automatic transmission DODGE CHARGER SRT 2019 User Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
•When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
(Continued)
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,
or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock which
requires the transmission to be in PARK before the ignition can
be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing the trans-
mission in PARK. This system also locks the transmission in
PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the
ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will be
off). Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the vehicle.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be running and
the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must
also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear range (PRNDM) is displayed both
on the gear selector and in the instrument cluster.
To select a gear range, press the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. To
shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed. You must
also press the brake pedal to shift from NEUTRAL into
DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or mov-
ing at low speeds. Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver
selects PARK while driving), the position indicator will blink
continuously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers).Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL (Autostick) shift posi-
tions. Manual shifts can be made using the Autostick shift
control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward
(+) while in the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside the
DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster as M1, M2, M3, etc, Refer to AutoStickin this
section for further information.
NOTE: If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward)
it is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick, +/-) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In MANUAL (AutoStick)
mode, the transmission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster (as M1, M2, M3, etc.). Move the gear selector to the
right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
Automatic Transmission Gear Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 223

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head winds), use the
AutoStick shift control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section
for further information) to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or be-
low), transmission operation may be modified depending
on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, and many other situations. Operation
When the gear selector is in the DRIVE (D) position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the eight available gears. To activate AutoStick, move the
gear selector into the MANUAL (M) position (beside the
DRIVE position). The current transmission gear will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, along with a high-
lighted
M(Manual) indication. When the gear selector is
Paddle Shifters
1 — (–) Shift Paddle 2 — (+) Shift Paddle
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

in the MANUAL (M) position, tap the gear selector for-
ward (-) (or tap the (-) shift paddle on the steering wheel)
to downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, or tap
the lever rearward (+) (or tap the (+) shift paddle), to
command an upshift.
NOTE:
•
Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-), while the gear selector is in DRIVE, will activate a
temporary AutoStick mode. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick
mode will downshift the transmission to the next lower
gear, while using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the
current gear. The current gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster, but the Mwill not be highlighted. The
transmission will revert back to normal operation (if the
gear selector remains in DRIVE) after a period of time,
depending on accelerator pedal activity.
• The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-enabled, as
desired) using the SRT Drive Modes.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver (using the
gear selector, or the shift paddles), unless an engine lug-
ging or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in
the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is
chosen, except as described below. •
In temporary AutoStick mode (gear selector in DRIVE),
the transmission will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. Lack of accelerator pedal
activity will cause the transmission to revert to auto-
matic operation.
• If normal AutoStick mode is engaged (gear selector in
MANUAL position), manual gear selection will be main-
tained until the gear selector is returned to DRIVE, or as
described below. The transmission will not upshift au-
tomatically at redline in this mode, nor will downshifts
be obtained if the accelerator pedal is pressed to the
floor.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 229

•If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or holding the gear
selector in the (-) position, will downshift the transmis-
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault
or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position, or press and hold the (+) shift paddle (if the
gear selector is already in DRIVE) until “D” is once again
indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of
the AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
DRIVE MODES
Your vehicle is equipped with a SRT Drive Mode feature.
This feature gives the driver control over the systems in the
vehicle which affect its performance, enabling the driver to
tune it for desired driving scenarios.
NOTE: Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for
further descriptions of these modes.
Launch Control — If Equipped
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Mode system that
is designed to allow the driver to consistently achieve
maximum acceleration in a straight line. Launch Mode is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
aggressively launching the vehicle. Launch mode is in-
tended for use during race events on a closed course where
consistent acceleration is desired. The system is not in-
tended to compensate for lack of driver experience or
familiarity with the race track. The use of this feature in
low traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc) conditions may result in
excessive wheel slip outside of the system’s control, result-
ing in an aborted launch. Launch Mode is calibrated to
provide the most benefit on an unprepared surface and will
degrade performance on prepared surfaces (such as a drag
strip).
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The Speed Control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operates the ACC system.NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications
to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE: You cannot engage ACC under the following con-
ditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE
or NEUTRAL.
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
1 — Normal (Fixed Speed)
Cruise Control On/Off 5 — Distance Setting Increase
2 — SET(+)/Accel 6 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — RES/Resume 7 — Distance Setting Decrease
4 — SET (-)/Decel 8 — CANC/Cancel
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STARTING AND OPERATING 241

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 30 miles (48 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT RECOMMENDED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. 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 regarding 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
mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to
Manual Park Release in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
for towing.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 325

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................329
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine .................329
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................333
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine ................333
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................334
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................334
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................335
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .336
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .336
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .338
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................338
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............339
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............342
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .343▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................343
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .346
▫ Cooling System ....................... .348
▫ Brake System ........................ .352
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................354
▫ Rear Axle ........................... .355
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................356
 TIRES ............................... .356
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................356
▫ Tires — General Information ..............365
▫ Tire Types ........................... .371
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................372
▫ Wheel

And Wheel Trim Care ..............375
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............376
8