2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT automatic transmission

PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use PARK position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to apply the
parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking mecha-
nism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of
PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
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NOTE:
•If a pressure of at least 19 psi (1.3 bar) cannot be
maintained in the tire, the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further. Call for
assistance.
•Do not operate the electric air pump for more than
eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump may
be used again once it has cooled down.
•Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle (5) once every four
years to assure optimum operation of the system.
•If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire and wheel
components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has dried,
it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
•Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the tire has
been inspected.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take 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.
•Do 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.
•Battery 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.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output
that exceeds 12 Volts.
•The 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).
338 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the following
limitations
With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance
to be traveled must not exceed 30 mi (48 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transmission
geartrain failure. If the transmission is not operative or if
the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km), the
vehicle must be transported using a flat-bed truck.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•If the transmission is not operative or if the
vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km),
then the only approved method of towing is with
a flat-bed truck. Damage to the transmission may
result.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343
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▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............362
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......362
▫Steering Linkage......................363
▫Body Lubrication.....................363
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................363
▫Windshield Washers...................364
▫Exhaust System......................364
▫Cooling System.......................365
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......370
▫Fuel System.........................371
▫Brake System........................371
▫Automatic Transmission................374
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........375▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................375
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders....380

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........380
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....380
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......383

Vehicle Storage........................387

Replacement Light Bulbs.................388

Bulb Replacement......................389
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, And Front Side Marker
Light ..............................389
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, Tail/Turn
Light, And Tail/Stop Light...............391
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
recommended transmission fluid and filter change inter-
vals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Front and Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and chemicals that are sprayed
on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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