2020 DODGE CHARGER open hood

280SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching
odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the
ignition when the transmission is in gear and
the vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed, such as
when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc
-
tioning operating conditions. NOTE:
The vehicle exhaust system may be equipped
with an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system,
if the exhaust system is replaced with after
-
market products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) will illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result
if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunc -
tion, particularly involving engine misfire or
other apparent loss of performance, have
your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued
operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible damage to
the converter and vehicle.
WARNING!

You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator or coolant bottle is hot.

Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.

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284SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther-
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the
“Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
immediately if the brake system warning light
indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
when performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up
to the top of the “FULL” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because
it may cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only brake fluid that has been
recommended by the manufacturer, and has
been kept in a tightly closed container to avoid
contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
WARNING!

Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri -
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. Using the wrong type
of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its perfor -
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also identified on the orig -
inal factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower
boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
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398 Engine Oil Viscosity
.............................. 273, 274Engine Oil Viscosity Chart.............................. 273
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.. 141, 249
Ethanol.......................................................... 311Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 155, 312Exhaust System................................... 155, 279Exterior Lighting............................................... 45Exterior Lights......................................... 45, 157
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................. 275Air Conditioning.................................. 63, 276Engine Oil............................... 274, 315, 318Engine Oil Disposal................................... 274Flashers......................................................... 212Hazard Warning......................................... 212Turn Signals..............................48, 103, 157Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 46Flooded Engine Starting................................ 162Floor Console................................................... 76Fluid Capacities................................... 313, 314Fluid Leaks.................................................... 158Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 284Cooling System.......................................... 281Engine Oil.................................................. 270Fluid, Brake....................... 315, 317, 318, 320
Fluids And Lubricants.......................... 315, 318Fog Lights........................................................ 48Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 32Folding Rear Seats........................................... 33Forward Collision Warning............................ 118Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 212Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 244Fuel............................................................... 309Additives................................................... 310Clean Air................................................... 310Ethanol..................................................... 311Gasoline................................................... 309Materials Added....................................... 310Methanol.................................................. 311Octane Rating................309, 310, 315, 318Requirements......................... 309, 313, 314Specifications.................................. 315, 318Tank Capacity.................................. 313, 314Fuses............................................................ 220
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 71Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 310Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 310Gear Ranges................................................. 168Glass Cleaning.............................................. 307Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 202, 203Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 202, 203GVWR............................................................ 202
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
....................... 211Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 212Head Restraints........................................38, 39Head Rests............................................... 38, 39HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................47Cleaning.................................................... 305High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........46Lights On Reminder.....................................47On With Wipers............................................47Passing........................................................46Switch..........................................................45Time Delay...................................................47Washers.................................................... 270Heated Mirrors.................................................44Heater, Engine Block..................................... 162High Beam/Low Beam Select
(Dimmer) Switch..............................................46Hill Start Assist.............................................. 111HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 205Holder, Coin.....................................................76HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................71Hood Prop........................................................68Hood Release...................................................68

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403
Time Delay Headlight
..................................................... 47Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 290Tire Markings................................................. 286Tire Safety Information.................................. 286Tire Service Kit........................... 234, 235, 237Tires..........................157, 293, 298, 299, 303Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 296Air Pressure............................................... 293Chains............................................. 301, 302Changing................................ 229, 234, 286Compact Spare......................................... 299Flat Changing............................................ 234General Information............... 293, 298, 299High Speed................................................ 295Inflation Pressure...................................... 294Jacking............................................ 230, 286Life Of Tires............................................... 296Load Capacity.................................. 290, 291Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 99, 120Quality Grading.......................................... 303Radial........................................................ 295Replacement................................... 234, 297
Rotation........................................... 302, 303Safety.............................................. 286, 293Sizes......................................................... 287Snow Tires................................................ 298Spare Tires....................230, 298, 299, 300Spinning................................................... 296Trailer Towing........................................... 207Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 296Wheel Mounting....................................... 234Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 308To Open Hood.................................................. 68Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 206Towing.......................................................... 203Behind A Motorhome................................ 210Disabled Vehicle....................................... 248Guide........................................................ 205Recreational............................................. 210Weight...................................................... 205Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 210Traction......................................................... 210Traction Control............................................ 113
Trailer Towing................................................ 203Cooling System Tips.................................. 209Hitches..................................................... 205Minimum Requirements........................... 206Tips........................................................... 209Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 206Wiring....................................................... 208Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 205Trailer Weight................................................ 205Transfer CaseFluid........................................315, 317, 318Transmission................................................. 167Automatic........................................ 167, 285Fluid.............................. 315, 317, 318, 320Maintenance............................................ 285Shifting..................................................... 165Transporting Pets.......................................... 155Tread Wear Indicators................................... 296Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................68Trunk Release Remote Control........................68Turn Signals........................................... 48, 103
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