2012 DODGE CHARGER check engine

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•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 (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. 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.
512 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

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 543

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S544 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 207
Bulb Replacement ..................... 533,534
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,533
Camera, Rear ........................... 254
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 538
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... 496,497
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 511
Car Washes ............................ 519
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,440
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 447
Cellular Phone .......................... 345
Certification Label ....................... 447
Chains, Tire ............................ 422
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 465
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 405
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............293,491Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint .................. 70,72,73,75,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 437
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 521
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 504
Climate Control ......................... 346
Coin Holder ........................... 279
Cold Weather Operation ................... 367
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 345
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 417
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 311
Connector UCI .............................. 341
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 341
Conserving Fuel ........................ 310
572 INDEX

Door Opener, Garage..................... 258
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 386
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 387
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 440
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 282
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 97
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 270
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 396
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 396
Brake Assist System ................... 397
Traction Control System ................ 396
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 524
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....218,222
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 398Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)
............................. 254,300
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 41
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 41
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 479
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 464
Jacking ............................ 465
Jump Starting ....................... 475
Overheating ........................ 464
Towing ............................ 484
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 491
Engine ............................... 490
Air Cleaner ......................... 498
Block Heater ........................ 368
Break-In Recommendations .............. 81
Checking Oil Level ................... 495
Compartment .................... 489,490
Compartment Identification ............. 489
574 INDEX

FlashersHazard Warning ..................... 464
Turn Signal .................... 85,204,290
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 465
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 443
Engine Oil ......................... 442
Fuel Requirements ................. 440,441
Maintenance ........................ 443
Replacement Parts .................... 443
Starting ........................... 443
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 367
Floor Console .......................... 279
Fluid Capacities ......................... 538
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 517
Brake ............................. 514
Cooling System ...................... 509 Engine Oil
......................... 495
Transfer Case ....................... 518
Fluid, Brake ........................... 540
Fluids ................................ 539
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 539
Fog Lights .......................... 203,290
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 191
Forward Collision Warning ..............243,304
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 479
Fuel ................................. 436
Additives .......................... 439
Clean Air .......................... 437
Conserving ......................... 310
Ethanol ........................... 437
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 294
Gasoline ........................... 436
Gauge ............................ 294
Light ............................. 304
Materials Added ..................... 439
576 INDEX

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