fuel DODGE CHALLENGER 2009 3.G User Guide

This feature allows you to monitor when you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner, and it can be used to modify
driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
•Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the FUNCTION
SELECT button.Fuel Saver Mode — On
Fuel Saver Mode — Off
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173

NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display ofLOW FUEL.This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUELtext and a new DTE value will display.
•Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip A since the last
reset.
•Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip B since the last
reset.
•Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
•Display Units of Measure in
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “ENGLISH” or “METRIC”
appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button once to clear the resettable function being dis-
played. To reset all resettable functions, press and release
the FUNCTION SELECT button a second time within
three seconds of resetting the currently-displayed func-
tion. (>Reset ALL will display during this three-second
window.)
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
Mix, Defrost, and Floor or a blend of these modes, even
if the Air Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed.
This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To
improve fuel economy, use these modes only when
necessary.
•Recirculation Control
Use this button to block the flow of outside air
from coming into the passenger compartment.
A light will illuminate when the system is in
recirculation mode. Use the recirculation mode
to provide maximum A/C performance in hot ambient
conditions, or to block outside odors, dust, etc.NOTE:
•Continuous use of the recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
•The use of the recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather may cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture build-up inside the vehicle. Select
the Outside Air position for maximum defogging.
•The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging
when the recirculation button is pressed.
•The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection.
Air Conditioning Control
Use this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A
light will illuminate when the Air Conditioning
System is engaged.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233

▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program) — If
Equipped.......................... 284
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 287
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 287
Tire Safety Information................. 288
▫Tire Markings....................... 288
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 293
Tires — General Information............. 297
▫Tire Pressure....................... 297
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 298
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 300
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 300
▫TireSpinning ....................... 301▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 302
▫LifeOfTire ........................ 303
▫Replacement Tires.................... 303
Tire Chains.......................... 304
Snow Tires.......................... 306
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 306
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 307
▫Base System........................ 310
▫Premium System — If Equipped......... 312
▫General Information.................. 316
Fuel Requirements..................... 316
▫3.5L And 5.7L Engines (With Automatic
Transmission)....................... 316
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STARTING AND OPERATING 241

▫5.7L Engine (With Manual Transmission).... 317
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 317
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 317
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 318
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 319
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 319
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 319
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 320
Adding Fuel......................... 321
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 321
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 323
Vehicle Loading...................... 323
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 323▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...... 324
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)........ 324
▫Overloading........................ 324
▫Loading........................... 325
Trailer Towing........................ 325
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 325
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 328
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 329
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 329
▫Towing Requirements................. 330
▫TowingTips ........................ 335
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 336
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. See Section 6 of this manual for
jump-starting instructions.
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.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter 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 a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
Refer to Section 6 for proper jump-starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
Clearing a Flooded Engine (Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button) — Automatic Transmission
Only
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weatherproce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
and hold the brake pedal, push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it, then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter motor
will engage automatically, run for 10 seconds, and then
disengage. Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal
and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Clearing a Flooded Engine (Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button) — Manual Transmission
Only
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weatherproce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
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STARTING AND OPERATING 249

and hold the clutch pedal, push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it, then press and hold the
ENGINE START/STOP button for no more than 15 sec-
onds. Release the accelerator pedal and the clutch pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
Clearing A Flooded Engine (Using Fob With
Integrated Key)
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recommended Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in recom-
mended shift speed chart.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
Axle
Ratio1-4 4-5 5-6
3.73mph 20 25 42
(km/h) (32) (40) (67)
3.91mph 20 37 48
(km/h) (32) (59) (77)
Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively
steady speeds) may result in increased fuel economy.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission reverse
inhibitor system. When vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), the reverse inhibitor activates to help
prevent shifts into REVERSE. When at a complete
stop, you may notice lighter shift efforts into REVERSE
with the ignition key ON, as compared to the ignition
key OFF position. This is normal operation of the
transmission reverse inhibitor system.
•Due to the high performance nature of your drivetrain,
you may hear your transmission. This can be most
noticeable when the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL
with the clutch engaged (clutch pedal released), but it
may also be heard when driving at low engine RPM.
Also, this may be more noticeable when the transmis-
sion is warm. This is a normal condition and is not an
indication of a problem with your clutch or
transmission.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 253

1–4 Skip Shift
There are times when you must shift the transmission
directly from first gear to fourth gear instead of from first
gear to second gear. This is to help you get the best
possible fuel economy from your vehicle. This occurs
when the engine coolant (antifreeze) is higher than 106°F
(41°C), vehicle speed is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h)
but less than 21 mph (34 km/h), and the transmission is
in first gear, and the accelerator is at 1/4 throttle or less.
The 1–4 Skip Shift indicator message will be displayed
during these times.
When the 1–4 Skip Shift indicator message is displayed,
the shift mechanism will only allow shifts from first gear
to fourth gear. After you shift the transmission to fourth
gear, you can press the clutch in and shift to another
forward gear.
Downshifting
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, down-
shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep
grade.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
•If you skip more than one gear while downshift-
ing or downshift at too high an engine speed, you
could damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
•Do not downshift into first gear when the vehicle
is moving faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), as you
could damage the engine and/or clutch.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING