2012 DODGE CHARGER air condition

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 489
 Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 490
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 491
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 491
 Replacement Parts ..................... 493
 Dealer Service ........................ 493
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 494
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 495 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 498
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 498
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 499
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 501
▫ A/C Air Filter ...................... 502
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 504
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 504
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 505
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 506
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Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 501

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation.
1. Remove the access door in the cowl screen by pressing
the retaining clips. 2. Unsnap both ends and lift the filter access cover.Access Door
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your engine, which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 513

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
11 — 20 Amp YellowHorns
12 — 10 Amp RedAir Conditioning
Clutch
13 — — Fuse – Spare
14 — 25 Amp NaturalAnti-Lock Brakes
15 — 25 Amp NaturalTransmission
16 — — Fuse – Spare
18 50 Amp Red — Radiator Fan #2
19 50 Amp Red — Power Steering #2
20 30 Amp Pink — Wiper MotorCavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
Fuse Description
21 30 Amp Pink — Headlamp Washers
22 — — Fuse – Spare
23 — — Fuse – Spare
24 — — Fuse – Spare
28 — 25 Amp NaturalFuel Pump
29 — 15 Amp BlueTransmission Shifter
30 — — Fuse – Spare
31 — 25 Amp NaturalEngine Module
32 — — Fuse – Spare
33 — — Fuse – Spare
34 — 25 Amp NaturalPowertrain #1
526 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 533

8,000 Miles (13,000 km) or
6 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
8,000 miles (13 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
16,000 Miles (26,000 km) or 12 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
16,000 miles (26 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect exhaust system. Perform the first inspection at 16,000 miles (26 000 km) or
12 months.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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24,000 Miles (39,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
24,000 miles (39 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the rear axle fluid. Inspect the
front axle fluid – All Wheel Drive
(AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
32,000 Miles (52,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
32,000 miles (52 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid — All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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