2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT brake light

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESP/TCS Indicator
Light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............310
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......311
▫Steering Linkage......................311
▫Body Lubrication.....................311
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................312
▫Windshield Washers...................312
▫Exhaust System......................313
▫Cooling System.......................314
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......319
▫Fuel System.........................319
▫Brake System........................320
▫Automatic Transmission................322
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........324▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................324
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders....328

Fuses...............................329
▫Integrated Power Module (IPM)...........329
▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........331

Vehicle Storage........................335

Replacement Light Bulbs.................336

Bulb Replacement......................337
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light — Models With High
Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights.......337
▫Front/Rear Side Marker Light............338
▫Tail/Turn/Stop Light..................338
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
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.
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 347
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About Your Brakes.................... 232,234
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............235,238
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 316
Adding Fuel ........................... 274
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 124,312
Additives, Fuel ......................... 272
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 304
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 309
Air Conditioning ........................ 203
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 203
Air Conditioning Filter .................208,310
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 209
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............309,310
Air Conditioning System ................203,309
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 156,255
Airbag ................................ 46
Airbag Deployment ..................... 51,53
Airbag Light ..................... 52,55,70,152
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 55 Airbag, Side
.......................... 47,53
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) .............47,53
Alarm, Panic ............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................18,156
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 261
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 196
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........315,316,341
Disposal ............................ 317
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............235,238
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............158,236
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ....................... 156
Appearance Care ........................ 324
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ........................ 91
Audio Systems (Radio) .................... 191
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
362 INDEX

Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 75
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 31
Automatic Headlights ..................... 117
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ...................... 324
Automatic Transmission .............223,322,323
Adding Fluid ...................... 323,343
Autostick ............................ 228
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 323
Fluid Change ......................... 323
Fluid Level Check ...................... 322
Fluid Type ........................... 343
Shifting ............................. 223
Special Additives ...................... 324
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 226,227
Autostick ............................. 228
Axle Fluid ............................. 343
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 343Ball Joints
............................. 311
Battery ............................... 307
Emergency Starting ..................... 286
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location .......................... 287,307
Bearings .............................. 324
Belts, Drive ............................ 303
Belts, Seat ............................ 38,69
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 311
B-Pillar Location ........................ 250
Brake Assist System ...................... 239
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 238
Brake Fluid ............................ 343
Brake, Parking .......................... 232
Brake System ........................ 234,320
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 235,238
Fluid Check ....................... 321,343
Hoses .............................. 320
INDEX 363
10

Master Cylinder....................... 321
Parking ............................. 232
Warning Light ..................... 155,234
Brakes ............................. 234,320
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 222
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 121
Bulb Replacement ..................... 336,337
Bulbs, Light .......................... 70,336
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 341
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 274
Oil (Engine) .......................... 302
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 316
Car Washes ............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............68,273
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 276 Catalytic Converter
...................... 305
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 191
Cellular Phone ..................... 78,191,192
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 340
Certification Label ....................... 276
Chains, Tire ............................ 261
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 298
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint .................. 58,59,60,62,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............61,62
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 270
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 326
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 312
Climate Control ......................... 203
Clock ............................. 178,193
364 INDEX

Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 297
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 120
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 301
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 291
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 317
Engine Oil ........................... 303
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 130
Drive Belts ............................ 303
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 229
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 230
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 76 Electrical Power Outlets
................... 140
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 238
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 331
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 240
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 151
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 159
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 289
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 280
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Overheating .......................... 280
Towing ............................. 291
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......298,346
Engine ............................... 296
Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Block Heater ......................... 219
366 INDEX