2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT 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.
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.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant
and to ensure that coolant will return to the radiator from
the coolant recovery bottle.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.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 341
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 332
Jump Starting......................... 338
Overheating.......................... 332
Towing ............................. 342
Emergency Trunk Release................... 37
Emission Control System Maintenance......350,400
Engine............................... 348
Air Cleaner.......................... 356
Block Heater......................... 265
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Checking Oil Level..................... 353
Compartment......................... 348
Coolant (Antifreeze).................366,396
Cooling ............................. 365
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 74,324
Fails to Start.......................... 264
Flooded, Starting...................... 264Fuel Requirements..................... 321
Jump Starting......................... 338
Oil ...........................353,395,396
Oil Change Interval.................... 354
Oil Filler Cap......................... 354
OilFilter ............................ 355
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 355
Oil Selection.......................354,395
Overheating.......................... 332
Starting............................. 261
Temperature Gauge..................... 166
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 354
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 59
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 322
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 74,75,324,365
Exhaust System....................... 74,364
ExteriorFoldingMirrors ................... 83
INDEX 423
10

Navigation Radio........................ 213
Navigation System....................... 213
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 72
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............321,396
Odometer............................. 165
Trip ................................ 165
Oil, Engine.........................353,396
Capacity............................ 395
Change Interval....................... 354
Checking............................ 353
Dipstick............................. 353
Disposal............................ 355
Filter ............................355,396
Filter Disposal........................ 355
Materials Added to..................... 355
Recommendation...................354,395
Viscosity..........................354,395Oil Filter, Change........................ 355
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 355
Onboard Diagnostic System..............349,350
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 141
Operating Precautions.................... 349
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 82
Overhead Console....................... 140
Overheating, Engine...................... 332
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 413
PaintCare ............................. 375
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Parking Brake.......................... 279
Parking On Hill......................... 279
Passing Light........................... 130
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 136
Personal Settings........................ 190
Pets.................................. 72
Phone, Cellular.................... 85,213,214
430 INDEX