DODGE CHARGER 2011 7.G Owners Manual

Manual Operation
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation con-
trol.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time 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 setting. This will ensure
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 339

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:
•Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
•Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
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.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
340 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Manual Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 341

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 348
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 348
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ................... 349
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 349
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 350
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 351
▫ After Starting ....................... 351
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 352
Automatic Transmission ................. 352
▫ General Information .................. 353
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 355
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 355
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 356
 AutoStick .......................... 359
▫ Operation ......................... 359
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 360
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 361
▫ Acceleration ........................ 361
▫ Traction ........................... 362
 Driving Through Water ................. 362
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 363
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 363
 Power Steering ....................... 365
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 366
 Parking Brake ........................ 366
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 369
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 371
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 371▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 371
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 372
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 372
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 375
▫ Ready Alert Braking .................. 376
▫ Rain Brake Support ................... 377
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 377
▫ Synchronizing ESC ................... 378
 Tire Safety Information ................. 379
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 379
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 382
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 383
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 384
 Tires — General Information ............. 388
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 388
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 389
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 391
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 391
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 392
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 392
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 393
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 393
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 394
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 395 ▫
Life Of Tire ........................ 395
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 396
 Tire Chains .......................... 397
 Snow Tires .......................... 398
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 399
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 400
▫ Base System ........................ 403
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 405
▫ General Information .................. 410
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 410
▫ 3.6L Engine – If Equipped .............. 410
▫ 5.7L Engine – If Equipped .............. 410
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 411
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 345

▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 411
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 412
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 413
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 413
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 413
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 414
 Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 415
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 415
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 416
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 416
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 417
▫ Starting ........................... 417 ▫
Cruising Range ...................... 417
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 418
▫ Maintenance ........................ 418
 Adding Fuel ......................... 418
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release ....... 421
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 421
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 422
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 422
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 422
▫ Overloading ........................ 423
▫ Loading ........................... 423
 Trailer Towing ........................ 424
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 424
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 427
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 428
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 428
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 429 ▫
Towing Tips ........................ 434
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 436
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 436
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347

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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the ignition in
the ACC or RUN position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
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.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING