2010 DODGE CHALLENGER power steering fluid

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 262
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 262
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 266
▫ AutoStick — 3.5L Engine .............. 266
▫ AutoStick — 5.7L Engine .............. 266
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 268
▫ Acceleration ........................ 268
▫ Traction ........................... 268
 Driving Through Water ................. 269
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 269
 Power Steering ....................... 271
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 272
 Parking Brake ........................ 273 ▫
Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 274
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 274
 Brake System ........................ 276
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped .......................... 276
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 279
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) –
If Equipped ........................ 279
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) –
If Equipped ........................ 280
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 280
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 281
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – If
Equipped .......................... 283
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 271

system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
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.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.5L
1 — Integrated Power Module6 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)
4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Integrated Power Module6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 9 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 3.5L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level atregular 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 between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Manual Transmission – If Equipped MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 or equivalent should be used. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid + 4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Rear Axle – 3.5L Engine MOPARSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W140 (API GL-5) or equiva-
lent.
Rear Axle – 5.7L Engine MOPARSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W90 (API GL-5) or equivalent
(with MOPAR Friction Modifier — Hypoid Gear Additive).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423