2021 DODGE CHARGER automatic transmission

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE263
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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
supplemental additives. Therefore, do not add any
fluid additives to the transmission. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.

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 has no dipstick.
An authorized dealer can check your transmission
fluid level using special service tools. If you notice
fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
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 Úpage 300. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.

REAR AXLE
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are
not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is
suspected inspect the fluid level Ú page 300.

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.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
CAUTION!

If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. An authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Úpage 300.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS301
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part
Automatic TransmissionUse only Mopar® ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct
fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar® DOT 3, SAE J1703.
Front Axle – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W90 (API GL-5).
Rear Axle – 3.6/5.7 Engine We recommend you use Mopar® OD Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W85 (API GL-5).
Transfer Case – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Transfer Case Lubricant for BorgWarner 44–40.
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306
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 296Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 96Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 260Adding Fuel.................................................... 113Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 251Additives, Fuel............................................... 298AdjustForward....................................................... 31Rearward..................................................... 31Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 161Air Bag........................................................... 201Advance Front Air Bag............................... 201Air Bag Operation...................................... 203Air Bag Warning Light................................ 201Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 203Enhanced Accident Response......... 207, 244Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 244Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 206Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 203Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 207Maintenance............................................. 207Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............201Side Air Bags............................................. 203
Air Bag Light.................................. 74, 201, 220Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)............................. 254Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 254Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 254, 255Air Conditioner System................................. 254Air Conditioning......................................... 48, 51Air Conditioning Filter..............................54, 255Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 54Air Filter........................................................ 254Air PressureTires......................................................... 283AlarmArm The System.......................................... 20Rearm The System...................................... 20Security Alarm...................................... 20, 77Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel DriveTowing...................................................... 244Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Android Auto........................................ 163, 164Android Auto™
b
....................................... 163Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 260, 299Disposal................................................... 261
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)....................... 180Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................77Apple CarPlay....................................... 163, 166Apple CarPlay®
b
...................................... 165Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................20Assist, Hill Start............................................. 184Audio Settings............................................... 148Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 124Auto Down Power Windows..............................59Automatic Door Locks......................................24Automatic Headlights.......................................43Automatic High Beams.....................................43Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).......48, 53Automatic Transmission......................... 89, 263Adding Fluid..................................... 263, 301Fluid And Filter Change............................. 263Fluid Change............................................. 263Fluid Level Check...................................... 263Fluid Type........................................ 263, 301Special Additives...................................... 263Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode.........................................................24, 92AutoPark..........................................................84AutostickOperation.....................................................92

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307
AUX
................................................................ 220AUX Cord.......................................................... 56Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet).......... 57AWD Towing....................................................... 244Axle Fluid....................................................... 301Axle Lubrication............................................. 301
B
Back-Up......................................................... 112Battery.................................................... 75, 252Charging System Light................................. 75Keyless Key Fob Replacement.................... 14Location.................................................... 252Battery Saver Feature...................................... 45Belts, Seat..................................................... 220BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................156Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 256B-Pillar Location............................................. 280Brake Assist System...................................... 181Brake Control System.................................... 181Brake Fluid.......................................... 262, 301Brake System...................................... 262, 296Fluid Check..................................... 262, 301Master Cylinder......................................... 262Parking........................................................ 87Warning Light..................................... 74, 296Brake/Transmission Interlock......................... 89
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 86Brightness, Interior Lights................................ 46Bulb Replacement........................................ 271Bulbs, Light.......................................... 222, 271
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 112Capacities, Fluid........................................... 299Caps, FillerOil (Engine)............................................... 249Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................... 261Car Washes................................................... 293Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 222CargoVehicle Loading........................................ 114Cargo Area Cover............................................. 64Cargo Compartment........................................ 64CD................................................................. 150Certification Label......................................... 114Chains, Tire................................................... 290Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 276Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................. 82Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 220Checks, Safety.............................................. 220Child Restraint.............................................. 208Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 211Child Seat Installation.............................. 218
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 216Infant And Child Restraints....................... 210Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 213Older Children And Child Restraints.......... 210Seating Positions...................................... 212Child Safety Locks............................................24Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 297CleaningWheels...................................................... 289Climate Control................................................48Automatic....................................................48Manual........................................................51Coin Holder......................................................55Cold Weather Operation...................................85Compact Spare Tire...................................... 287ConsoleFloor............................................................55Contract, Service........................................... 303Controls........................................................ 141Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 261Cooling System............................................. 259Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 260Coolant Level................................... 260, 261Cooling Capacity....................................... 299Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 261Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 260Inspection................................................. 261Points To Remember................................ 26111

