2009 DODGE CHALLENGER check oil

regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
information on this system.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373

attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center(EVIC)” in Section 4 or under “Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” under “Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Sec-
tion 4.
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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and add as
needed.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 419

•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

Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Headlights.................... 120
Automatic Oil Change Indicator............. 162
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 394
Automatic Transmission.............259,264,393
Adding Fluid......................393,416
Autostick............................ 268
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 393
Fluid Change......................... 393
Fluid Level Check..................... 393
FluidType ........................... 416
Gear Ranges......................... 259
Overdrive........................... 261
Shifting ..........................259,264
Special Additives...................... 394
Torque Converter...................... 262
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 263,267
Autostick............................. 268AxleFluid ............................. 416
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 416
Battery............................... 376
Emergency Starting..................... 356
Jump Starting......................... 356
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Location..........................357,376
Belts, Seat............................ 37,68
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
B-Pillar Location........................ 293
Brake Assist System...................... 281
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 280
Brake Fluid............................ 416
Brake, Parking.......................... 274
Brake System........................277,389
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................277,280
Fluid Check.......................390,416
Master Cylinder....................... 390
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INDEX 445

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

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Air Conditioning...................... 236
Engine Oil........................375,415
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 375
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 338
Turn Signal...................... 69,122,158
Flash-To-Pass........................... 123
Flat Tire Changing....................... 345
Flooded Engine Starting................... 249
Fluid, Brake........................... 416
Fluid Capacities......................... 414
Fluid Leaks............................. 69
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 393
Brake.............................. 390
Cooling System....................... 384
Engine Oil........................... 372Power Steering........................ 273
Fluids ................................ 415
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 415
FogLights ..........................121,160
Folding Rear Seat........................ 116
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 359
Fuel................................. 316
Adding............................. 321
Additives ............................ 319
CleanAir ............................ 317
Conserving.......................... 172
Ethanol............................. 317
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 321
Gasoline............................ 316
Gauge.............................. 156
Materials Added....................... 319
Methanol............................ 317
Octane Rating......................316,415
Requirements......................... 316
450 INDEX