steering DODGE CHARGER 2008 6.G Owner's Manual

changer (if equipped) will remain active for 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening either
front door will cancel this feature.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC), the radio, steering
wheel radio controls (if equipped), and 6 disc CD/DVD
changer (if equipped) will remain active for up to 60
minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. For details, refer to ªDelay Power Off to
Accessories Until Exit,º under ªPersonal Settings (Cus-
tomer Programmable Features),º under ªElectronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 4 of this
manual.SALES CODE REN Ð MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
NOTE:The sales code is located on the lower right side
of the unit's faceplate.
The REN multimedia system contains a radio, CD/DVD
player, USB port, a 20 gigabyte Hard Drive (HDD), and a
ªJukeBoxº (virtual CD changer). Sirius Satellite Radio is
optional. The 6.5-inch touch screen allows for easy menu
selection.
A 20 gigabyte Hard Drive (HDD) allows uploads of
music and photos from CDs or through the USB port.
While the Gracenote database finds the artist, track, and
title for the music.
An auxiliary input jack permits passengers to listen to a
portable MP3 player through the vehicle's speakers. For
vehicles equipped with the Vehicle Entertainment System
(VES), separate audio outputs allow passengers to listen
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS
The remote sound system controls are located on the
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock
positions.Vehicles equipped with steering wheel mounted buttons
are also equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). The EVIC features a driver-interactive
display. This is located in the instrument cluster below
the speedometer.
The VOLUME button controls the sound level
of the sound system. Press the top of the
VOLUME button to increase the sound level.
Press the bottom of the VOLUME button to
decrease the sound level.
Press the AUDIO MODE button to select the
Compass/Temp/Audio screen. This screen
displays radio and media mode information
depending on which radio is in the vehicle.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
VOL-
UME
Button
AUDIO
MODE
Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
4

mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............275
NAcceleration.........................275
NTraction............................275
mDriving Through Water..................276
NFlowing/Rising Water..................276
NShallow Standing Water.................276
mParking Brake.........................278
mBrake System..........................280
NAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.....280
mPower Steering........................282
mMulti Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................283
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 284mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....285
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................286
NSynchronizing ESP....................289
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights......................289
mTire Safety Information...................290
NTire Markings........................290
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........293
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........294
mTires Ð General Information...............298
NTire Pressure.........................298
NTire Inflation Pressures.................299
NRadial-Ply Tires......................301
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ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
²brake pedal pulsations,
²and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
²Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effective-
ness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeop-
ardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
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5

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come 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 comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional 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 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 Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light, located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The indicator light also flashes when the
TCS is active. If the indicator light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction
indicator light should go out.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator and ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP/TCS indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster both come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. They should go out with the
engine running.The system will turn the ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and you have driven the vehicle several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the ESP is synchro-
nized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES Ð GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
²Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
²Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
²Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
²Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING