DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2010 3.G Owners Manual

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculation without A/C should not be used
for long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
Floor, Mix, or Defrost mode. The air is directed at the area
of the windows through which you view the outside
mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 237
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 237
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 238
▫ Keyless Go™ ....................... 239
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 240
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or 29°C)............... 242
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 243
▫ After Starting ....................... 244 
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 244
 Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........ 245
▫ Six-Speed Manual Transmission .......... 245
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ...... 249
▫ General Information .................. 250
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 252
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 252
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 252
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▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 254
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 254
 AutoStick .......................... 257
▫ Operation ......................... 258
▫ General Information .................. 259
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 259
▫ Acceleration ........................ 259
▫ Traction ........................... 260
 Driving Through Water ................. 260
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 261
 Power Steering ....................... 263
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 263
Parking Brake ........................ 264
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 265
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 266
 Brake System ........................ 267
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 267
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 270
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 271
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 271
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 272
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 273
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 274
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 278
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 279
 Tire Safety Information ................. 280
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 280
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 284
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 285
 Tires — General Information ............. 289
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 289
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 290
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 292
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 292
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 293
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 294 ▫
Replacement Tires .................... 294
 Tire Chains .......................... 295
 Snow Tires .......................... 296
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 296
▫ Tire Rotation – Four Season/Rsa Tires ..... 297
▫ Tire Rotation – F1 Three Season Tires ...... 297
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 298
▫ Premium System .................... 300
▫ General Information .................. 303
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 304
▫ 6.1L Engine ........................ 304
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 304
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 305
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STARTING AND OPERATING 235

▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 305
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 306
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 306
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 306
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 307
 Adding Fuel ......................... 308
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 308
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 310
Vehicle Loading ...................... 310
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 310
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 311
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 311
▫ Overloading ........................ 312
▫ Loading ........................... 312
 Trailer Towing ........................ 312
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 313
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key
fob in the ignition. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal before starting vehicle.
This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking igni-
tion system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting with Integrated Key – Manual
Transmission
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Press the clutch pedal fully to the floor, and turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release when
the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has
a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow the
procedure carefully. Refer to “Jump Starting” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for further informa-
tion.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Using Fob With Integrated Key (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running. If the engine
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in
10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
Keyless Go™
This feature allows the driver to oper-
ate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the ENGINE
START/STOP button is installed and
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter is in the passenger compart-
ment.
Installing and Removing the ENGINE
START/STOP Button
Installing the Button
1. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
2. Insert the ENGINE START/STOP button into the
ignition switch with the lettering facing up and readable.
3. Press firmly on the center of the button to secure it into
position.
Removing the Button
1. The ENGINE START/STOP button can be removed
from the ignition switch for key fob use.
2. Insert the metal part of the emergency key under the
chrome bezel at the 6 o’clock position and gently pry the
button loose.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 239