ECU DODGE CHARGER 2021 User Guide

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE21
DOORS
MANUAL DOOR LOCKS
The power door locks can be manually locked from
inside the vehicle by using the door lock knob.
To lock each door, push the door lock knob on each
door trim panel downward. To unlock the front
doors, pull the inside door handle to the first
detent. To unlock the rear doors, pull the door lock
knob on the door trim panel upward. If the lock
knob is down when the door is closed, the door will
lock. Therefore, make sure the key fob is not inside
the vehicle before closing the door.

Door Lock Knob

NOTE:Manually locking the vehicle will not arm the
Vehicle Security system.POWER DOOR LOCKS
The power door lock switches are located on each
front door panel. Push the switch to lock or unlock
the doors.
Power Door Lock Switches

The driver’s door will unlock automatically if the keys
are detected inside the vehicle when the door lock
button on the front door panel is used to lock the door.
This will occur for two attempts. Upon the third attempt,
the doors will lock even if the key is inside.

NOTE:If the key fob is located next to a mobile phone,
laptop, or other electronic device, the wireless
signal may get blocked, and the driver’s door may
not unlock automatically.
If the door lock switch is pushed while the ignition
is in ACC or ON/RUN and the driver's door is open,
the doors will not lock.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event
of a collision, lock the vehicle doors before you
drive as well as when you park and leave the
vehicle.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition is in the OFF
position, remove the key fob from the vehicle
and lock your vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition in
the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
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22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
If a rear door is locked, it cannot be opened from
inside the vehicle without first unlocking the door.
The door may be unlocked manually by raising the
lock knob.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ — PASSIVE
E
NTRY
The Passive Entry system is an enhancement
to the vehicle’s key fob and a feature of Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ — Passive Entry. This feature allows
you to lock and unlock the vehicle’s door(s) without
having to push the key fob lock or unlock buttons.
NOTE:
Passive Entry may be programmed on/off
through Uconnect Settings Ú page 125.

The key fob may not be able to be detected by the
vehicle Passive Entry system if it is located next to
a mobile phone, laptop, or other electronic
device; these devices may block the key fob’s
wireless signal and prevent the Passive Entry
system from locking/unlocking the vehicle.

Passive Entry Unlock initiates illuminated
approach (low beams, license plate lamp, posi -
tion lamps) for whichever time duration is set
between 0, 30, 60 or 90 seconds. Passive Entry
Unlock also initiates two flashes of the turn
signal lamps.
If wearing gloves, or if it has been raining/
snowing on the Passive Entry door handle, the
unlock sensitivity can be affected, resulting in a
slower response time.
If the vehicle is unlocked by Passive Entry and
no door is opened within 60 seconds, the
vehicle will relock and (if equipped) will arm the
Vehicle Security system.
To Unlock From The Driver Or Passenger Side
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of the door handle, grab the handle to
unlock the vehicle. Grabbing the driver’s door
handle will unlock the driver door automatically.
Grabbing the passenger door handle will unlock all
doors and the trunk automatically.

Grab The Door Handle To Unlock

NOTE:
Either the driver door only or all doors will unlock
when you grab hold of the front driver’s door
handle, depending on the selected setting in the
Uconnect system Ú page 125.
All doors will unlock when the front passenger
door handle is grabbed regardless of the
driver’s door unlock preference setting.
Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key
(FOBIK-Safe)
To minimize the possibility of unintentionally
locking a Passive Entry key fob inside your vehicle,
the Passive Entry system is equipped with an
automatic door unlock feature which will function if
the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
The following situations will trigger a FOBIK-Safe
search in any Passive Entry vehicle:
A lock request is made by a valid Passive Entry
key fob while a door is open.
A lock request is made by the Passive Entry door
handle while a door is open.
A lock request is made by the door panel switch
while the door is open.
When any of these situations occur, after all open
doors are shut, the FOBIK-Safe search will be
executed. If it detects a Passive Entry key fob
inside the vehicle, the vehicle will unlock and
alert the customer.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE31
(Continued)
NOTE:You may experience deformation in the seat
cushion from the seat belt buckles if the seats are
left folded for an extended period of time. This is
normal and by simply unfolding the seats to the
open position, over time the seat cushion will
return to its normal shape.
When the seatback is folded to the upright
position, make sure it is latched by strongly pulling
on the top of the seatback above the seat strap.POWER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT SEATS) —
I
F EQUIPPED
Some models may be equipped with eight-way
power driver and front passenger seats. The power
seat switches are located on the outboard side of
the seat. There are two switches that control the
movement of the seat cushion and the seatback.

