automatic transmission DODGE CHALLENGER 2009 3.G Owners Manual

locking the key in the vehicle. Removing the key or
closing the door will allow the locks to operate. If a door
is open, the key is in the ignition, and the ignition is in the
LOCK or ACC position, a chime will sound as a reminder
to remove the key.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically if all of the following
conditions are met:
1. The Automatic Door Locks feature is enabled
2. The transmission is in gear
3. All doors are closed
4. The throttle is pressed
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h), and
6. The doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped
The auto door lock feature can be enabled or disabled by
your authorized dealer. See your authorized dealer for
programming.
Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit
The doors will unlock automatically if:
1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is en-
abled
2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h)
3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK
4. The driver door is opened
5. The doors were not previously unlocked, and
6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tapping the lever to SET DECEL once will result in a
1 mph (1.6 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the lever is
tapped, speed decreases.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Electronic Speed Control on Hills
NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control system maintains
speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
The automatic transmission will downshift while climb-
ing uphill or descending downhill. This downshift is
necessary to maintain vehicle set speed.On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur, so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.
WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your ve-
hicle could go too fast for the conditions and you
could lose control. An accident could be the result.
Do not use Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic
or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered, or
slippery.3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131

14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
15. High Beam Indicator
This indicator will turn on when the high beam
headlights are on. Push the multifunction lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam.16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for five to eight seconds as
a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. A chime will sound if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt
Warning Light will flash or remain on continuously if the
driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check
or when driving.
17. Shift Lever Indicator — Automatic Transmission
Only
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
24. Low Fuel Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD. The
OBD system monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The MIL will turn on when
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)
When ON is selected, both doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
Unlock Doors Automatically on Exit
When ON is selected, both doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
Remote Key Unlock
WhenDriver Door 1st Pressis selected, only the driver’s
door will unlock on the first press of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter UNLOCK button. When Driver
Door 1st Press is selected, you must press the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button twice to unlock the passen-
ger door. WhenAll Doors 1st Pressis selected, both ofthe doors will unlock on the first press of the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button. To make your selection,
press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until
“Driver Door 1st Press” or “All Doors 1st Press” appears.
Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the RKE transmitter LOCK button is pressed. This feature
may be selected with or without the Flash Lights with
Remote Key Lock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “ON”
or “OFF” appears.
Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, the front and rear turn signals will
flash when the doors are locked or unlocked with the
RKE transmitter. This feature may be selected with or
without the sound horn on lock feature selected. To make
your selection, press and release the FUNCTION SE-
LECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 243
▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped...... 243
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped.... 244
▫Keyless Go — If Equipped.............. 245
▫Normal Starting..................... 246
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)............... 248
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 249
▫After Starting....................... 250Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 250
Manual Transmission — If Equipped........ 251
▫Six-Speed Manual Transmission.......... 251
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped...... 255
▫General Information.................. 255
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 257
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 257
▫Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
(3.5L Engine)....................... 259
5
239

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L
Engine)........................... 264
▫Gear Ranges........................ 264
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 268
▫AutoStickOperation................. 268
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 269
▫Acceleration........................ 269
▫Traction........................... 270
Driving Through Water................. 270
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 271
Power Steering....................... 273
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 273
Parking Brake........................ 274▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped...... 275
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped.... 276
Brake System........................ 277
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped.......................... 277
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only............. 280
Electronic Brake Control System........... 280
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) — If
Equipped.......................... 280
▫TCS (Traction Control System) — If
Equipped.......................... 281
▫BAS (Brake Assist System) — If Equipped . . . 281
▫HSA (Hill Start Assist) — Manual
Transmission Only................... 283
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 241

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

NOTE:The ENGINE START/STOP button should only
be removed or inserted with the ignition in the OFF
position.
Normal Starting
Using the ENGINE START/STOP Button —
Automatic Transmission Only
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL. Press and hold the brake pedal while press-
ing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The system
takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine
prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
Using the ENGINE START/STOP Button —
Manual Transmission Only
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, press and hold the clutch pedal while
pressing and holding the ENGINE START/STOP button.
Release the button when the engine starts. If the vehicle
fails to start within 15 seconds, release the button, wait 10
to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” proce-
dure. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior
to the engine starting, release the button.
To Turn Off the Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button — Automatic Transmission
Only
1. Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING