automatic transmission DODGE CHARGER 2020 User Guide

160STARTING AND OPERATING
3. The system takes over and attempts to start
the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after 10
seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing
the accelerator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds or three short pushes in a
row with the vehicle speed above 5 mph
(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The
ignition will remain in the ACC mode until
the gear selector is in PARK and the button is pushed twice to the OFF mode. If the gear
selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pushed once, the
instrument cluster will display a “Vehicle
Not In Park” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE:
If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, push and
release the ENGINE START/STOP button with
the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off, and the ignition will
remain in the ACC position. The system will
automatically time out and the ignition will cycle
to the OFF mode after 30 minutes of inactivity if
the ignition is left in the ACC or RUN (engine not
running) mode and the transmission is in PARK.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three modes:
OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition
modes without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once
to place the ignition to the ACC mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the RUN
mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
mode.
AutoPark
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in
placing the vehicle in PARK should the
situations on the following pages occur. It is a
backup system and should not be relied upon
as the primary method by which the driver shifts
the vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will
engage are outlined on the following pages.

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162STARTING AND OPERATING
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long
as the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key
fob is in the passenger compartment.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION (BELOW
–22°F O
R −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from an
authorized dealer) is recommended.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have
followed the "Normal Starting" or "Cold Weather
Operation" procedure it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than
15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in
case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition
key in the RUN position, release the accelerator
pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect
the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under
the hood on the driver side of the vehicle. It has
a removable cap that is located near the air box.
WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a
start from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 60 seconds
before trying again.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.

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STARTING AND OPERATING165
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number 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 gear selector.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the keyless ignition node is in the OFF
mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle
and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to chil -
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disen -
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING167
(Continued)
(Continued)
(Continued)
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
T
RANSMISSION
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel -
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
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 come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the igni -
tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number 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 transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

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168STARTING AND OPERATING
The transmission gear range (PRNDM) is
displayed both on the gear selector and in the
instrument cluster.
To select a gear range, push the lock button on
the gear selector and move the selector
rearward or forward. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the engine must be running and
the brake pedal must be pressed. You must
also press the brake pedal to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu -ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

The electronically-controlled transmission
adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs,
along with environmental and road conditions.
The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on
a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is
a normal condition, and precision shifts will
develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears. The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL
(Autostick) shift positions. Manual shifts can be
made using the Autostick shift control. Toggling
the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+)
while in the MANUAL (AutoStick) position
(beside the DRIVE position) will manually select
the transmission gear, and will display the
current gear in the instrument cluster as M1,
M2, M3, etc. Refer to "AutoStick" in this section
for further information.
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when
pushed forward) it is probably in the MANUAL
(AutoStick, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi
-
tion). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the trans -
mission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster (as M1, M2, M3, etc.). Move the gear
selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position)
for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. 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 conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(if equipped, refer to “AutoStick” in this section
for further information) 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.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
MANUAL (M)

The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position) enables full manual control of
transmission shifting (also known as AutoStick
mode; refer to “AutoStick” in this section for
further information). Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current
gear in the instrument cluster as M1, M2, M3, etc.

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 may operate only in certain gears,
or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may
be severely degraded and the engine may stall.
In some situations, the transmission may not
re-engage if the engine is turned off and
restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what
actions may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage
after engine shutdown, perform this procedure
only in a desired location (preferably, at an
authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if
possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled
Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
5

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172STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the
engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 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
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slippery
conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and
many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the DRIVE (D)
position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between the eight
available gears. To activate AutoStick, move the
gear selector into the MANUAL (M) position
(beside the DRIVE position). The current
transmission gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster, along with a highlighted "M"
(Manual) indication. When the gear selector is
in the MANUAL (M) position, tap the gear
selector forward (-) or tap the (-) shift paddle on
the steering wheel (if equipped) to downshift
the transmission to the next lower gear, or tap
the lever rearward (+) or tap the (+) shift paddle
(if equipped) to command an upshift.

