2015 Dodge Charger Check Engine Light Codes: Complete Guide
The 2015 Charger couples Pentastar V6 or HEMI V8 power with 8HP transmissions-great for performance, but quick to set a check engine light if sensors or ignition components drift out of spec. This guide explains the most common codes, how to diagnose them, and when to clear the MIL safely.
- Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI, 6.4L 392 HEMI, 6.2L Hellcat.
- Before you start: Record DTCs, freeze-frame data, fuel trims and coolant temperature; verify battery voltage >=12.6 V.
- Tools: OBD-II scanner with Mode $06$, spark tester, fuel pressure gauge, smoke tester, compression tester.
Top Codes on a 2015 Charger
| Code | Subsystem | Likely Cause | First Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0300/P030x | Ignition | Coil failure, plug wear, lifter/cam wear | Swap coils and plugs; listen for valvetrain tick; run compression/leak-down if misfire stays. |
| P0456 | EVAP | Loose fuel cap, cracked purge hose, ESIM leak | Install OEM cap, smoke-test EVAP hoses, inspect charcoal canister connections. |
| P0420/P0430 | Catalytic | Efficiency drop due to misfire, exhaust leak | Repair misfires, check for exhaust leaks ahead of the catalyst, monitor O2 switching. |
| P0128 | Cooling | Thermostat stuck open, low coolant level | Verify coolant level/condition, replace thermostat, bleed the system. |
| P1DF3 | Transmission | 8HP TCM lost adaptives, low ATF | Check ATF level/quality, perform Quick Learn procedure via scan tool. |
Diagnostic Workflow
- Scan & document: Capture all engine and transmission codes, freeze-frame data and Mode $06$ misfire counters.
- Visual inspection: Check ignition coils, plug boots, vacuum hoses, throttle body cleanliness and battery/ground integrity.
- Ignition/fuel tests: Swap coils/plugs, verify fuel pressure, inspect injectors and fuel trims.
- EVAP & emissions: Smoke-test purge/vent circuits, inspect the ESIM module, check catalytic temperature delta.
- Transmission follow-up: If P1DF3 or P0700 appears, read TCM data, verify clutch volume indexes, and perform an adaptive relearn.
- Road test: After repairs, clear DTCs, drive 30-50 miles mix of city/highway, confirm trims within +/-10% and monitors “complete.”
When to See a Mechanic
- Flashing MIL with loss of power, raw fuel smell, or audible knock.
- P030x, P0456, or P1DF3 returning immediately after ignition or EVAP repairs.
- Low compression, lifter noise, or metal in oil after repeated misfires.
Resetting the MIL
- Use a scan tool’s Mode $04$ to clear codes once the fix is verified.
- Avoid disconnecting the battery-this wipes adaptives without addressing the fault.
- If the MIL flashes, reduce load immediately; misfires can destroy the catalysts in minutes.
Preventive Maintenance
- Replace spark plugs and inspect coils every 30k miles (5.7L) or 60k miles (6.4L/Hellcat); torque to factory spec.
- Clean the throttle body annually to prevent correlation codes.
- Inspect EVAP hoses, the ESIM module and gas cap seals yearly.
- Keep PCM/TCM software up to date; Chrysler flashes improve misfire detection and 8HP behavior.