Dodge Repair: 11 Charger, fluid reservoirs, engine controller

Question
QUESTION: Since I have the push button, how will that work to do the fault code readout? Is the engine on at all?

Thank you.
Melissa



I have a 2011 charger.  The ABS, traction control, and brake lights will come on frequently which shuts off the cruise control if I am using is.  These lights will also come on when I'm starting the car.  I'll push the start button but it doesn't turn on, when I press it again and it finally turns on, those 3 lights will come on no matter what.  Sometimes they go off within a short period of time, sometimes they stay on for quite awhile.  Is the starting issue and the cruise not working when these lights come on, all one problem or separate?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer:   Hi Melissa,
I don't have so new a manual as for 2011. But I would begin by checking the brake fluid level in the master brake reservoir located in the engine compartment, just in front of where the driver sits. It has two caps and some sort of a level indication on the translucent side of the reservoir.
In my experience I doubt this has anything to do with the starter system. I haven't seen a tie in with the cruise control either but it may be that was programmed into the engine controller in more recent times than my manuals cover.
One thing to also do is a fault code readout. Try turning the ignition switch: " on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window in the instrument cluster to see if the mileage reading is replaced by any 4-digie number preceded by P. Let me what they are if any.
But do check the brake fluid reservoirs to be sure you aren't simply low on brake fluid.
Please read the PS below and respond.
Thanks,
Roland
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ANSWER: Hi Melissa,
Is there no ignition switch operated by a key? I don't mean to try the starter, just to turn the key from the 'off' position to the 'run' position, doing that as I described.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: On the 2011 charger the start button doesn't come out. The key only works to get inside the car if the battery on the fob is dead. Is there another way to check the codes?

Thanks!
Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa,
I am not familiar with how the starting procedure goes if one doesn't need a key. Once you are inside the car, what do you do to start it? I can't believe that it only requires you to push a button? What if you walk away without locking the car, can someone else just come along and push the button? If there is some action before pushing the starter button try doing that as I described earlier if the ignition key instead were needed.
In any case, there is a code reader that plugs into a socket under the dash. Often times a nationwide auto parts store will do a code readout for free. Try an Autozone store.
How did the brake fluid levels check out on the master brake cylinder reservoirs? All those warning lights would come on in you were too low on brake fluid.
Please rate my answer.
Thanks,
Roland