2012 DODGE CHALLENGER Owners Manual

Manual Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all
four wheels on the ground) under the following condi-
tions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The towing speed must not exceed 65 mph
(104 km/h).
There is no limitation on towing distance. If the trans-
mission is not operable, then the only acceptable method
of towing is with a flatbed truck.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Without The Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF position. The only approved
method of towing without the ignition key is with a
flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 383

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 388
 Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 389
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 390
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap ................. 390
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 391
 Replacement Parts ..................... 392
 Dealer Service ........................ 393 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 393
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 394
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 397
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 397
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 398
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 400
▫ A/C Air Filter ...................... 401
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 403
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 404
7

▫Adding Washer Fluid ................. 404
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 405
▫ Cooling System ..................... 408
▫ Brake System ....................... 413
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System – Manual
Transmission (If Equipped) ............. 415
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 415
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 416
▫ Rear Axle .......................... 418
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 418
 Fuses .............................. 424
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 424
▫ Rear Power Distribution Center .......... 427
Vehicle Storage ....................... 431
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 432
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 433
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp — Models With
Halogen Headlamps — If Equipped ....... 433
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, And Park/Turn Lamp — Models
With High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Headlamps — If Equipped ............. 433
▫ Front/Rear Side Marker Lamp ........... 434
▫ Tail/Turn And Stop Lamp .............. 434
▫ Center Tail/Backup Lamp .............. 436
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 436
▫ License Lamp ....................... 437
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 438 
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 439
▫ Engine ............................ 439
▫ Chassis ........................... 440
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)5 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 6 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 7 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)
4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)5 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 6 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)
4 — Air Cleaner Filter 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE