2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT coolant level

•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

Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise yourservice attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal 72 l
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent15.2 qts 14.4 l
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — SocketMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3957

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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Cleaning
Wheels............................. 377
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 363
Climate Control......................... 244
Clock ........................196,199,214,218
CoinHolder ........................... 155
Cold Weather Operation................... 263
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 244
Compass.............................. 184
Compass Calibration..................... 184
Compass Variance....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 178
Connector
UCI ................................ 238
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 238
Console, Floor.......................... 155
Console, Overhead....................... 140
Contract, Service........................ 411
Converter, Catalytic...................... 357Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 368
Cooling System......................... 365
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 367
Coolant Capacity...................... 395
Coolant Level......................366,369
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 369
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 366
Inspection........................... 369
Points to Remember.................... 369
Pressure Cap......................... 368
Radiator Cap......................... 368
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......366,395,396
Corrosion Protection..................... 375
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 137
CruiseLight ........................... 165
CupHolder .........................153,380
Customer Assistance..................... 409
Data Recorder, Event...................... 61
INDEX 421
10

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
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