2012 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT radiator cap

•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures up to14in (6 mm) in the tire tread can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/h).6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343

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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position (OFF position for
Keyless Enter-N-Go). The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition switch
is in the ON position (RUN position for Keyless
Enter-N-Go).
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383

Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for
any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of the old
antifreeze solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant
and to ensure that coolant 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 pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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 scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant 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.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With theengine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between 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
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. 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 coolant 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 145
Bulb Replacement ..................... 407,408
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,407
Calibration, Compass ..................... 200
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 413
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 334
Oil (Engine) ........................ 372
Power Steering ...................... 284
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 386
Car Washes ............................ 394
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,333
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 335
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,241
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 412
Certification Label ....................... 336
Chains, Tire ............................ 317
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 302 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 368
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80
Checks, Safety ........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 70,72,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 329
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 396
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 379
Clock ............................. 208,217
Cold Weather Operation ................... 261
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 241
Compass .............................. 200
Compass Calibration ..................... 200
Compass Variance ....................... 201
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 193
450 INDEX

ConnectorUCI .............................. 231
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 231
Console .............................. 170
Console, Floor .......................... 170
Console, Overhead ....................... 153
Contract, Service ........................ 441
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 386
Cooling System ......................... 383
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 385
Coolant Capacity ..................... 413
Coolant Level .................... 384,387
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 387
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 384
Inspection .......................... 387
Points to Remember .................. 387
Pressure Cap ........................ 386
Radiator Cap ....................... 386
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....384,413,414 Corrosion Protection
..................... 394
Cruise Light ........................... 178
Cupholders ......................... 169,399
Customer Assistance ..................... 439
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 69
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 145
Daytime Running Lights ................... 142
Dealer Service .......................... 370
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 40
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 172
Defroster, Windshield ................... 82,245
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 146
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 367
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 143
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 371
Power Steering ...................... 284
10
INDEX 451

Sunroof........................... 163
Windows ........................... 38
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 415
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 55
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 53
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 202
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 313
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 386
Radio Operation ........................ 241
Rear Cupholder ......................... 170
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 137
Rear Window Defroster ................... 172
Rear Window Features .................... 172
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 69
Recreational Towing ...................... 338 Reformulated Gasoline
.................... 329
Refrigerant ............................ 377
Release, Hood .......................... 138
Reminder, Lights On ..................... 142
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 54
Remote Control Starting System ....................... 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 239
Remote Starting System .................... 27
Remote Trunk Release ..................... 40
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 407
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 369
Replacement Tires ....................... 316
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 442
Restraint, Head ......................... 134
Restraints, Child ......................... 70
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 42
10
INDEX 461