bulb Replacement.....................388,389
Bulbs,Light .......................... 76,388
Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Capacities, Fluid........................ 395
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 324
Oil (Engine).......................... 354Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 368
Car Washes............................ 376
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 74,324
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 327
Catalytic Converter...................... 357
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............194,213
Cellular Phone..................... 85,213,214
Certification Label....................... 327
Chains, Tire............................ 307
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 293
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 350
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 73
Checks, Safety........................... 73
Child Restraint.................. 63,64,65,68,70
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 67,68
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 321
420 INDEX

Exterior Lighting........................ 125
Exterior Lights.......................... 76
Filler Location Fuel...................... 324
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 356
Air Conditioning....................254,361
Engine Fuel.......................... 357
Engine Oil........................355,396
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 355
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 332
Turn Signal...................... 76,129,167
Flash-To-Pass........................... 130
Flooded Engine Starting................... 264
Floor Console.......................... 155
Fluid, Brake........................... 397
Fluid Capacities......................... 395
Fluid Leaks............................. 76Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 374
Brake............................... 373
Cooling System....................... 366
Engine Oil........................... 353
Power Steering........................ 362
Fluids ................................ 396
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 396
Fog Lights..........................128,169
Folding Rear Seat........................ 122
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 341
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 362
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 375
Fuel................................. 321
Adding............................. 324
Additives............................ 323
CleanAir ............................ 321
Ethanol............................. 322
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 324
424 INDEX