Power Seat Switches

Adjusting The Seat Forward Or Rearward
The seat can be adjusted both forward and
rearward by using the power seat switch. The seat
will move in the direction of the switch. Release the
switch when the desired position has been
reached.
Adjusting The Seat Up Or Down
The height of the seats can be adjusted up or down
by using the power seat switch. The seat will move
in the direction of the switch. Release the switch
when the desired position has been reached.
Tilting The Seat Up Or Down
The angle of the seat cushion can be adjusted up
or down using the power seat switch. The front of
the seat cushion will move in the direction of the
switch. Release the switch when the desired
position has been reached.
Reclining The Seatback
The angle of the seatback can be adjusted forward
or rearward by using the power seat switch.
The seat will move in the direction of the switch.
Release the switch when the desired position is
reached.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely
locked into position. If the seatback is not
securely locked into position, the seat will not
provide the proper stability for child seats
and/or passengers. An improperly latched
seat could cause serious injury.
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with
the rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded
down position) should not be used as a play
area by children when the vehicle is in motion.
They could be seriously injured in a collision.
Children should be seated and using the
proper restraint system.
1 — Seatback Control
2 — Seat Control
WARNING!
Adjusting a seat while driving may be
dangerous. Moving a seat while driving could
result in loss of control which could cause a
collision and serious injury or death.
Seats should be adjusted before fastening the
seat belts and while the vehicle is parked.
Serious injury or death could result from a
poorly adjusted seat belt.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE35
Rear Head Restraints
The center head restraint has two adjustable
positions: up or down. When the center seat is
being occupied, the head restraint should be in the
raised position. When there are no occupants in
the center seat, the head restraint can be lowered
for maximum visibility for the driver.
To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head
restraint. To lower the head restraint, push the
adjustment button located at the base of the head
restraint and push downward on the head restraint.

Adjustment Button

NOTE:
The head restraint should only be removed by
qualified technicians, for service purposes only.
If the center rear head restraint requires
removal, see an authorized dealer.

The outboard head restraints are not adjustable.

Front Head Restraint Removal
To remove the head restraint, raise it up as far as
it can go. Then, push the adjustment button and
the release button at the base of each post while
pulling the head restraint up. To reinstall the head
restraint, put the head restraint posts into the
holes. Then, adjust it to the appropriate height.
NOTE:Do not reposition the head restraint 180 degrees
to the incorrect position in an attempt to gain addi -
tional clearance to the back of the head.
WARNING!

A loose head restraint thrown forward in a colli -
sion or hard stop could cause serious injury or
death to occupants of the vehicle. Always
securely stow removed head restraints in a
location outside the occupant compartment.

ALL the head restraints MUST be reinstalled in the
vehicle to properly protect the occupants. Follow
the reinstallation instructions above prior to oper -
ating the vehicle or occupying a seat.

Do not place items over the top of the Reac -
tive Head Restraint, such as coats, seat
covers or portable DVD players. These items
may interfere with the operation of the Reac -
tive Head Restraint in the event of a collision
and could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
ALL the head restraints MUST be reinstalled in
the vehicle to properly protect the occupants.
Follow the reinstallation instructions above prior
to operating the vehicle or occupying a seat.
WARNING!

A loose head restraint thrown forward in a colli -
sion or hard stop could cause serious injury or
death to occupants of the vehicle. Always
securely stow removed head restraints in a
location outside the occupant compartment.

ALL the head restraints MUST be reinstalled in the
vehicle to properly protect the occupants. Follow
the reinstallation instructions above prior to oper -
ating the vehicle or occupying a seat.

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38GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HEATED MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
These mirrors are heated to melt frost or
ice. This feature will be activated
whenever you turn on the rear window
defroster (if equipped) Úpage 48.
TILT SIDE MIRRORS IN REVERSE —
I
F EQUIPPED

This feature provides automatic outside mirror
positioning which will assist with the driver’s ground
visibility. The outside mirrors will move slightly
downward from the present position when the
vehicle is shifted into REVERSE. The outside mirrors
will then return to the original position when the
vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE. If the vehicle is
equipped with memory settings, this feature will be
linked to the programmable settings.

