automatic transmission DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2012 3.G Owner's Manual

vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking and accelera-
tion. The transmission will be optimized for smooth
less, aggressive shifting. The system will return to OFF
when the ignition switch is cycled from RUN to OFF to
RUN, if this mode is selected.
•Sport Mode – This mode is selected by the first press of
the “SPORT” button. A “SPORT” message will display
in the instrument cluster. The system will return to
SPORT mode when the ignition switch is cycled from
RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is selected. This
mode will set suspension for maximum performance
handling and is intended for spirited driving.
•TRACK Mode – This includes SPORT mode and
affects automatic transmission shifting in either Auto
or Manual mode. Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information. In TRACK
mode, the transmission has a sportier, more aggressive
shift pattern. In Manual mode, the transmission willhold gear at redline during manual shifting (console
shifter or paddle shifters). A “TRACK” message will
display in the instrument cluster. The system will
return to SPORT mode when the ignition switch is
cycled from RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is
selected.
NOTE: For manual transmission vehicles, the available
driving modes are Sport on or Sport Off. Track is not
available.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the rear (driving) wheels.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 279

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK or REVERSE (manual transmission only) position.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition
switch is in the ON position (RUN position with Keyless
Enter-N-Go), the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 285

Manual Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, press the park brake pedal a second time
and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.
Parking Brake Release
Parking Brake
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NoneNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear Not Recommended Not Recommended
On Trailer AllOK OK
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Recreational towing (with rear wheels on the ground) is
NOT ALLOWED. The only acceptable method for tow-
ing this vehicle (behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle
trailer with all four wheelsOFFthe ground.
Use of a towing dolly (with rear wheels on the ground) is
NOT ALLOWED , as severe transmission damage will
occur. Use of a towing dolly (with front wheels on the
ground) is not recommended, as vehicle damage may
occur.CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 342
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 342
 TIREFIT Kit ......................... 343
▫ TIREFIT Storage ..................... 344
▫ TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation . . . 344
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions ............. 346
▫ Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT ............ 348
 Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 353
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 354▫
Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 355
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 357
 Shift Lever Override ................... 359
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 360
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 361
▫ Manual Transmission ................. 362
▫ Without The Key Fob ................. 362
6

WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories. 3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park
the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal
injury or property damage due to battery explosion.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
•
Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistance If transmission is operable:•
Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
360 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the
PARK position for towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
•The manufacturer does not recommend that you
tow this vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
•The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), then the only acceptable method of
towing is with a flatbed truck.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 361

▫Cooling System ..................... 383
▫ Brake System ....................... 389
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System (Manual
Transmission) – If Equipped ............. 391
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 391
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 392
▫ Rear Axle .......................... 393
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 394
 Fuses .............................. 399
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 399
▫ Rear Power Distribution Center .......... 402
Vehicle Storage ....................... 406
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 407
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 408
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp — Models With
Halogen Headlamps — If Equipped ....... 408
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, And Park/Turn Lamp — Models
With High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Headlamps — If Equipped ............. 408
▫ Front/Rear Side Marker Lamp ........... 409
▫ Tail/Turn And Stop Lamp .............. 409
▫ Center Tail/Backup Lamp .............. 412
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL).
It will also store diagnostic codes and other information
to assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367