transmission DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2012 3.G Owner's Guide

WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the engine off. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 num-
ber 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 shift
lever.
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. 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 condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the “AutoStick
” mode
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section) 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.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will
remain in second gear regardless of which forward gear
is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will con-
tinue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the engine OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator
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STARTING AND OPERATING 275

AUTOSTICK
Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission feature
that offers manual gear shifting to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize
engine braking, and improve overall vehicle perfor-
mance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation
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 (+/-) while in the
DRIVE position, or press one of the steering wheel mounted shift paddles (+/-). When AutoStick
is active,
the current transmission gear is displayed in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the
instrument cluster. In AutoStick mode, the transmission
will shift when manually selected by the driver (using the
shift lever, or the shift paddles), unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.
•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.
•You can start out in first or second gear. Tapping (+)
(at a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting
out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStickis engaged. To disengage AutoStick
mode, hold the shift lever to the right or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle until “D” is once again
displayed 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.
•An “UPSHIFT” message will appear in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the in-
strument cluster when using AutoStick, to alert the
driver to upshift to the next gear. The “UPSHIFT”
message will appear when approaching the maximum
engine speed.
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.
Auto
•
If AutoStick is engaged while in “Auto” mode, the
transmission will automatically shift up if maximum
engine speed is reached.
•Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal may generate
an automatic downshift for improved acceleration.
•This mode should be used for most driving situations.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 277

Sport
•
If AutoStick is engaged while in “Sport” mode, the
transmission will remain in the selected gear even
when maximum engine speed is reached. Refer to
“Sport Mode” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
•Engine overspeed protection is achieved through fuel
cut off at or near redline.
•This mode will provide aggressive shifting and is
intended for spirited driving.
SPORT MODE
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
dampening system. This system reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including cornering,
acceleration and braking. In addition, the driver has the
ability to select a more aggressive shifting pattern. On the
center console, there is a “SPORT” button that whenpressed will cycle through three different driving modes.
This is the description of each mode of operation:
•Off – This is the initial position. This mode will give a
sporty, but comfortable ride. Within this mode, the
suspension will adapt to the vehicle inputs, including
SPORT Button
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking and accelera-
tion. The transmission will be optimized for smooth
less, aggressive shifting. The system will return to OFF
when the ignition switch is cycled from RUN to OFF to
RUN, if this mode is selected.
•Sport Mode – This mode is selected by the first press of
the “SPORT” button. A “SPORT” message will display
in the instrument cluster. The system will return to
SPORT mode when the ignition switch is cycled from
RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is selected. This
mode will set suspension for maximum performance
handling and is intended for spirited driving.
•TRACK Mode – This includes SPORT mode and
affects automatic transmission shifting in either Auto
or Manual mode. Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information. In TRACK
mode, the transmission has a sportier, more aggressive
shift pattern. In Manual mode, the transmission willhold gear at redline during manual shifting (console
shifter or paddle shifters). A “TRACK” message will
display in the instrument cluster. The system will
return to SPORT mode when the ignition switch is
cycled from RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is
selected.
NOTE: For manual transmission vehicles, the available
driving modes are Sport on or Sport Off. Track is not
available.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the rear (driving) wheels.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 279

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
CAUTION!
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK or REVERSE (manual transmission only) position.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition
switch is in the ON position (RUN position with Keyless
Enter-N-Go), the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 285

Manual Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, press the park brake pedal a second time
and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.
Parking Brake Release
Parking Brake
286 STARTING AND OPERATING