2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT suspension

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and
stress to steering and suspension components. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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▫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

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 this section for the correct fluid type.
Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the rear axle fluid. 18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
348 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 280
Turn Signal ...................... 70,119,152
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 120
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 218
Fluid, Brake ........................... 343
Fluid Capacities ......................... 341
Fluid Leaks ............................. 70
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 322
Brake ............................... 321
Cooling System ....................... 314
Engine Oil ........................... 301
Power Steering ........................ 310
Fluids ................................ 342
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 342
Fog Lights .......................... 1 18,154
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 289 Front Suspension Ball Joints
................ 311
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 324
Fuel ................................. 270
Adding ............................. 274
Additives ............................ 272
Clean Air ............................ 270
Ethanol ............................. 271
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 274
Filter ............................... 304
Gasoline ............................ 270
Gauge .............................. 150
Hoses .............................. 319
Materials Added ....................... 272
Methanol ............................ 271
Octane Rating ...................... 270,342
Requirements ......................... 270
Specifications ......................... 342
Tank Capacity ........................ 341
Fuel System Caution ..................... 274
368 INDEX