NOTE:The Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse feature can be
turned on and off using the Uconnect system
Ú page 125.
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
(HOMELINK®)

HomeLink® Buttons And Indicator Light

HomeLink® replaces up to three hand-held
transmitters that operate devices such as
garage door openers, motorized gates, lighting,
or home security systems. The HomeLink® unit
is powered by your vehicle’s 12 Volt battery.
The HomeLink® buttons that are located in the
overhead console or sunvisor designate the
three different HomeLink® channels.
To operate HomeLink®, push and release
any of the programmed HomeLink® buttons.
These buttons will activate the devices they are
programmed to with each press of the corre -
sponding HomeLink® button.
The HomeLink® indicator light is located above
the center button Ú page 305.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROGRAMMING
H
OMELINK®
For efficient programming and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal, it is
recommended that a new battery be placed in the
hand-held transmitter of the device that is being
programmed to the HomeLink® system. Make
sure your hand-held transmitter is programmed to
activate the device you are trying to program your
HomeLink® button to.
Ensure that your vehicle is parked outside of the
garage before you begin programming.
It is recommended that you erase all the channels
of your HomeLink® before you use it for the first
time.

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60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
WINDOW LOCKOUT SWITCH
The window lockout switch on the driver's door trim
panel allows you to disable the window controls on
the rear passenger doors. To disable the window
controls, push and release the window lockout
button (the indicator light on the button will turn
on). To enable the window controls, push and
release the window lockout button again (the
indicator light on the button will turn off).

Window Lockout Switch

WIND BUFFETING

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception
of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in
the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting
with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped)
in certain open or partially open positions. This is a
normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the
buffeting occurs with the rear windows open, open
the front and rear windows together to minimize the
buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof
open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.

POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof switch is located between the
sun visors on the overhead console.
Power Sunroof Switch

WARNING!
Never leave children unattended in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Never
leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a
location accessible to children. Do not leave
the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition in the ACC or
ON/RUN position. Occupants, particularly
unattended children, can become entrapped
by the power sunroof while operating the
power sunroof switch. Such entrapment may
result in serious injury or death.
In a collision, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof.
You could also be seriously injured or killed.
Always fasten your seat belt properly and
make sure all passengers are also properly
secured.
Do not allow small children to operate the
sunroof. Never allow your fingers, other body
parts, or any object, to project through the
sunroof opening. Injury may result.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE61
OPENING AND CLOSING THE SUNROOF
Express Open/Close
Push the switch rearward and release it within
one-half second and the sunroof will open
automatically from any position. The sunroof will
open fully and stop automatically.
Push the switch forward and release it within
one-half second and the sunroof will close
automatically from any position. The sunroof will
close fully and stop automatically.
During Express Open or Express Close operation,
any other movement of the sunroof switch will stop
the sunroof.
Manual Open/Close
To open the sunroof, push and hold the switch
rearward to full open.
To close the sunroof, push and hold the switch in
the forward position.
Any release of the switch during open or close
operation will stop the sunroof movement. The
sunroof will remain in a partially opened position
until the switch is operated and held again.
PINCH PROTECT FEATURE
This feature will detect an obstruction in the
closing of the sunroof during the Express Close
operation. If an obstruction in the path of the
sunroof is detected, the sunroof will automatically
retract. Remove the obstruction if this occurs.
NOTE:If three consecutive sunroof close attempts result
in Pinch Protect reversals, Pinch Protect will
disable and the sunroof must be closed in Manual
mode.
VENTING SUNROOF
Push and release the Vent button within one-half
second and the sunroof will open to the vent
position. This is called “Express Vent” and it will
occur regardless of sunroof position. During
Express Vent operation, any movement of the
switch will stop the sunroof.
SUNSHADE OPERATION
The sunshade can be opened manually. However,
the sunshade will open automatically as the
sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
SUNROOF MAINTENANCE
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to
clean the glass panel. Periodically check for and
clear out any debris that may have collected in the
tracks.
IGNITION OFF OPERATION
The power sunroof switch can remain active
in Accessory Delay for up to approximately
10 minutes after the vehicle’s ignition is placed to
the OFF position. Opening either front door will
cancel this feature.
This feature is programmable using the Uconnect
system Úpage 125.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE63
TRUNK
OPENING THE TRUNK
The trunk may be opened in several ways:
Power trunk release button on the instrument
panel
Trunk button on the key fob
Trunk Passive Entry button Úpage 22
External release switch located on the under -
side of the decklid overhang
NOTE:The release feature will function only when the
vehicle is unlocked.
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the trunk
open symbol will display in the instrument cluster
indicating that the trunk is open. The odometer
display will reappear once the trunk is closed.
With the ignition in the OFF position, the trunk
open symbol will display until the trunk is closed.
Power Trunk Release Button
The trunk can be opened from inside the
vehicle using the power trunk release
button located on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering wheel.
NOTE:The gear selector must be in PARK before the
button will operate.
Key Fob Trunk Release ButtonPush the power trunk button on the key
fob twice within five seconds to release
the trunk.
Passive Entry Button
Push the trunk Passive Entry button which is
located on the right side of the trunk lid. With a
valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
trunk, push the Passive Entry button to open the
trunk.

