Segment:
Full-size Sedan (performance variant)
Target Audience:
Performance enthusiasts seeking a powerful and stylish American sedan.
Competitors:
Chevrolet SS (later models), Pontiac G8 GT, Ford Taurus SHO (later models).
Performance Focus:
SRT8 designation signifies a high-performance variant with enhanced engine, suspension, and braking.
Design:
Aggressive styling, large rear-wheel-drive platform, iconic American muscle car heritage.
Instrument Cluster And Gauges:
Detailed explanation of all indicators, warning lights, and gauges.
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of audio system, Uconnect (if equipped), and media playback.
Climate Controls:
Operation of HVAC system, including manual and automatic climate control settings.
Lighting Systems:
Control and function of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and fog lamps.
Driver Controls:
Operation of steering wheel controls, cruise control, and other driver-centric functions.
Locks And Security:
Keyless entry, power locks, remote start system (if equipped), and alarm system operation.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Adjustment of seats, seat belt operation, airbag system explanation, and child seat installation guidance.
Driving Operations:
Starting and operating the vehicle, transmission gear selection, parking procedures.
Customer Assistance:
Information on warranty, roadside assistance, and contacting dealers.
Safety Defect Reporting:
Procedure for reporting safety defects in the U.S. market.
Cleaning And Care:
Guidelines for interior and exterior cleaning and basic care.
Maintenance And Specifications:
Overview of routine maintenance, fluid types, and vehicle specifications.
Engine Compartment:
Identification of key components in the engine bay, fluid fill points, and basic checks.
Engine Oil:
Recommendations for engine oil type, viscosity, and checking oil level.
Battery Care:
Information on battery maintenance and jump-starting procedures.
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel type and octane rating for the SRT8 engine.
Air Filter Maintenance:
Guidance on checking and replacing the engine air filter(s).
Part Numbers:
General reference to part identification, though specific part numbers are often in separate service manuals.
Refill Capacities:
Capacities for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc.
Lubricant Specifications:
Specifications for various lubricants, including grease and transmission fluid.
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation.
Basic Checks:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and lights.
Troubleshooting Warnings:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meaning.
Jump Starting:
Step-by-step instructions for jump-starting the vehicle.
Tire Changing:
Instructions for changing a flat tire using the onboard tools.
Fuse Replacement:
Location and replacement procedure for fuses.
Depth:
Owner-focused, covering operation, features, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front), 5-Star (Rear)
Braking System:
Performance Brembo brakes with ventilated discs (front and rear).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).
Airbags:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions; severe conditions may require more frequent changes).
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 (meeting Chrysler MS-10850 spec is ideal for SRT8)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended, often 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors (due to performance driving), suspension components (bushings, control arms), accessory drive belts, fuel pump, and HVAC blower motor.
Powertrain Reliability:
HEMI 6.1L is generally robust, but proper maintenance is crucial. Some issues with camshaft phasers or lifters have been reported on certain HEMI engines.