2009 DODGE CHALLENGER check engine light

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
turn on when the parking brake is applied and the
ignition switch is ON.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position (automatic transmission), R (Reverse) or
first gear (manual transmission) first and then apply the
parking brake.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESP
OFF” switch. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn the ESP ON again by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESP OFF” switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
Synchronizing ESP
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” may illuminate with the engine running. If
this should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to
the left and then to the right. The “ESP/BAS Malfunction
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 “ESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and the
“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 is 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 the
ESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 287

8. Install the lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the
nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts. To
avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not
tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to
the ground.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
10. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. The
correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N·m). If
in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.11. Stow the jack, tools and flat tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire is for temporary emergency use
with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
352 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Trip Odometer button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recentlyserviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

•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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S420 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Parking............................. 274
Warning Light.....................163,277
Brakes.............................277,389
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 257
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 66
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 124
Bulb Replacement.....................408,409
Bulbs,Light .......................... 69,408
Calibration, Compass..................... 176
Capacities, Fluid........................ 414
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 321
Oil (Engine).......................... 374
Power Steering........................ 273
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 387
Car Washes............................ 395
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 67,320
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 323Cellular Phone.......................... 78
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 413
Certification Label....................... 323
Chains, Tire............................ 304
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 345
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 290
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 369
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 67
Checks, Safety........................... 67
Child Restraint.................. 57,58,59,62,63
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 60,62
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 317
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 397
Windshield Wiper Blades................ 380
Climate Control......................... 230
Clock ........................183,194,198,207
Cold Weather Operation................... 248
446 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance......369,418
Engine............................366,367
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Block Heater......................... 250
Break-In Recommendations................ 66
Checking Oil Level..................... 372
Compartment......................366,367
Coolant (Antifreeze).................384,415
Cooling ............................. 384
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 67,320
Fails to Start.......................... 249
Flooded, Starting...................... 249
Fuel Requirements..................... 316
Jump Starting......................... 356
Multi-Displacement.................... 280
Oil ...........................372,414,415
Oil Change Interval..................162,373
Oil Filler Cap......................... 374
OilFilter ............................ 375Oil Filter Disposal..................... 375
OilSelection .......................373,414
Oil Synthetic......................... 375
Overheating.......................... 338
Starting............................. 243
Temperature Gauge.................... 157
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 374
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Ethanol............................... 317
Event Data Recorder...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 67,320,382
Exhaust System....................... 67,381
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 76
Exterior Lighting........................ 119
Exterior Lights.......................... 69
Filler Location Fuel...................... 321
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INDEX 449