2012 DODGE CHALLENGER check transmission fluid

CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 279

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 – 3.6L 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
394 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Checking the fluid level while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the fluid level
reading.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and chemicals that are sprayed
on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are
highly corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside
parking, which exposes your vehicle to airborne contami-
nants, road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated,
extreme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and
underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Door Locks..................... 33
Automatic Headlights .................... 139
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 238
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 416
Automatic Transmission .............266,416,418
Adding Fluid .................... 418,440
Autostick .......................... 273
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 418
Fluid Change ....................... 418
Fluid Level Check .................... 417
Fluid Type ......................... 440
Special Additives ..................... 416
Autostick ............................. 273
Axle Fluid ............................. 440
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 440
B-Pillar Location ........................ 301 Battery
............................... 398
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 398
Belts, Seat ............................ 45,80
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 403
Brake Assist System ...................... 289
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 287
Brake Fluid ............................ 440
Brake System ........................ 284,413
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 285,288
Fluid Check ..................... 414,440
Master Cylinder ..................... 414
Parking ........................... 281
Warning Light .................... 181,284
Brake, Parking .......................... 281
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 266
Brakes ............................. 284,413
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
10
INDEX 471

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

Door.............................. 31
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 317
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 72,73
Lubrication, Body ....................... 403
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 398
Maintenance Procedures ................... 393
Maintenance Schedule .................... 442
Maintenance, General ..................... 393
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 163
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 185,391
Manual Transmission ...............260,415,418
Fluid Level Check ................. 415,418
Manual, Service ......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights .................. 143,151
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 414
Methanol ............................. 328 Mini-Trip Computer
...................... 191
Mirrors ................................ 87
Automatic Dimming ................... 87
Electric Powered ...................... 89
Electric Remote ....................... 89
Exterior Folding ...................... 89
Heated ............................. 90
Outside ............................ 88
Vanity ............................. 90
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 191
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 317
Mopar Parts ......................... 392,464
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 328
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 142
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
10
INDEX 481