2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT radiator cap

to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” under “Safety Tips” in Section 2.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7

Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule in Section
8.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct coolant type.
366 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

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

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

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

Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)........ 85,213,214
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 296
Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB).............194,213
USB .............................194,213
Power
Brakes.............................. 281
Deck Lid Release....................... 36
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 380
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors .............................. 84
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 151
Seats............................... 117
Steering............................. 283
Steering, Checking..................... 362
Sunroof............................. 148
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................362,397
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 44
Programmable Electronic Features............ 190
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry) ................................. 20
Radial Ply Tires......................... 303
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 368
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 193
Radio, Navigation....................... 213
Radio Operation...................195,214,244
Radio Remote Controls.................... 242
Radio, Satellite............194,195,213,214,229,234
Radio (Sound Systems).................194,213
Rear Cup Holder........................ 154
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 122
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 375
Rear Window Defroster................... 256
Rear Window Features.................... 256
INDEX 431
10