2021 DODGE CHALLENGER check oil

246
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
3.6L AND 5.7L ENGINES
These engines 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 the 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.
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.
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.
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 irreg
-
ular 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.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 246

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE253
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel
stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is
about ten minutes after a fully warmed up engine
is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the
MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil
level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in
the front of the engine compartment. Be sure to
check the fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a
few seconds to flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply
some washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the
wiper blades clean. This will help blade
performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture
that meets or exceeds the temperature range of
your climate. This rating information can be found
on most washer fluid containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 Gallon (4
Liters) of washer fluid when the message “Low
Washer Fluid” appears in the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and inflammable vapors
may be present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may
get burned. Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start; danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!

Be careful not to confuse the various types of
fluids while topping up: they are not compatible
with each other! Topping up with an unsuitable
fluid could severely damage your car.

The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
Always top up using engine oil of the same
specifications as what is already in the engine.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler
cap, particularly for vehicles with aluminium
cap (if equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine.
CAUTION!CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
8

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 253

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE257
T/A Air Filter Maintenance — If Equipped
Clean Engine Air Filter
The scheduled air filter cleaning interval is
30,000 miles (48,280 km), or if in a dusty
environment the engine air filter should be
checked periodically to ensure optimal air flow.
Cleaning your engine air filter with the
recommended Mopar® Performance Air Filter
Service Kit is not required if you can still see any
part the wire screen on the entire air filter
regardless of how dirty it may appear. When any
part of the wire screen is no longer visible on the air
filter, that is an indication it is time to clean the air
filter.

1. Spray the air filter with the recommended
Mopar® air filter cleaner and let sit for at
least 10 minutes to loosen dirt, before
rinsing.

NOTE:Never use strong detergents, high pressure, or
gasoline on air filter.
2. Rinse the air filter with cool low-pressure water applied from the inside (clean side) out in
order to flush the dirt out of the filter. Continue
to rinse the filter until all traces of the cleaner
have been removed.
NOTE:It may be necessary to repeat steps 1 and 2 if the
air filter is not completely clean.
3. After rinsing the air filter, gently shake off the excess water and allow air filter to dry
naturally. Do not apply oil until air filter is
completely dry.
NOTE:Do not use forced air pressure as it may damage
the filtering capabilities of the filter’s microfibers
and also void its warranty.
4. Using the Mopar® Performance Air Filter Service Kit, spray oil evenly along the crown of
each filter pleat holding the nozzle about
3 inches (76 mm) away from the air filter. One
spray per 2 square inches (1,290 square mm)
of air filter. With one complete coat of oil, let it
wick (saturate) for about 20 minutes, and if
required touch up any light areas on either
side of the filter.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This
service should include cleaning of the condenser
fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension
should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for your
air conditioning system. Some unapproved
refrigerants are flammable and can explode,
injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or
lubricants can cause the system to fail,
requiring costly repairs. Refer to Warranty
Information Book, for further warranty infor -
mation.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines
to be disconnected should be done by an
experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.8

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 257

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE265
(Continued)
Make sure that the coolant expansion 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.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú page 247.
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 Ú page 306.
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 Úpage 306. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original 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.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts,
causing the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and vinyl
surfaces, care should be taken to avoid its
contact with these surfaces.8

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 265

313
Autostick Operation
.................................................... 91Axle Fluid....................................................... 307Axle Lubrication............................................. 307
B
Back-Up......................................................... 108Battery.................................................... 70, 254Charging System Light................................. 70Keyless Key Fob Replacement.................... 14Location.................................................... 254Belts, Seat..................................................... 223Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 184BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................154Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 260B-Pillar Location............................................. 285Brake Assist System...................................... 179Brake Control System.................................... 179Brake Fluid.......................................... 265, 307Brake System...................................... 265, 301Fluid Check..................................... 265, 307Master Cylinder......................................... 265Parking........................................................ 82Warning Light..................................... 70, 301
Brake/Transmission Interlock......................... 87Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 82Brightness, Interior Lights................................ 45Bulb Replacement........................................ 276Bulbs, Light.......................................... 225, 276
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 108Capacities, Fluid........................................... 305Caps, FillerFuel.......................................................... 109Oil (Engine)............................................... 251Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................... 264Car Washes................................................... 298Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 225CargoVehicle Loading........................................ 110CD................................................................. 148Cellular Phone.............................................. 177Certification Label......................................... 110Chains, Tire................................................... 295Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 281Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............................ 77Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 223Checks, Safety.............................................. 223Child Restraint.............................................. 208
Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 211Child Seat Installation............................... 221How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 217Infant And Child Restraints....................... 210Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 213Older Children And Child Restraints.......... 210Seating Positions...................................... 212Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 303CleaningWheels...................................................... 294Climate Control................................................48Cold Weather Operation...................................81Compact Spare Tire...................................... 292Contract, Service........................................... 309Controls........................................................ 140Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 264Cooling System............................................. 262Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 263Coolant Level................................... 262, 264Cooling Capacity....................................... 305Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 264Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 262Inspection................................................. 264Points To Remember................................ 264Pressure Cap............................................ 264Radiator Cap............................................. 264Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 263, 305, 306
11

