2013 DODGE CHALLENGER check transmission fluid

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, clutch, and rear axle) in your new
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 mi (800 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory is high-quality and energy-
conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be
consistent with anticipated climate and conditions underwhich vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as an indication of difficulty. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during
the break in period. Add oil as required.
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 3.6L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
1/4 inch (6.4mm) below the bottom of the fill hole. Add
fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Change Transmission Fluid
If contaminated with water, change the fluid immedi-
ately. See your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluidleaks. 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.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided.
Your authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid
level using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately to have the transmission fluid
level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Checking the fluid level while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the fluid level
reading.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 501

Automatic Transmission....................310
Adding Fluid ......................... .474
Autostick ............................ .318
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................474
Fluid Change ......................... .474
Fluid Level Check ...................... .473
Fluid Type ........................... .472
Special Additives ...................... .473
Autostick .............................. .318
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................35
Axle Fluid ............................. .498
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................498
Battery ................................ .453
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Location ............................. .453
Belts, Seat ...............................49
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................458
B-Pillar Location ......................... .349Brake Assist System
...................... .334
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............332
Brake Fluid ............................ .498
Brake, Parking .......................... .326
Brakes ................................ .329
Brake System ........................... .329
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .330
Fluid Check .......................... .469
Master Cylinder ....................... .469
Parking ............................. .326
Warning Light ........................ .219
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .........96
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................168
Bulb Replacement ........................ .489
Bulbs, Light ............................ .101
Calibration, Compass ..................... .234
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .495
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INDEX 521

Overheating.......................... .406
Starting ............................. .294
Temperature Gauge ..................... .214
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .451
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................451
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............69
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .380
Event Data Recorder ........................72
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................97
Exhaust System ...........................97
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................110
Exterior Lighting ......................... .162
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .383
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .453
Air Conditioning ...................... .287Engine Oil
........................... .452
Engine Oil Disposal .....................452
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .406
Turn Signal .......................... .101
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .167
Flooded Engine Starting ....................301
Fluid, Brake ............................ .498
Fluid Capacities ......................... .495
Fluid Leaks ............................ .101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................473
Brake ............................... .469
Cooling System ........................ .463
Engine Oil ........................... .448
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........496
Fog Lights ............................. .165
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .158
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................432
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INDEX 525