Trunk Passive Entry Button
CLOSING THE TRUNK
With one or more hands placed on the outside
trunk surface push the trunk lid down until you
hear the trunk lock latch into place.
NOTE:
Before closing the trunk lid, make sure your key fob
is not inside the trunk area. The trunk will latch then
automatically unlock if the key fob is detected, not
allowing the key fob to be locked in the trunk area.

TRUNK SAFETY
Trunk Emergency Release
As a security measure, a trunk internal emergency
release lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being
locked inside the trunk, the trunk can be opened
by actuating the glow-in-the-dark handle attached
to the trunk latching mechanism.
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64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)

Trunk Emergency Release

CARGO AREA FEATURES
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat —
If Equipped
The 60/40 split-folding rear seat provides
cargo-carrying versatility. The seatbacks fold down
easily by pulling nylon tabs between the seatbacks
and the bolsters. When the seats are folded down,
they provide a continuous, nearly-flat extension of
the trunk load floor.
When the seatback is folded to the upright
position, make sure it is latched by strongly pulling
on the top of the seatback above the seat strap.
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the
trunk, either by climbing into the trunk from
outside, or through the inside of the vehicle.
Always close the trunk lid when your vehicle is
unattended. Once in the trunk, young children
may not be able to escape, even if they entered
through the rear seat. If trapped in the trunk,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely
locked into position. If the seatback is not
securely locked into position, the seat will not
provide the proper stability for child seats
and/or passengers. An improperly latched
seat could cause serious injury.
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with
the rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded
down position) should not be used as a play
area by children when the vehicle is in motion.
They could be seriously injured in a collision.
Children should be seated and using the
proper restraint system.
To help protect against personal injury,
passengers should not be seated in the rear
cargo area. The rear cargo space is intended
for load carrying purposes only, not for
passengers, who should sit in seats and use
seat belts.
The weight and position of cargo and
passengers can change the vehicle center of
gravity and vehicle handling. To avoid loss of
control resulting in personal injury, follow these
guidelines for loading your vehicle:
Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor.
Put heavier objects as low and as far forward
as possible.
Place as much cargo as possible in front of the
rear axle. Too much weight or improperly
placed weight over or behind the rear axle can
cause the rear of the vehicle to sway.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
top of the seatback. This could impair visibility
or become a dangerous projectile in a sudden
stop or collision.
WARNING!

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74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:

Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)

Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review
specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw
currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecutive
trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and
driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in
the instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when applicable.
These indications are indicative and precautionary
and as such must not be considered as exhaustive.
Always refer to the information in this chapter in
the event of a failure indication. All active telltales
will display first if applicable. The system check
menu may appear different based upon
equipment options and current vehicle status.
Some telltales are optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and will
turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the
air bag has been detected, it will stay on until the
fault is cleared. If the light is either not on during
startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning 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 reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full
mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or
that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) /
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this
case, the light will remain on until the condition has
been corrected. If the problem is related to the
brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation
may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking
capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the
hydraulic system. A leak in 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 has dropped below a
specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

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