automatic transmission DODGE CHALLENGER SRT 2019 Owner's Manual

•If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or holding the gear
selector in the (-) position, will downshift the transmis-
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault
or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position, or press and hold the (+) shift paddle
(if the gear selector is already in DRIVE) until “D” is once
again indicated 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.
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.
DRIVE MODES
Your vehicle is equipped with a SRT Drive Mode feature.
This feature gives the driver control over the systems in the
vehicle which affect its performance, enabling the driver to
tune it for desired driving scenarios.
NOTE: Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for
further descriptions of these modes.
Launch Mode
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Mode system that
is designed to allow the driver to consistently achieve
maximum acceleration in a straight line. Launch Mode is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
aggressively launching the vehicle. Launch mode is in-
tended for use during race events on a closed course where
consistent acceleration is desired. The system is not in-
tended to compensate for lack of driver experience or
familiarity with the race track. The use of this feature in
low traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc) conditions may result in
excessive wheel slip outside of the system’s control, result-
ing in an aborted launch. Launch Mode is calibrated to
provide the most benefit on an unprepared surface and will
degrade performance on prepared surfaces (such as a drag
strip).6
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

NOTE:Torque Reserve is implemented during Launch
Mode, so you may notice different engine/exhaust sounds
and increased NVH.
Preconditions:
• Launch Mode should not be used on public roads.
Always check track conditions and the surrounding
area.
• Launch mode is not available within the first 500 miles
of engine break-in.
• Launch Mode should only be used when the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature.
• Launch Mode is intended to be used on dry, paved road
surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces may
cause damage to vehicle components and is not recom-
mended.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Launch Mode is only available when the following proce-
dure is followed:
1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch bank. NOTE:
Pushing the SRT button on the center stack or
pressing Race Options within Drive Modes, then selecting
the Launch Control tab, followed by the soft, Launch
Control button are two other options to access launch
control features. Please refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in
“Multimedia” for further information.
2. Slide the RPM slider bar on the touchscreen. This screen will allow you to adjust your launch RPM’s for opti-
mum launch/traction.
3. Press the “Activate Launch Mode” button on the touch- screen.
4. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
5. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.
6. Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “DRIVE”.
7. While holding the brake, rapidly apply and hold the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The engine
speed will hold at the RPM that was set in the “Launch
RPM Set-up” screen.
NOTE: Messages will appear in the instrument cluster to
inform the driver if one or more of the above conditions
have not been met.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The Speed Control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operates the ACC system.NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications
to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
20 mph (32 km/h).
The system will cancel when the vehicle speed drops below
15 mph (24 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the “ready” state, the
instrument cluster display will read “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE: You cannot engage ACC under the following con-
ditions:
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE
or NEUTRAL.
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
1 — Normal (Fixed Speed)
Cruise Control On/Off 5 — Distance Setting Increase
2 — SET(+)/Accel 6 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — RES/Resume 7 — Distance Setting Decrease
4 — SET (-)/Decel 8 — CANC/Cancel
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 249

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............325
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............327
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................328
▫ Manual Transmission ....................328 
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ...............................329
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............329
282 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Preparations For Jump Start
The battery is stored under an access cover in the trunk.
Remote battery posts are located on the right side of the
engine compartment for jump starting.
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is ON. You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent
electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Apply the parking brake, shift into PARK (automatic transmission) or FIRST GEAR (manual transmission)
and cycle the ignition to OFF.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump Starting Locations
(+) — Remote Positive Post
(-) — Remote Negative Post 320 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

To Reset The Manual Park Release:
1. Push the latch (at the base of the lever, on the rear side)rearward (away from the lever) to unlatch the lever.
2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward and down, to its original position, until the locking tab snaps
into place to secure the lever.
3. Pull up gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed position.
4. Tuck the tether strap into the base of the console. Reinstall the console storage bin.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. For vehicles with automatic transmission, push
and hold the lock button on the gear selector. Then shift
back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with auto-
matic transmission) or FIRST GEAR and REVERSE (with
manual transmission), while gently pressing the accelera-
tor. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE: For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at
wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE
or REVERSE.
Tether Strap
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 325

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The Ground Automatic/Manual Transmission
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 30 miles (48 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT RECOMMENDED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode, not the ACC mode.
CAUTION!
•
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
(Continued)
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 327

CAUTION!(Continued)
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may occur from improper towing.
• The manufacturer does not recommend towing this
vehicle using a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to
Manual Park Release in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL when the engine
is off.
• The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles (48 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 30
miles (48 km), then the only acceptable method of towing
is with a flatbed truck.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out
of PARK for towing.
Manual Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
328 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................333
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine .................333
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................337
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine ................337
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................338
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................338
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................338
 DEALER SERVICE .......................340
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .340
▫ Engine Oil Filter .......................342
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................342
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............343
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............346
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .347▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................347
▫ Exhaust System ........................349
▫ Cooling System ........................351
▫ Brake System ........................ .356
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped) ..........................357
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........357
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......358
▫ Rear Axle ............................359
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................360
 TIRES ............................... .360
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................360
▫ Tires — General Information .............
.370
▫ Tire Types ............................376
8

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition when
the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
NOTE: Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped
with an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if the
exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket products a
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the
OFF mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumula-
tion of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 351