DODGE CHARGER 2009 6.G Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 259
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The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the mode control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•DefrostAir is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles.
•Defrost/Floor Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is
also directed to the front door windows through the
side window demister grilles.
•Floor Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating area
through vents under the front seats.
•Bi-Level Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and through the outlets located on the
floor. Air flows through the registers in the back of the
center console to the rear seat passengers. These registers
can be closed to block airflow.
•Panel Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel. Air flows through the registers in the
back of the center console to the rear seat passengers.
These registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Air Conditioning Control Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air con-
ditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with the mode control
dial. Press this button a second time to turn off the air
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

conditioning. An indicator in the button illuminates
when manual compressor operation is selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The Recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An indicator in the button
illuminates when the Recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE: Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow recirculation
to be selected while in Defrost or Defrost/Floor mode. Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the indicator in the control button to blink and
then turn off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
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Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clearwindshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 263
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 269
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 269
▫ Normal Starting (Tip Start) ............. 270
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 272
 Automatic Transmission ................. 273
▫ General Information .................. 273
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 275
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 275 ▫
4-Speed Automatic Transmission ......... 276
▫ 5-Speed Automatic Transmission ......... 282
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 286
▫ AutoStick Operation................. 286
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 286
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 287
▫ Acceleration ........................ 287
▫ Traction ........................... 288
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Driving Through Water ................. 288
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 289
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 289
 Power Steering ....................... 291
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 291
 Parking Brake ........................ 292
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 294
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 296
▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ........... 296
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ........... 297
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 297
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ........ 298
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 300 ▫
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 300
 Tire Safety Information ................. 301
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 301
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 305
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 306
 Tires — General Information ............. 310
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 310
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 311
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 312
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 313
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped ....... 313
▫ Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped ........ 314
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Spinning ....................... 315
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 316
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 316
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 317
 Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped ........... 318
 Tire Chains .......................... 319
 Snow Tires .......................... 320
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 321
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 322
▫ Base System ........................ 324
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ......... 327
▫ General Information .................. 332 
Fuel Requirements ..................... 332
▫ 2.7L Engine ........................ 332
▫ 3.5L And 5.7L Engines ................. 332
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 333
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 333
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 334
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 335
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 335
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 335
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 336
 Adding Fuel ......................... 337
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 337
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 339
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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Vehicle Loading ...................... 340
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 340
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 340
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 340
▫ Overloading ........................ 341
▫ Loading ........................... 341
 Trailer Towing ........................ 342
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 342
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 344 ▫
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 346
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 347
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 348
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 353
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 354
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 354
268 STARTING AND OPERATING