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311
Oil Temperature Warning
............................ 76Park...................................................... 43, 80Passing........................................................ 43Reading....................................................... 45Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 76Security Alarm............................................. 77Service...................................................... 271Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Warning.................................................. 78Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW).... 78Service LaneSense Warning........................ 77Sport Mode Indicator.................................. 80Traction Control......................................... 183Transmission Temperature Warning........... 76Trunk Open Warning................................... 77Turn Signals......................... 42, 44, 80, 222Vanity Mirror................................................ 36Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 76, 80Load Shed Battery Saver On............................ 73Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction.............. 73Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor.............. 73Loading Vehicle................................... 114, 115Capacities................................................. 115Tires.......................................................... 280LocksAuto Unlock................................................. 24Automatic Door........................................... 24Child Protection........................................... 24Power Door.................................................. 21
Low Tire Pressure System............................. 190Lubrication, Body.......................................... 256Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 296
M
Maintenance.................................................... 61Maintenance Free Battery............................ 252Maintenance Schedule........................ 245, 246Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................................... 78, 82ManualService..................................................... 305Media Hub....................................................... 56Media Mode.................................................. 150Memory Seat................................................... 27Memory Settings.............................................. 27Methanol...................................................... 298Mirrors............................................................. 36Electric Powered.......................................... 37Electric Remote........................................... 37Heated......................................................... 38Outside........................................................ 37Rearview.............................................36, 223Vanity.......................................................... 36Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 190Mopar Parts.................................................. 304MP3 Control..................................................... 56Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 42
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................86
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 193Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 297, 300Oil Change Indicator.........................................69Reset...........................................................69Oil Filter, Change........................................... 254Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 254Oil Pressure Light.............................................76Oil, Engine............................................ 253, 300Capacity.................................................... 299Checking................................................... 251Dipstick..................................................... 251Disposal.................................................... 254Filter................................................ 254, 300Filter Disposal........................................... 254Identification Logo.................................... 253Materials Added To................................... 254Pressure Warning Light................................76Recommendation............................ 253, 299Synthetic................................................... 253Viscosity.................................................... 299Onboard Diagnostic System.............................81Operating Precautions.....................................81Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 305Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................37Overheating, Engine...................................... 239
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313
S
Safety
............................................................ 140Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 220Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 221Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 304Safety Features............................................. 140Safety Information, Tire................................. 275Safety Tips..................................................... 220Safety, Exhaust Gas....................................... 222Satellite Radio............................................... 143Saved Radio Stations.................................... 148Schedule, Maintenance....................... 245, 246Seat Belt Reminder......................................... 76Seat Belts............................................ 194, 220Adjustable Shoulder Belt........................... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................. 198Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)............ 199Child Restraints......................................... 208Energy Management Feature.................... 199Extender.................................................... 198Front Seat.............................. 194, 195, 197Inspection................................................. 220Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 197Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................197Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 195Operating Instructions............................... 197Pregnant Women...................................... 199
Pretensioners........................................... 199Rear Seat................................................. 195Reminder.................................................. 194Seat Belt Extender.................................... 198Seat Belt Pretensioner............................. 199Untwisting Procedure............................... 197Seat Belts Maintenance............................... 294Seats................................................. 29, 31, 32Adjustment........................................... 29, 31Easy Entry.................................................... 32Head Restraints.................................... 34, 35Heated......................................................... 32Height Adjustment....................................... 31Power.......................................................... 31Rear Folding......................................... 29, 30Seatback Release................................ 29, 30Tilting.................................................... 29, 31Vented......................................................... 34Ventilated.................................................... 34Security Alarm........................................... 20, 77Arm The System.......................................... 20Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 300Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 15Service Assistance........................................ 302Service Contract........................................... 303Service Manuals........................................... 305Settings, Audio.............................................. 148Shifting............................................................ 88Automatic Transmission....................... 88, 89Shoulder Belts.............................................. 195
