automatic transmission DODGE CHALLENGER 2009 3.G Owner's Manual

AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
Autostickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting to provide you with more control of
the vehicle. Autostickallows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
AutostickOperation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage Autostick, simply
move the shift lever to the right or left (D+/D-) while in
the DRIVE position. The gear position will display in the
instrument cluster. In Autostickmode, the transmission
will shift up and down when left or right (D-/D+) is
manually selected by the driver. It will remain in theselected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen. The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows to a stop (to prevent engine lugging) and
will display the current gear. Tapping the shift lever to
the D+ position (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift
(D+) the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated. To
disengage Autostickmode, hold the shift lever to the
right (D+) for a few seconds. You can shift in or out of the
Autostickmode 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 an accident
or personal injury.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

•You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when Autostickis en-
gaged.
•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while Autostickis
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more crisp/abrupt when
Autostickis engaged.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 269

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.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 Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
turn on when the parking brake is applied and the
ignition switch is ON.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position (automatic transmission), R (Reverse) or
first gear (manual transmission) first and then apply the
parking brake.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
parking brake, push the parking brake pedal down and
then remove your foot from the pedal. To release the
parking brake, push down on the parking brake pedal
and then release.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Parking Brake
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

required. However, the conventional brake system will
continue to operate normally if the “Brake Warning
Light” is not on.
If the “ABS Warning Light” is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
anti-lock brakes. If the “ABS Warning Light” does not come
on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
have the bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” remain on, the ABS and EBD systems are not
functioning. Immediate repair to the ABS system is
required.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF
EQUIPPED) – 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System), the
TCS (Traction Control System), the BAS (Brake Assist
System), and the ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
These systems work together to enhance both vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions.
An additional electronic brake control feature called Hill
Start Assist (HSA) is standard on manual transmission
models.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) — If Equipped
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions by controlling hydrau-
lic brake pressure. This prevents wheel lock-up to help
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The TPM sensors are regulated under one of the follow-
ing licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.5L and 5.7L Engines (with Automatic
Transmission)
The 3.5L and 5.7L engines (with automatic
transmission) are designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum
performance. The use of premium gasoline is not recom-
mended, as it will not provide any benefit over regular
gasoline in these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
3.5L Automatic12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.5
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WARNING! (Continued)
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and it will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) or Autostickmode (if
equipped) to select a lower gear range.
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the intervalspecified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the Maintenance Schedule. Refer to Section 8 for
the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Autostick/Electronic Range Select (ERS)

By using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) or
Autostickmode and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
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Sealing Tire with TIREFIT
1. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis-
sion) or in gear (manual transmission), turn OFF the
engine and set the parking brake.
3. Remove the TIREFIT kit from the trunk.
4. Pull the power plug 2 and the TIREFIT sealant hose 6
out from the TIREFIT kit.
5. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.
6. Screw the fitting at the end of TIREFIT sealant hose 6
coming from the sealant bottle 5 onto the tire valve.
7. Insert the power plug 2 into the power point on the
instrument panel.8. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK (automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (manual
transmission) and start the engine.
9. Press the switch 3 on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should start to inflate the tire and the tire sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the sealant bottle 5 through
the TIREFIT sealant hose 6 and into the tire.
10. Allow the air pump to run for five minutes and then
read the pressure gauge 4. If the tire inflates to 26 psi
(1.8 bar) or greater, proceed to Step 19 of this procedure.
If not, proceed to the following step.
11. Press the AIR PUMP switch 3 to 0 (OFF). Then,
disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and place it
back in the vehicle.
12. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle back
and forth approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) to distribute the
sealant more evenly within the tire.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES