2012 DODGE CHALLENGER radiator

Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs mayresult in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
9— ——
10 30 Amp Pink — Windshield Wiper
11 30 Amp Pink — Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) Valves
12 40 Amp Green — Radiator Fan Lo/
High
13 50 Amp Red — Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) Pump
Motor
14 — — SpareCavity Cartridge FuseMini-
Fuse Description
15 50 Amp Red — Radiator Fan Motor
16 — — —
17 — — —
18 — — —
19 — — —
20 — — —
21 — — —
22 — — —
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

ConnectorUCI .............................. 227
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 227
Conserving Fuel ........................ 191
Console .............................. 168
Console, Floor .......................... 168
Console, Overhead ....................... 151
Contract, Service ........................ 463
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 411
Cooling System ......................... 408
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 410
Coolant Capacity ..................... 438
Coolant Level .................... 408,412
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 411
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 409
Inspection .......................... 412
Points to Remember .................. 412
Pressure Cap ........................ 411 Radiator Cap
........................ 411
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....409,438,439
Corrosion Protection ..................... 418
Cruise Light ........................... 176
Cupholders ......................... 167,424
Customer Assistance ..................... 461
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 67
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 144
Daytime Running Lights ................... 140
Dealer Service .......................... 393
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 40
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 170
Defroster, Windshield ................... 80,241
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 145
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 390
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 143
10
INDEX 473

Pets.................................. 77
Phone, Cellular .......................... 92
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 92
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 301
Power Brakes ............................ 284
Deck Lid Release ..................... 40
Distribution Center (Fuses) .............. 427
Door Locks ......................... 32
Mirrors ............................ 89
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 163
Seats ............................. 126
Steering ........................... 280
Sunroof ........................... 161
Windows ........................... 38
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 440
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 54
Preparation for Jacking .................... 367 Pretensioners
Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 198
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 308
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 411
Radio Operation ........................ 237
Radio Remote Controls .................... 235
Rear Cupholder ......................... 168
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 135
Rear Window Defroster ................... 170
Rear Window Features .................... 170
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 67
Recreational Towing ...................... 348
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 328
Refrigerant ............................ 401
Release, Hood .......................... 137
10
INDEX 483