heating DODGE CHALLENGER 2008 Owners Manual

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk open, make
sure that all windows are closed and the climate control
blower switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the
recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle isdamaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2
ProCarManuals.com

Heated Seats
Heated seats provide comfort and warmth on cold days
and can help soothe sore muscles and backs. The heaters
provide the same heat level for both cushion and back.
The driver seat and front passenger seat are heated.
The controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel. After turning on the
ignition, you can choose from High, Low, or Off heat
settings. Amber indicators in the top portion of each
switch indicate the level of heat in use. Two indicators
will illuminate for high, one for low, and none for off.Press the switch once to select high level heating. Press
the switch a second time to select low level heating. Press
the switch a third time to shut OFF the heating elements.
If high level heating is selected, the system will automati-
cally switch to the low level after 30 minutes of continu-
ous operation. At that time, the number of indicators
Heated Seat Switch
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission – which may not be long enough for
HomeLinkto pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming
HomeLink” Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLink button
while you press and release - every two seconds
(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until HomeLink has successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
EVIC display will change from “CHANNEL # TRAIN-
ING” to “CHANNEL # TRAINED.”
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.
Then proceed with Step 4 under “Programming
HomeLink
” earlier in this section.
Using HomeLink 
To operate, simply press and release the programmed
HomeLinkbutton. Activation will now occur for the
trained device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator,
security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting,
etc.) The hand-held transmitter of the device may also be
used at any time.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster
The pushbutton for the rear window defroster is
located on the mode knob of the climate control
switch bank. Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the electric remote control heated mirrors
(if equipped). An amber light shows that the defroster is
on.
The defroster will automatically turn off after about ten
minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the switch again. To prevent excessive battery
drain, use the defroster only when the engine is operat-
ing.
CAUTION!
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements.
144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

▫Operating Instructions - Satellite Mode ......197
▫ Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped) ........................199

Kicker High Performance Sound System With
Driver-Selectable Surround (DSS) –
If Equipped ...........................200

Remote Sound System Controls .............201

CD/DVD Disc Maintenance ...............202

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ........202

Climate Controls .......................203
▫ Manual Air Conditioning And Heating
System .............................203
▫ Operating Tips .......................206
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147
4
ProCarManuals.com

CLIMATE CONTROLS
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System
The Manual Temperature Control consists of a series of
outer rotary dials and inner pushbuttons.
Blower Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the ven-
tilation system in any mode. The
blower speed increases as you move
the control to the right from the “O”
(Off) position. There are four blower
speeds.
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
4
ProCarManuals.com

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 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
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
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
4
ProCarManuals.com

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. Don’t leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, 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.
•Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

Keyless Go
This function allows the driver to
operate the ignition switch with
the push of a button, as long as the
ENGINE START/STOP button is
installed and the Keyless Go igni-
tion key (FOBIK) is in the passen-
ger compartment.
Installing And Removing The Engine Start/Stop
Button
1. Remove the ignition key (FOBIK).
2. Insert the ENGINE START/STOP button into the
ignition switch.
NOTE:The ENGINE START/STOP button can be re-
moved from the ignition switch (WIN) for regular igni-
tion key (FOBIK) use. Keyless Go Functions — With Driver’s Foot Off The
Brake Pedal (In PARK Position)
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
onceto acti-
vate the radio, wipers, and windows.
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twiceto
activate the heating/air conditioning (HVAC) controls,
and the instrument cluster.
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button three timesto
turn off the ignition switch.
Keyless Go Functions - With Driver’s Foot On The
Brake Pedal (PARK or NEUTRAL Gear Position Only)
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button onceto oper-
ate all of the accessories.
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twiceto start
the engine.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard warning switch is located in the switch bank
near the bottom center of the instrument panel. Depress
the switch to activate the flashers. When activated, all
directional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a
second time to turn off the flashers.This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
hazard warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
NOTE:
With extended use, the hazard warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Warning Switch
280 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ProCarManuals.com