2012 DODGE CHARGER service indicator

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine. 2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
492 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than
21 days, you may want to take these steps to protect your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
InteriorBulb Number
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lamps ............. W5W
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Lamp ............. 562
Overhead Console Reading Lamp ............. 578
Visor Vanity Lamps ..................... A6220
Glove Box Lamp – If Equipped ............... 194
Door Courtesy .......................... 562
Shift Indicator Lamp ................. JKLE14140
Optional Door Map Pocket/Cupholder ........ LED
(Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass
cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved
and should not be used for replacement.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 533

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
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S542 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fog ............................203,290
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 464
Headlight Switch ..................... 199
Headlights ...................... 199,535
Headlights On Reminder ............... 202
Headlights On With Wipers ..........200,211
High Beam ......................... 205
High Beam Indicator .................. 290
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 205
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 199
Intensity Control ..................... 207
Interior ............................ 207
License ............................ 537
Lights On Reminder .................. 202
Low Fuel .......................... 304
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 293
Map Reading ....................... 205
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 209Passing
............................ 205
Reading ........................ 205,256
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 298
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 295
Service ......................... 533,534
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 293
SmartBeams ........................ 200
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 295
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......291,426
Traction Control ..................... 402
Turn Signal ....................... 85,204
Vanity Mirror ........................ 98
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 290
Load Leveling System .................... 283
Loading Vehicle ...................... 447,449
Capacities .......................... 449
Tires .............................. 409
580 INDEX

Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock ......................... 30
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 31
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 426
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ..................... 74,75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 504
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 499
Maintenance Procedures ................... 494
Maintenance Schedule .................... 542
Maintenance, General ..................... 494
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 269
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 293,492
Manual Transmission ..................... 518
Fluid Level Check .................... 518 Manual, Service
......................... 565
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 514
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 193
Memory Seat ........................... 193
Memory Seats and Radio .................. 193
Methanol ............................. 437
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ................................ 94
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 97
Electric Remote ....................... 97
Exterior Folding ...................... 96
Heated ............................. 98
Outside ............................ 95
Rearview ........................... 94
Vanity ............................. 98
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
10
INDEX 581

Seat Belts.......................... 41,43,83
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ...... 48
And Pregnant Women .................. 53
Child Restraint ................. 70,71,73,79
Extender ........................... 53
Front Seat ......................... 43,44
Inspection .......................... 83
Operating Instructions .................. 44
Pretensioners ........................ 51
Rear Seat ........................... 43
Untwisting Procedure .................. 49
Seats ................................. 179
Easy Entry ......................... 196
Head Restraints ...................... 189
Heated ............................ 182
Height Adjustment ................... 179
Memory ........................... 193
Power ............................ 179
Rear Folding ........................ 191 Seatback Release
..................... 191
Tilting ............................ 179
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........509,539
Selection of Oil ......................... 496
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 561
Service Contract ......................... 563
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 293
Service Manuals ........................ 565
Shifting ............................... 369
Automatic Transmission ................ 369
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 48
Shoulder Belts ........................... 43
Side Airbag ............................. 65
Signals, Turn ...................... 85,204,290
10
INDEX 585

Safety.......................... 404,413
Sizes ............................. 405
Snow Tires ......................... 424
Spare Tire .......................... 466
Spinning ........................... 419
Trailer Towing ....................... 456
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 420
To Open Hood .......................... 198
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 453
Towing ............................... 449
Behind a Motorhome .................. 461
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 484
Guide ............................. 453
Recreational ........................ 461
Weight ............................ 453
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome .......... 461
Traction Control ......................... 396
Trailer Towing .......................... 449
Cooling System Tips .................. 461 Hitches
............................ 452
Minimum Requirements ................ 455
Tips .............................. 460
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 453
Wiring ............................ 458
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 453
Trailer Weight .......................... 453
Transfer Case ........................... 518
Fluid .......................... 518,540
Maintenance ........................ 518
Transmission ........................... 516
Automatic .................... 370,374,516
Fluid ............................. 540
Shifting ........................... 369
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 258
588 INDEX