DODGE CHARGER 2008 6.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
1 Ð Air Outlet 6 Ð Radio 11 Ð Ignition Switch
2 Ð Instrument Cluster 7 Ð Climate Control 12 Ð Hood Release
3 Ð Hazard Switch 8 Ð Heated Seat Switch* 13 Ð Trunk Release Switch
4Ð
Electronic Stability Program Off Button*
/ Traction Control System Off Button*9 Ð Power Outlet 14 Ð Headlight Switch
5 Ð Glove Box 10 Ð Ash Tray* * If EquippedUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161
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BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER Ð IF EQUIPPED
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Trip Odometer Button
Base Cluster
The word9TRIP9will appear when this button is pressed.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds when the
trip odometer displays to reset it to 0 miles (kilometers).
A second press of the button will display the outside
temperature in the odometer.
Premium Cluster
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of two trip odometer settings. The letter ªAº or ªBº
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in andhold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles (kilometers). The odometer must be in trip
mode to reset it.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Electronic Speed Control Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. (See page 135 for more
information.)
5. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the
red area.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle's non-essential
electrical devices (i.e. radio), or slightly increase engine
speed (if at idle). If the light remains on, it means that the
charging system is experiencing a problem. See your
local authorized dealer to obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY.
7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control system.If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the gear selector in park, and cycle the ignition key.
The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
However, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.
8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, and you hear a chime, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal
on.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Check for a defective outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate. (See page 127 for more
information.)
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 62 for more information.)
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned off imme-
diately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page 345 for
more information.)12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the ESP. (See page 284 for more
information.) (See page 286 for more information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. The light
should go out with the engine running. The
system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP or the BAS or both. (See page 286 for more informa-
tion.)
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14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows 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
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 374 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 126 for more information.)16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 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. (See page 47 for more information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 126 for more information.)
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage. Refer to ªTrip Odometer Buttonº for additional
information.
NOTE:U.S. federal regulations require upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.
On vehicles equipped with a Premium Instrument Clus-
ter, this display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 175 for more information.)Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCheck Gascapº message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð if equipped.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn off the message. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 370 for more information.)
Change Oil Message (Base Cluster)
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
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next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ªONº position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
20. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity to a portion of the hydraulic system in the event of a
failure. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL