2015 Dodge Charger Check Engine Light Codes Explained
The 2015 Dodge Charger spans V6 and V8 powertrains that share OBD-II diagnostics. When the PCM turns on the check engine light, it stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that points to the affected system. Use the code descriptions, targeted tests, and verification steps below to diagnose faults before clearing the MIL.
- Applies to: 2015 Charger SE/SXT (3.6L Pentastar), R/T (5.7L HEMI), Scat Pack/SRT 392 (6.4L HEMI), and SRT Hellcat (6.2L supercharged).
- Tools required: Enhanced OBD-II scan tool with freeze-frame capture, fuel pressure gauge, smoke machine, oscilloscope or graphing multimeter for ignition testing.
- Immediate warning: A flashing MIL indicates raw fuel is reaching the catalyst–lift off the throttle and address the misfire before the converter overheats.
High-Frequency Charger DTCs
| Code | Subsystem | Likely Cause | Verification Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0300/P030x | Misfire | Coil-on-plug failure, spark plug wear (0.043 in gap), injector imbalance | Swap coils, inspect plugs for fouling, review misfire data per cylinder, perform injector balance test. |
| P015B | Fuel control | O2 sensor slow response, exhaust leak, contaminated fuel | Monitor upstream O2 response time, check for exhaust leaks near the manifold, review short-term fuel trim changes. |
| P06DD | Oil pump control | Variable displacement oil pump stuck, low oil level, PCM calibration | Confirm oil level and condition, use scan data to compare pressure switches A/B, apply latest PCM flash per FCA TSB. |
| P0456 | EVAP | Loose fuel cap, cracked canister hose, purge solenoid leak | Smoke-test the EVAP system, inspect rear wheel-well vapor lines, command purge closed and watch for vacuum decay. |
| P2181 | Cooling | Thermostat, radiator fan control, coolant temperature sensor | Monitor ECT warm-up curve, check fan command vs. actual speed, verify thermostat opening temperature. |
| P1CEA | Active exhaust | Active exhaust valve actuator fault (SRT/Scat Pack) | Check harness at the muffler actuators, command valves open/closed with scan tool, inspect for water intrusion. |
Structured Diagnostic Workflow
- Capture code data: Retrieve stored, pending, and permanent DTCs. Save freeze-frame information to understand engine load, coolant temperature, and speed when the fault occurred.
- Inspect fundamentals: Verify battery voltage, engine grounds, intake duct integrity, vacuum hoses, and oil level. Low voltage or oil aeration often triggers multiple HEMI-related codes.
- Prioritize misfire and fuel control faults: Resolve misfires or rich/lean conditions before addressing catalytic or evaporative system faults to avoid repeat codes.
- Perform targeted subsystem tests: Use smoke testing for EVAP issues, check O2 sensor response with a graphing meter, and measure fuel pressure under load (58 psi nominal on Pentastar).
- Repair and validate: After repairs, clear codes using Mode $04$, road-test through a full drive cycle, and confirm readiness monitors reach COMPLETE without new pending codes.
Code-Specific Tips
- P0300/P030x: Inspect crankcase ventilation hoses for vacuum leaks. On HEMI engines, inspect lifter tick or cam lobe wear if misfires persist on the same cylinder.
- P06DD: Update PCM software (TSB 18-034-16 or later) and ensure the correct 5W-20 oil is used. If DTCs return, the oil pump control solenoid may need replacement.
- P015B: Look for aftermarket exhaust leaks at the header flange and ensure the O2 sensor harness is clipped away from hot components.
- P0456: Inspect the plastic vapor lines above the fuel tank for cracks. Replace the fuel cap only after verifying the seal and performing a smoke test.
- P1CEA: Check for seized exhaust valve actuators due to moisture. FCA offers updated actuators with improved seals; apply dielectric grease to connectors during replacement.
Drive Cycle Confirmation
- Begin with a cold start, idle for two minutes to allow the catalyst monitor to initialize.
- Accelerate smoothly to 55 mph, maintain for five minutes, then coast (foot off accelerator) down to 20 mph without braking.
- Perform two moderate accelerations from 20 to 45 mph with steady throttle to trigger EVAP and O2 tests.
- Finish with five minutes of stop-and-go driving. Keep fuel level between 1/4 and 3/4 of a tank to enable EVAP self-tests.
- After the drive, scan for pending/permanent codes. The MIL should stay off if the repair succeeded.
Maintenance Habits to Prevent Repeat Codes
- Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles on the 5.7L/6.4L HEMI (16 plugs) and 100,000 miles on the 3.6L Pentastar.
- Use FCA-spec 5W-20 oil and Mopar filters to support variable oil pump operation and MDS (cylinder deactivation) health.
- Inspect EVAP hoses and purge solenoid every oil change, especially near the charcoal canister ahead of the fuel tank.
- Keep the cooling system flushed and thermostats functioning; overheating or running too cool triggers fuel control and catalyst codes.
- Update PCM and TCM software whenever FCA releases drivability TSBs to address false codes and shift quality issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a steady check engine light?
If the light is steady and the car drives normally, short trips to a repair facility are acceptable. Schedule diagnostics promptly; long-term driving with rich mixtures or misfires can damage catalytic converters.
How do I retrieve codes without a scan tool?
Turn the ignition ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON without starting the engine. The odometer display will show stored codes (e.g., P0128) on 2015 Chargers. A scan tool still provides freeze-frame data and live readings needed for accurate diagnostics.
Does disconnecting the battery clear codes?
Battery disconnects clear learned fuel trims but do not erase permanent codes. The MIL will return once the PCM detects the fault during the next drive cycle. Always repair the issue and use the scan tool’s clear codes function.
Need more Charger-specific repair steps? Compare these codes with the Charger diagnostic guide or follow the Charger MIL reset workflow after repairs.
When to Involve a Professional
Seek professional diagnostics if the MIL flashes, if oil-pressure codes coincide with valvetrain noise, or when multiple modules report communication errors. Experienced technicians can perform oscilloscope testing, fuel-pressure verification, and PCM/TCM software updates to ensure lasting repairs.