2020 DODGE CHARGER engine oil

STARTING AND OPERATING163
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
3.6L & 5.7L
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 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (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 under which vehicle
operations will occur. For the recommended
viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as an indica -
tion of difficulty. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the break in
period. Add oil as required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
6.2L & 6.4L
The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance and maximum durability
for your new vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class
manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other.
This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through the
first oil change interval. It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the new
vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):

Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for
an extended period of time.

Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not
more than halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.

Avoid aggressive braking.
Drive with the engine speed less than
3,500 RPM.
Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph
(88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not
more than halfway to avoid rapid accelera -
tion in lower gears (FIRST to THIRD gears).
Avoid aggressive braking.
Drive with the engine speed less than
5,000 RPM.
Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph
(112 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.

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164STARTING AND OPERATING
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km) :
Exercise the full engine RPM range, shifting
manually at higher RPM when possible.
Do not perform sustained operation with the
accelerator pedal at wide open throttle.
Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph
(136 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
For the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km):
Do not participate in track events, sport
driving schools, or similar activities during
the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km).
NOTE:
Check engine oil with every refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher through the first oil change interval.
Running the engine with an oil level below the
add mark can cause severe engine damage.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the gear
selector in the PARK position. The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
parking brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the parking brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.

Parking Brake

When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON/RUN position, the
Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster
will illuminate. NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the Brake
Warning Light will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING211
(Continued)
DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Warnings and Cautions before doing so.

WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear away
the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to
follow this warning may result in injuries that
are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!

Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom
of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.

Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY237
SEALING A TIRE WITH TIRE SERVICE KIT
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service
Kit:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the
vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.

2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near
to the ground. This will allow the Tire Service
Kit Hoses (6) and (7) to reach the valve
stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat on
the ground. This will provide the best
positioning of the kit when injecting the
sealant into the deflated tire and running
the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual
transmission) and place the ignition in the
OFF position.
4. Apply the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (5) and turn to the Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then
remove the cap from the fitting at the end of
the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the
Sealant Hose (6) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into
The Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the gear selector in
NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (4), the
sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant
Bottle (1) through the Sealant Hose (6) and
into the tire.
NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0
– 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):

1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn Off the Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant
Hose (6) from the valve stem. Make sure
the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob (5) is in
the Sealant Mode position and not Air
Mode. Push the Power Button (4) to turn
On the Tire Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or
another vehicle, if available. Make sure the
engine is running before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.

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250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
3.6L AND 5.7L ENGINES
These vehicles are 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.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the
“Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message
is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can
cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last
reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
The “Oil Change Required” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster and a single
chime will sound, indicating that an oil change
is necessary.An 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 an
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off-road environment,
or is operated predominantly at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before your
next scheduled service.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and power steering
(if equipped) and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
Maintenance Plan — 3.6L And 5.7L
Required Maintenance Intervals:
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the
following page for the required maintenance
intervals. More frequent maintenance may be
needed in severe conditions, such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving. In some
extreme conditions, additional maintenance
not specified in the maintenance schedule may
be required.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE251
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 irregular wear, even if it occurs before your next scheduled service
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake
Inspect the CV/Universal joints
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace engine air cleaner if necessary
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty
conditions
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254SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
6.2L SUPERCHARGED AND 6.4L
E
NGINES
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
maintenance 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.
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
An “Oil Change Required” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster 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 service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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 illumi-
nated.
Change your engine oil more often if you drive
your vehicle off-road/track usage for an
extended period of time.
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or
6 months, whichever comes first.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only service
work for which you have the knowledge and
the right equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

Failure to properly inspect and maintain
your vehicle could result in a component
malfunction and effect vehicle handling
and performance. This could cause an
accident.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE255
An 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 an
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine
Compartment” in this chapter for further
information.
Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required. 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
(6.2L only), 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.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
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