2012 DODGE CHARGER brake

▫Cooling System ..................... 508
▫ Brake System ....................... 514
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 516
▫ All Wheel Drive (AWD) – If Equipped ..... 518
▫ Rear Axle .......................... 518
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 519
 Fuses .............................. 524
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 524
▫ Rear Power Distribution Center .......... 528
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 533
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 533 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 534
▫ Front Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp, And Side
Marker Lamp — Models With Halogen
Headlamps ......................... 534
▫ Front Low Beam Headlamp And Park/Turn
Lamp — Models With High Intensity
Discharge Headlamps (HID) ............ 535
▫ Backup Lamps ...................... 536
▫ License Lamp ....................... 537
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 538
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 539
▫ Engine ............................ 539
▫ Chassis ........................... 540
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 489

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
490 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant 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.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.(Continued)
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)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 515

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.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
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.
516 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
•
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly
with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
•To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use
MOPAR Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 521

CAUTION!
•When installing the integrated power module
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the integrated power
module and possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
1 — — Fuse – Spare
2 40 Amp Green — Radiator Fan #1
3 50 Amp Red — Power Steering #1
4 30 Amp Pink — Starter
5 40 Amp Green — Anti-Lock Brakes
6 — — Fuse – Spare
7 — — Fuse – Spare
8 — — Fuse – Spare
9 — 20 Amp YellowAll-Wheel Drive
Module – If Equipped
10 — 10 Amp RedSecurity
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525