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 313

314 Corrosion Protection
...................................... 298Cruise Control.................................................. 93Cruise Control (Speed Control)........................ 94Cruise Light.............................................. 75, 76Customer Assistance..................................... 308Customer Programmable Features................120Cybersecurity................................................. 119
D
Daytime Running Lights................................... 42Dealer Service............................................... 254Deck Lid Power Release............................................ 59Defroster, Windshield.................................... 223De-Icer, Remote Start...................................... 20Delay (Intermittent) Wipers.............................. 46Deleting A Phone........................................... 155Diagnostic System, Onboard........................... 76Dimmer SwitchHeadlight..................................................... 42DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................ 253Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 244Disc Drive...................................................... 148Disconnecting................................................ 155DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 264Disturb........................................................... 157
Door Ajar.......................................................... 71Door Ajar Light................................................. 71Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 24Doors............................................................... 21Drag & Drop.................................................. 138Drive Modes.................................................. 173Driver Memory Presets................................. 145Driver’s Seat Back Tilt...................................... 29DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
................................................... 118
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 179Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 178Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 179, 183Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 37Electrical Power Outlets................................... 54
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)... 268
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........ 94Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 180Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light......... 71Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 243Jacking..................................................... 229Jump Starting......................... 238, 239, 240Towing...................................................... 244
Emission Control System Maintenance............77Engine.................................................. 251, 252Air Cleaner................................................ 256Block Heater................................................81Break-In Recommendations........................82Checking Oil Level.................................... 253Compartment.................................. 251, 252Compartment Identification...................... 251Coolant (Antifreeze).................................. 262Cooling...................................................... 262Exhaust Gas Caution................................ 225Fails To Start................................................81Flooded, Starting.........................................81Fuel Requirements................................... 302Jump Starting......................... 238, 239, 240Oil...........................................255, 305, 306Oil Filler Cap............................................. 251Oil Filter.................................................... 256Oil Selection..................................... 255, 305Oil Synthetic.............................................. 255Overheating.............................................. 241Starting.................................................78, 79
Enhanced Accident Response Feature... 206, 245
Ethanol.......................................................... 303Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 225Exhaust System................................... 225, 261Exterior Lighting...............................................41Exterior Lights........................................ 41, 225

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 314

315
F
Filler Location Fuel
........................................ 109Filters Air Cleaner................................................. 256Air Conditioning.................................. 52, 258Engine Oil........................................ 256, 306Engine Oil Disposal................................... 256Flashers......................................................... 226Hazard Warning......................................... 226Turn Signals................................ 44, 75, 225Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 43Flooded Engine Starting.................................. 81Fluid Capacities............................................. 305Fluid Leaks.................................................... 225Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 265Cooling System.......................................... 262Engine Oil.................................................. 253Transfer Case............................................ 267Fluid, Brake................................................... 307Fog Lights........................................................ 44Fold-Flat Seats.......................................... 29, 30Forward Collision Warning............................. 187Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 243
Fuel............................................................... 302Additives................................................... 303Clean Air................................................... 303Ethanol..................................................... 303Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................................. 109Gasoline................................................... 302Materials Added....................................... 303Methanol.................................................. 303Octane Rating.................................. 302, 306Requirements........................................... 302Specifications........................................... 306Tank Capacity........................................... 305Fueling.......................................................... 109Fuses............................................................ 267
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 38Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).............................. 109Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 303Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 303Gear Ranges.................................................... 88Glass Cleaning.............................................. 300Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 111, 112Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 110, 111GVWR............................................................ 110
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 118Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 226Head Restraints........................................34, 35Head Rests............................................... 34, 35HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................43Cleaning.................................................... 298High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........42Lights On Reminder.....................................43On With Wipers............................................43Passing........................................................43Switch..........................................................41Time Delay...................................................43Washers.................................................... 253Heated Mirrors.................................................38Heated Seats...................................................32Heater..............................................................48Heater, Engine Block........................................81
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch.. 42
Hill Start Assist.............................................. 182HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 113HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................38Hood Prop........................................................58Hood Release...................................................5811

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 315

317
Map
............................................................. 45Park...................................................... 43, 75Passing........................................................ 43Reading....................................................... 45Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 70Security Alarm............................................. 72Service...................................................... 276Traction Control......................................... 182Turn Signals......................... 42, 44, 75, 225Vanity Mirror................................................ 36Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 71, 75Load Shed Battery Saver On............................ 68Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction.............. 68Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor.............. 68Loading Vehicle................................... 110, 111Capacities................................................. 111Tires.......................................................... 285LocksAuto Unlock................................................. 24Automatic Door........................................... 24Power Door.................................................. 22Low Tire Pressure System............................. 189Lubrication, Body........................................... 260Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 301
M
Maintenance.................................................... 58Maintenance Free Battery............................ 254Maintenance Schedule........................ 246, 247Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 73ManualBackward............................................. 29, 30Forward................................................ 29, 30Park Release............................................ 241Rearward..................................................... 29Service..................................................... 311Tilt............................................................... 30Manual Transmission................... 83, 266, 267Fluid Level Check............................ 266, 267Map/Reading Lights........................................ 45Media Mode.................................................. 148Memory Seat................................................... 27Memory Settings.............................................. 27Methanol...................................................... 303Mirrors............................................................. 36Electric Powered.......................................... 37Electric Remote........................................... 37Heated......................................................... 38Outside........................................................ 37Rearview.............................................36, 226Vanity.......................................................... 36
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 189Mopar Parts.................................................. 310Multi-Function Control Lever............................42
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................82
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 192Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 302, 306Oil Change Indicator.........................................64Reset...........................................................64Oil Filter, Change........................................... 256Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 256Oil Pressure Light.............................................71Oil, Engine............................................ 255, 306Capacity.................................................... 305Checking................................................... 253Dipstick..................................................... 253Disposal.................................................... 256Filter................................................ 256, 306Filter Disposal........................................... 256Identification Logo.................................... 255
11

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 317