2012 DODGE CHALLENGER engine overheat

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411

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

Compartment.................... 388,389
Compartment Identification ............. 388
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 408,439
Cooling ........................... 408
Exhaust Gas Caution ................79,331
Fails to Start ........................ 258
Flooded, Starting ..................... 258
Fuel Requirements .................... 327
Jump Starting ....................... 374
Oil ......................... 394,438,439
Oil Change Interval ................... 395
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 396
Oil Filter ........................... 397
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 397
Oil Selection ..................... 395,438
Oil Synthetic ........................ 397
Overheating ........................ 353
Starting ........................... 252
Temperature Gauge ................... 177 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 396
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 396
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 64
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 21
Ethanol ............................... 328
Event Data Recorder ...................... 67
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 79,331
Exhaust System ....................... 79,405
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 89
Exterior Lighting ........................ 138
Exterior Lights .......................... 82
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 332
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 397
Air Conditioning .................. 244,401
Engine Oil ....................... 397,439
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 397
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 143
10
INDEX 475

Occupant Restraints................... 42,60,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............58,60,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............327,439
Odometer .......................... 176,181
Trip ........................... 176,181
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 190
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 190
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 397
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 397
Oil, Engine ......................... 394,439
Capacity ........................... 438
Change Interval ..................... 395
Checking .......................... 394
Dipstick ........................... 394
Disposal ........................... 397
Filter .......................... 397,439
Filter Disposal ....................... 397
Identification Logo ................... 395
Materials Added to ................... 397 Recommendation
.................. 395,438
Synthetic .......................... 397
Viscosity ........................ 396,438
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............390,391
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 152
Operating Precautions .................... 390
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 88
Overdrive ............................. 273
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 273
Overhead Console ....................... 151
Overheating, Engine ................... 178,353
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,465
Paint Care ............................. 418
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 281
Passing Light ........................... 143
Personal Settings ........................ 198
482 INDEX