Side View Mirror Adjustment............................37Signals, Turn................................... 44, 80, 222Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 143Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 146Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 290Snow Tires.................................................... 287Spare Tires..................................227, 287, 288SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline).......................................... 300Oil............................................................. 300Speed ControlAccel/Decel.................................................96Accel/Decel (ACC Only)............................. 100Cancel..........................................................96Resume.......................................................96Set...............................................................95Speed Control (Cruise Control)..................95, 96Sport Mode......................................................94Starting............................................................83Automatic Transmission..............................83Button..........................................................16Cold Weather...............................................85Engine Fails To Start....................................85Remote........................................................17Starting And Operating.....................................83
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314 Starting Procedures
......................................... 83Steering........................................................... 25Column Lock............................................... 25Power.......................................................... 94Tilt Column.................................................. 25Wheel, Heated............................................. 25Wheel, Tilt................................................... 25Steering Wheel Audio Controls...................... 141Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System.......141Storage................................................... 55, 292Storage, Vehicle...................................... 54, 292Store Radio Presets....................................... 148Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 292Stuck, Freeing............................................... 242Sun Roof................................................... 60, 61Sunglasses Storage......................................... 56Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag..... 201Symbol Glossary................................................ 9Synthetic Engine Oil....................................... 253System, Remote Starting................................. 17
T
Telescoping Steering Column.......................... 25Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)............ 53Tilt Steering Column........................................ 25Time Delay Headlight..................................................... 44Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 280Tire Markings................................................. 275Tire Safety Information.................................. 275
Tire Service Kit............................ 231, 232, 233Tires...................................221, 283, 287, 291Aging (Life Of Tires).................................. 285Air Pressure.............................................. 283Chains...................................................... 290Changing.................................................. 226Compact Spare......................................... 287General Information........................ 283, 287High Speed............................................... 284Inflation Pressure..................................... 283Jacking..................................................... 226Life Of Tires.............................................. 285Load Capacity........................................... 280Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..78, 190Quality Grading......................................... 291Radial....................................................... 284Replacement............................................ 286Rotation.................................................... 291Safety.............................................. 275, 283Sizes......................................................... 276Snow Tires................................................ 287Spare Tires............................. 227, 287, 288Spinning................................................... 285Trailer Towing........................................... 119Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 285Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 296To Open Hood.................................................. 62Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 118
Towing........................................................... 115Behind A Motorhome................................ 121Disabled Vehicle....................................... 243Guide........................................................ 117Recreational............................................. 121Weight...................................................... 117Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 121Traction......................................................... 122Traction Control............................................ 185Trailer Towing................................................ 115Hitches..................................................... 117Minimum Requirements........................... 118Tips........................................................... 121Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 118Wiring....................................................... 120Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 117Trailer Weight................................................ 117Transfer CaseFluid.......................................................... 301Transmission....................................................89Automatic.......................................... 89, 263Fluid.......................................................... 301Maintenance............................................ 263Shifting........................................................88Transporting Pets.......................................... 220Tread Wear Indicators................................... 285Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................63Trunk Release Remote Control........................63Turn Signals..............................................44, 80

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