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2005-2018 Dodge Challenger, Charger, Magnum and Chrysler 300 Routine Maintenance FAQ

Chrysler 300

Modern vehicles need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. You no longer need to do a tune-up every six months or change the oil every three months, but regular service and check-ups are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide for the 2005-2018 Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum and Chrysler 300 taken directly from Haynes manual 25027.

Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.

Oil Change

Engine oil type API grade “certified for gasoline engines”
Oil viscosity  
   2.7L and 3.6L V6 engines 5W-20
   3.5L V6 engine 10W-30
   5.7L Hemi engine 5W-20
   6.1L Hemi engine 5W-40 full synthetic
   6.4L Hemi engine 0W-40 full synthetic
Engine oil capacity (with filter)  
   2.7L V6 engine 6 quarts
   3.5L V6 engine 6 quarts
   3.6L V6 engine 6 quarts
   V8 engines 7 quarts
Recommended fastener torque  
Engine oil drain plug 20 ft-lbs
Engine oil filter cap (3.6L engine) 18 ft-lbs

Transmission Fluid Change

Automatic transmission fluid type  
All models except 8-speed transmissions Mopar® type ATF+4 or equivalent
8-speed automatic transmission Mopar® type ZF 8&9-speed ATF
Manual transmission fluid type Mopar® type ATF+4 or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid capacity  
42RLE 1-1/2 quarts**
845RE and 8HP70 9.5 quarts (dry fill)**
NAG1 5.3 quarts**
Manual transmmission  
TR6060 N/A**
**Note: The best way to determine the amount of fluid to add during a routine fluid change is to measure the amount drained and use that as a guide. It is important not to overfill the transmission.
Recommended fastener torque  
Automatic transmission pan bolts  
   42LE 174 in-lbs
   845RE and 8HP70 89 in-lbs
   NAG1 70 in-lbs
Automatic transmission drain plug  
   845RE 89 in-lbs
   8HP70 80 in-lbs
Automatic transmission fill plug 845RE and 8HP70 26 ft-lbs
Manual transmission drain and fill plug 20 ft-lbs

Differential Fluid Change

Differential lube type  
2010 and earlier models SAE 75W-140 GL-5 synthetic gear lubricant
2011 through 2014 models  
   300 and Charger  
      V6 and 5.7L V8 models SAE 75W-140 GL-5 synthetic gear lubricant
      6.4L V8 models SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic gear lubricant*
   Challenger  
      V6 models SAE 75W-140 GL-5 synthetic gear lubricant
      V8 models SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic gear lubricant*
2015 and later models  
   195, 220 and 230 rear axles SAE 75W-85 GL-5 MOPAR OD synthetic gear lubricant or equivalent
   230 limited-slip rear axle SAE 75W-85 GL-5 MOPAR LSD synthetic gear lubricant or equivalent
* On limited-slip rear axles, add 4 ounces of MOPAR Limited Slip Additive.
Differential lube capacity  
195RIA 1.0 quarts
198RII 1.5 quarts
210RII 1.7 quarts
215RII 1.7 quarts
220 and 230RIA 1.16 quarts
Recommended fastener torque  
Differential drain/fill plug  
   195RIA 26 ft-lbs
   198RII 44 ft-lbs
   210RII 37 ft-lbs
   215RII 37 ft-lbs
   220 and 230RIA 26 ft-lbs

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Coolant type  
2012 and earlier models 50/50 mixture of Mopar 5 year/100k mile antifreeze/ coolant with HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) and water
2013 and later models 50/50 mixture of Mopar 10 year/150k mile antifreeze/coolant with OAT (Organic Additive Technology) and water
Cooling system capacity  
2.7L V6 engine  
   2006 and earlier models 9.7 quarts
   2007 and later models 9.9 quarts
3.5L V6 engine  
   2006 and earlier models 10.6 quarts
   2007 and later models 11.1 quarts
3.6L V6 engine  
   Charger and 300 models 10 quarts
   Challenger models  
      2012 and earlier models 10.4 quarts
      2013 and later models 11.1 quarts
5.7L V8 engine 14.5 to 14.7 quarts
6.1L and 6.4L V8 engines 15 to 15.2 quarts

Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types

Brake fluid type DOT 3 brake fluid
Clutch fluid type DOT 3 brake fluid
Power steering fluid MOPAR type ATF+4 or equivalent

Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs

Drivebelt tensioner mounting bolt  
2.7 V6 and 3.5L V6 models 40 ft-lbs
3.6L V6 models 37 ft-lbs
V8 models  
   2010 and earlier models 40 ft-lbs
   2011 and later models 30 ft-lbs
Spark plugs  
2.7L V6 engine 150 in-lbs
3.5L V6 engine 20 ft-lbs
3.6L V6 engine 156 in-lbs
5.7L V8 engine  
   2010 and earlier models 156 in-lbs
   2011 and later models 18.5 to 22 ft-lbs
6.1L V8 engines 156 in-lbs
6.4L V8 engine (Critical taper design, DO NOT exceed 15 ft-lbs) 156 in-lbs
Wheel lug nuts  
2013 and earlier models 110 ft-lbs
2014 and later models  
   Base models 130 ft-lbs
   SRT 111 ft-lbs
Caliper mounting bolts (all models exc. SRT8)  
2005 models  
Front 44 ft-lbs
Rear 44 ft-lbs
2006 and later models  
Front 44 ft-lbs
Rear 23 ft-lbs
Caliper mounting bracket bolts (floating calipers; all models exc. SRT8)  
2012 and earlier models  
   Front 70 ft-lbs
   Rear 85 ft-lbs
2013 and 2014 models  
   Front (built on or before 8/30/12) 140 ft-lbs
   Front (built after 8/30/12) 121 ft-lbs
   Rear 44 ft-lbs
2015 and later models*  
   Front 98 ft-lbs
   Rear 81 ft-lbs
* Always use new fasteners  
Dodge Charger

Maintenance Schedule

The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.

When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

  • Check the engine oil level
  • Check the engine coolant level
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Check the power steering fluid level
  • Check the windshield washer fluid level
  • Check the tires and tire pressures
  • Check the operation of all lights
  • Check the horn operation

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus:

  • Change the engine oil and filter
  • Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first 

All items listed above, plus:

  • Check the wiper blade condition
  • Check and clean the battery and terminals
  • Rotate the tires
  • Check the seatbelts
  • Inspect underhood hoses
  • Check the cooling system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
  • Check the exhaust pipes and hangers

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months,whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus:

  • Check the differential lubricant
  • Check the manual transmission lubricant
  • Replace the cabin air filter
  • Check the brake system*
  • Check the suspension, steering components and driveaxle boots
  • Check the fuel system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
  • Check the drivebelts and replace if necessary

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first 

All items listed above, plus:

  • Replace the air filter element
  • Change the brake fluid
  • Replace the spark plugs (V8 engine)
  • Check the ignition coil(s) (V8 engine)
  • Change the differential lubricant
  • Change the manual transmission lubricant

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus:

  • Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve

Every 60 months (regardless of mileage)

  • Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)

Every 90,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first

  • Replace the spark plugs (V6 engines)

Every 100,000 miles

  • Replace the timing belt
  • Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter**

* Perform all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at 3000 mile/3 month intervals if operated under "severe" conditions. Severe conditions include the following: 

  • Operating often in dusty areas (dirt roads or off-road)
  • Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
  • Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
  • If most of your driving is at freeway speed in temperatures above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C) 

** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, change the or automatic transmission fluid lubricant every 30,000 miles:

  • In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
  • In hilly or mountainous terrain 
  • Frequent trailer towing