2021 DODGE CHALLENGER check oil

6
JUMP STARTING .................................................. 238 Preparations For Jump Start......................... 239Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 240
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 241
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION .................................................. 241
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................... 243
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................... 244 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Models.................. 245
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 245
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......................... 245
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................... 246
3.6L And 5.7L Engines ................................. 246
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 251
3.6L Engine ................................................... 2515.7L Engine ................................................... 252Checking Oil Level ......................................... 253
Adding Washer Fluid ..................................... 253
Maintenance-Free Battery ............................ 254
Pressure Washing ......................................... 254 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE..................................... 254
Engine Oil ...................................................... 255
Engine Oil Filter ............................................. 256Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 256Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 257
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 259Body Lubrication ........................................... 260Windshield Wiper Blades.............................. 260Exhaust System ............................................. 261Cooling System .............................................. 262
Brake System ............................................... 265
Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual
Transmission (If Equipped)........................... 266Manual Transmission — If Equipped............ 266
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ....... 266
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped .......... 267
Rear Axle ........................................................ 267Fuses.............................................................. 267
Bulb Replacement ........................................ 276 TIRES ..................................................................... 279
Tire Safety Information ................................ 279Tires — General Information ........................ 288Tire Types....................................................... 291Spare Tires — If Equipped ............................ 292
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ........................ 294Snow Traction Devices.................................. 295Tire Rotation Recommendations ................. 296
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...................................... 296
Treadwear...................................................... 297
Traction Grades ............................................. 297Temperature Grades..................................... 297
VEHICLE STORAGE .............................................. 298
BODYWORK .......................................................... 298 Protection From Atmospheric Agents .......... 298
Body And Underbody Maintenance ............. 298
Preserving The Bodywork ............................. 298
INTERIORS ........................................................... 299
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................. 299
Plastic And Coated Parts .............................. 299
Leather Surfaces........................................... 300
Glass Surfaces ............................................. 300

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 6

62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 62.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within the
normal range indicates that the engine
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal oper -
ating range. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to
the side of the vehicle where the
fuel door is located.
NOTE:The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle is equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the
driver. With the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/
closing of a door will activate the display for
viewing, and display the total miles, or kilometers,
in the odometer. Your instrument cluster display is
designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver
interactive display located on the instrument
panel, your instrument cluster display can show
you how systems are working and give you
warnings when they are not. The steering wheel
mounted controls allow you to scroll through the
main menus and submenus. You can access the
specific information you want and make selections
and adjustments.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats
Ú page 262.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on the “H,” turn the engine
off immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 62

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
chime.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 93.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC system.
If a problem is detected while the
vehicle is running, the light will either
stay on or flash depending on the nature of the
problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is
safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The
light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the
upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four
minutes or until the engine is able to cool,
whichever comes first. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service
Ú
page 241.
Trunk Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
trunk is open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil
is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
3

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

82STARTING AND OPERATING
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 are 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 Ú page 306.
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 indi -
cator often during the break in period. Add oil as
required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the gear
selector in the PARK or REVERSE (manual
transmission only) position.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition
switch is 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. For
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission,
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.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned
below the lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To release the parking brake, pull the parking
brake release handle.

Parking Brake Release

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

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

118STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Replace tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a
collision in a sudden stop.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) that reduces, but does not
eliminate, the amount of wheel slip across a given
axle for improved handling.
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!

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

SAFETY225
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or
other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall.
Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect
sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check the
lug nuts/bolt torque for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should
be located and corrected immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside
or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have an authorized dealer inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for
lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to
move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/lift
-
gate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, adjust your heating or
cooling controls to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning:

Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas,
which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed
area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked
vehicle with the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area
with the engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to force
fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system
inspected every time the vehicle is raised.
Have any abnormal conditions repaired
promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
6

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 225

236IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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 (4) and (8) 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 (6) and turn to the Sealant Mode position.

2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (4) 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
(4) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) 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 (3), the sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1)
through the Sealant Hose (4) 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 :

1. Push the Power Button (3) to turn Off the Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (4)
from the valve stem. Make sure the valve
stem is free of debris. Reconnect the Sealant
Hose (4) to the valve stem. Check that the
Mode Select Knob (6) is in the Sealant Mode
position and not Air Mode. Push the Power
Button (3) to turn On the Tire Service Kit.

2. Connect the Power Plug (7) 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.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire
Service Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes,
or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is harmful
if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the
skin. It causes skin, eye, and respiratory irrita -
tion. Flush immediately with plenty of water if
there is any contact with eyes or skin. Change
clothing as soon as possible, if there is any
contact with clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty of
water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
WARNING!

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 236

238IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(E) After Driving:
Pull over to a safe location before continuing
Úpage 236.

1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (6) and turn to the Air Mode position.

2. Uncoil the power plug and insert the plug into the vehicle's 12 Volt power outlet.
3. Uncoil the Air Pump Hose (8) (black in color) and screw the fitting at the end of hose on to
the valve stem.
4. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the Pressure Gauge (5).
If tire pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 Bar):
The tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle further. Call for assistance.
If the tire pressure is 19 psi (1.3 Bar) or higher:

1. Push the Power Button (3) to turn on Tire Service Kit and inflate the tire to the pressure
indicated on the tire and loading information
label on the driver-side door opening.

NOTE:If the tire becomes overinflated, push the Deflation
Button (2) to reduce the tire pressure to the recom -
mended inflation pressure before continuing. 2. Disconnect the Tire Service Kit from the valve
stem, reinstall the cap on the valve stem and
unplug from 12 Volt outlet.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit in its proper storage area in the vehicle.
4. Have the tire inspected and repaired or replaced at the earliest opportunity at an
authorized dealer or tire service center.
5. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the instrument panel after the tire has been
repaired.
6. Replace the Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (4) assembly at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
NOTE:When having the tire serviced, advise the autho -
rized dealer or service center that the tire has been
sealed using the Tire Service Kit.
(F) Sealant Bottle And Hose Replacement:

1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (4) (clear in color).

2. Locate the round Sealant Bottle release button in the recessed area under the sealant bottle.
3. Push the Sealant Bottle release button. The Sealant Bottle (1) will pop up. Remove the
bottle and dispose of it accordingly. 4. Clean any remaining sealant from the Tire
Service Kit housing.
5. Position the new Sealant Bottle (1) in the housing so that the Sealant Hose (4) aligns
with the hose slot in the front of the housing.
Push the bottle into the housing. An audible
click will be heard indicating the bottle is
locked into place.
6. Verify that the cap is installed on the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (4) and return the
hose to its storage area (located on the bottom
of the air pump).
7. Return the Tire Service Kit to its storage location in the vehicle.
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be
jump started using a set of jumper cables and a
battery in another vehicle, or by using a portable
battery booster pack. Jump starting can be
dangerous if done improperly, so please follow the
procedures in this section carefully.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 238