Paddle Shifters

NOTE:

Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted
shift paddles (+/-) (if equipped) while the gear
selector is in DRIVE, will activate a temporary
AutoStick mode. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick
mode will downshift the transmission to the
next lower gear, while tapping (+) to enter
AutoStick mode will retain the current gear.
The current gear will be displayed in the instru -
ment cluster, but the "M" will not be high -
lighted. The transmission will revert back to
normal operation (if the gear selector remains
in DRIVE) after a period of time, depending on
accelerator pedal activity.

1 — Shift Paddle Downshift
2 — Shift Paddle Upshift

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STARTING AND OPERATING173
In some models, the shift paddles may be
disabled (or re-enabled, as desired) using the
Drive Mode Set-Up, accessed by selecting
Performance Control from the Apps menu in
the Uconnect screen.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up
or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the
driver (using the gear selector, or the shift
paddles [if equipped]), unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result. It will
remain in the selected gear until another
upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below.
In temporary AutoStick mode (gear selector
in DRIVE), the transmission will automatically
shift up when maximum engine speed is
reached. If the accelerator is fully depressed,
the transmission will downshift when
possible (based on current vehicle speed and
gear, except 6.4L models). Lack of acceler -
ator pedal activity will cause the transmission
to revert to automatic operation.

In temporary AutoStick mode (gear selector in
DRIVE), the transmission will automatically
shift up when maximum engine speed is
reached. If the accelerator is fully depressed,
the transmission will downshift when possible (based on current vehicle speed and gear,
except 6.2L and 6.4L models). Lack of acceler-
ator pedal activity will cause the transmission
to revert to automatic operation.

If normal AutoStick mode is engaged (gear
selector in MANUAL position), manual gear
selection will be maintained until the gear
selector is returned to DRIVE, or as described
below. The transmission will not upshift auto
-
matically at redline in this mode, nor will
downshifts be obtained if the accelerator
pedal is pressed to the floor.
The transmission will automatically down -
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine
lugging) and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically down -
shift to FIRST gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will
allow starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in
SECOND gear can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
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 (if
equipped), or holding the gear selector in the
(-) position, will downshift the transmission to
the lowest gear possible at the current
speed.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
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 equipped, and 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.

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174STARTING AND OPERATING
SPORT MODE — WITHOUT PERFORMANCE
CONTROL
Your vehicle is equipped with a SPORT Mode
feature. This mode is a configuration set up for
typical enthusiast driving. The engine,
transmission, and steering systems are all set
to their SPORT settings. SPORT Mode will
provide improved throttle response and
modified shifting for an enhanced driving
experience, as well the greatest amount of
steering feel. This mode may be activated and
deactivated by pushing the Sport button on the
instrument panel switch bank.
For vehicles equipped with Drive Modes or a
“SUPER TRACK PAK” button, refer to “Drive
Mode Supplement” for further information.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L AND 6.4L
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
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:
This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The Electric Power Steering system will give you
good vehicle response and increased ease of
maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will
vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that
prevents it from providing assist, you will still
have the ability to steer the vehicle manually. If the Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light is displayed and the
“SERVICE POWER STEERING” or the
“POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF –
SERVICE SYSTEM” message is displayed within
the instrument cluster display, this indicates the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. Refer to “Warning Lights And
Messages” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:

Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially at low
speeds and during parking maneuvers.

If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.

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180STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
You cannot engage ACC under the following
conditions:
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.
When the brakes are overheated.
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds.
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at
low speeds.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Full Off
mode is active.
TO ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
again. At this time, the system will turn off and
the instrument cluster displays “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Off.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Off

TO SET A DESIRED ACC SPEED
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired,
push the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button
and release. The instrument cluster display will
display the set speed.
If the system is set when the vehicle speed is
below 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall
be defaulted to 20 mph (32 km/h). If the
system is set when the vehicle speed is above
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the
current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
ACC cannot be set if there is a stationary vehicle
in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.

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