2012 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 “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 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.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395

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 or equivalent 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 of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.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.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Clutch Hydraulic System – Manual Transmission
(If Equipped)
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be at the
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

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 8,000 miles (13 000 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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443

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.
•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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S444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 144
Bulb Replacement ..................... 432,433
Bulbs, Light .......................... 82,432
Calibration, Compass ..................... 196
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 438
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 332
Oil (Engine) ........................ 396
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 411
Car Washes ............................ 419
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............79,331
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 334
Cellular Phone ........................ 92,237
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 436
Certification Label ....................... 334
Chains, Tire ............................ 314
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 365
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 297 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 391
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Restraint .................... 68,70,73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,73
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 328
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 421
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 404
Clock ............................. 204,213
Cold Weather Operation ................... 258
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 237
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 309
Compass .............................. 195
Compass Calibration ..................... 196
Compass Variance ....................... 196
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 191
472 INDEX

DipsticksOil (Engine) ........................ 394
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 381
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 411
Engine Oil ......................... 397
Door Locks ............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 277
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 278
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 191
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 89
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 163
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 287
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 427Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 148
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 291
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 177
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 186
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 378
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 353
Jacking ............................ 365
Jump Starting ....................... 374
Overheating ........................ 353
Towing ............................ 381
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 391
Engine ............................... 389
Air Cleaner ......................... 397
Block Heater ........................ 260
Break-In Recommendations .............. 77
Checking Oil Level ................... 394
474 INDEX

FlashersHazard Warning ..................... 353
Turn Signal .................... 82,142,178
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 365
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 258
Fluid Capacities ......................... 438
Fluid Leaks ............................. 82
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 417
Brake ............................. 414
Cooling System ...................... 408
Engine Oil ......................... 394
Fluid, Brake ........................... 440
Fluids ................................ 439
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 439
Fog Lights .......................... 141,181
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 135
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 378 Fuel
................................. 327
Adding ........................... 332
Additives .......................... 330
Clean Air .......................... 328
Conserving ......................... 191
Ethanol ........................... 328
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 332
Gasoline ........................... 327
Gauge ............................ 176
Materials Added ..................... 330
Methanol .......................... 328
Octane Rating .................... 327,439
Requirements ....................... 327
Saver Mode ........................ 191
Specifications ....................... 439
Tank Capacity ....................... 438
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 191
Fuel Saver ............................. 191
Fuel System Caution ..................... 333
476 INDEX