automatic transmission DODGE CHARGER 2021 Owner's Manual

SAFETY207
(Continued)
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will determine
whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response
System perform the following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped).
Cut off battery power to the electric motor
(if equipped).
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power.
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for 15 minutes
from the intervention of the Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Unlock the power door locks.
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC
Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pump
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to
the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the battery.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the
engine compartment and on the ground near the
engine compartment and fuel tank before resetting
the system and starting the engine. If there are no
fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical devices
(e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset the system
by following the procedure described below. If you
have any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.

Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure

In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response
System functions after an event, the ignition switch
must be changed from ignition START or ON/RUN to
ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in
the engine compartment and on the ground near the
engine compartment and fuel tank before resetting the
system and starting the engine. After an accident, if the vehicle will not start after
performing the reset procedure, the vehicle must be
towed to an authorized dealer to be inspected and to
have the Enhanced Accident Response System reset.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You
could be injured if the air bag system is not
there to protect you. Do not modify the compo
-
nents or wiring, including adding any kind of
badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub
trim cover or the upper passenger side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front
fascia/bumper, vehicle body structure, or add
aftermarket side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has an air
bag system.
6

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 207

236IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be
jump started using a set of jumper cables and a
battery in another vehicle, or by using a portable
battery booster pack. Jump starting can be
dangerous if done improperly, so please follow the
procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer's operating instructions and
precautions.
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START
The battery is stored under an access cover in the
trunk. Remote battery posts are located on the
right side of the engine compartment for jump
starting.

Jump Starting Locations

NOTE:The remote battery posts are viewed by standing
on the right side of the vehicle looking over the
fender. The positive battery post may be covered
with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain
access to the positive battery post. Do not jump off
fuses. Only jump directly off positive post which
has a positive (+) symbol on or around the post.
See below steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and place the ignition
in the OFF position.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.
3. Pull upward and remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake, and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system voltage
greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery,
starter motor, alternator or electrical system may
occur.
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 236

242IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow,
it can often be moved using a rocking motion.
Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear the
area around the front wheels. For vehicles with
automatic transmission, push and hold the lock
button on the gear selector. Then shift back and
forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with automatic
transmission) or FIRST gear and REVERSE (with
manual transmission), while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator
pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.

NOTE:
For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved
at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for
more than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.

Push the ESC OFF button to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle Ú page 182.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC OFF
button again to restore “ESC On” mode.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of clutch or
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause
damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires.
A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck
and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.

Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin
the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in
gear (no transmission shifting occurring).

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 242

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE259
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni-
tion when the transmission is in gear and the
vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diag
-
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating
conditions.
NOTE:The vehicle exhaust system may be equipped with
an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if the
exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket
products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will
illuminate.
COOLING SYSTEM CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condi -
tion. In the event of engine malfunction, particu-
larly involving engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your vehicle with
a severe malfunction could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible damage to the
converter and vehicle.

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from
under the hood, do not open the hood until the
radiator has had time to cool. Never open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radi -
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may
start at any time, whether the engine is
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
8

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 259

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE263
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives

The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives. Therefore, do not add any
fluid additives to the transmission. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.

Fluid Level Check

The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required; therefore the transmission has no dipstick.
An authorized dealer can check your transmission
fluid level using special service tools. If you notice
fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance
and life. Use only the manufacturer's specified
transmission fluid Úpage 300. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.

REAR AXLE
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are
not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is
suspected inspect the fluid level Ú page 300.

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
CAUTION!

If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. An authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Úpage 300.
8

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 263

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS301
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part
Automatic TransmissionUse only Mopar® ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct
fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar® DOT 3, SAE J1703.
Front Axle – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W90 (API GL-5).
Rear Axle – 3.6/5.7 Engine We recommend you use Mopar® OD Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W85 (API GL-5).
Transfer Case – AWD (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar® Transfer Case Lubricant for BorgWarner 44–40.
9

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 301

306
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 296Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 96Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 260Adding Fuel.................................................... 113Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 251Additives, Fuel............................................... 298AdjustForward....................................................... 31Rearward..................................................... 31Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 161Air Bag........................................................... 201Advance Front Air Bag............................... 201Air Bag Operation...................................... 203Air Bag Warning Light................................ 201Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 203Enhanced Accident Response......... 207, 244Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 244Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 206Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 203Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 207Maintenance............................................. 207Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............201Side Air Bags............................................. 203
Air Bag Light.................................. 74, 201, 220Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)............................. 254Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 254Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 254, 255Air Conditioner System................................. 254Air Conditioning......................................... 48, 51Air Conditioning Filter..............................54, 255Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 54Air Filter........................................................ 254Air PressureTires......................................................... 283AlarmArm The System.......................................... 20Rearm The System...................................... 20Security Alarm...................................... 20, 77Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel DriveTowing...................................................... 244Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Android Auto........................................ 163, 164Android Auto™
b
....................................... 163Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 260, 299Disposal................................................... 261
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)....................... 180Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................77Apple CarPlay....................................... 163, 166Apple CarPlay®
b
...................................... 165Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................20Assist, Hill Start............................................. 184Audio Settings............................................... 148Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 124Auto Down Power Windows..............................59Automatic Door Locks......................................24Automatic Headlights.......................................43Automatic High Beams.....................................43Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).......48, 53Automatic Transmission......................... 89, 263Adding Fluid..................................... 263, 301Fluid And Filter Change............................. 263Fluid Change............................................. 263Fluid Level Check...................................... 263Fluid Type........................................ 263, 301Special Additives...................................... 263Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode.........................................................24, 92AutoPark..........................................................84AutostickOperation.....................................................92

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 306

307
AUX
................................................................ 220AUX Cord.......................................................... 56Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet).......... 57AWD Towing....................................................... 244Axle Fluid....................................................... 301Axle Lubrication............................................. 301
B
Back-Up......................................................... 112Battery.................................................... 75, 252Charging System Light................................. 75Keyless Key Fob Replacement.................... 14Location.................................................... 252Battery Saver Feature...................................... 45Belts, Seat..................................................... 220BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................156Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 256B-Pillar Location............................................. 280Brake Assist System...................................... 181Brake Control System.................................... 181Brake Fluid.......................................... 262, 301Brake System...................................... 262, 296Fluid Check..................................... 262, 301Master Cylinder......................................... 262Parking........................................................ 87Warning Light..................................... 74, 296Brake/Transmission Interlock......................... 89
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 86Brightness, Interior Lights................................ 46Bulb Replacement........................................ 271Bulbs, Light.......................................... 222, 271
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 112Capacities, Fluid........................................... 299Caps, FillerOil (Engine)............................................... 249Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................... 261Car Washes................................................... 293Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 222CargoVehicle Loading........................................ 114Cargo Area Cover............................................. 64Cargo Compartment........................................ 64CD................................................................. 150Certification Label......................................... 114Chains, Tire................................................... 290Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 276Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................. 82Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 220Checks, Safety.............................................. 220Child Restraint.............................................. 208Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 211Child Seat Installation.............................. 218
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 216Infant And Child Restraints....................... 210Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 213Older Children And Child Restraints.......... 210Seating Positions...................................... 212Child Safety Locks............................................24Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 297CleaningWheels...................................................... 289Climate Control................................................48Automatic....................................................48Manual........................................................51Coin Holder......................................................55Cold Weather Operation...................................85Compact Spare Tire...................................... 287ConsoleFloor............................................................55Contract, Service........................................... 303Controls........................................................ 141Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 261Cooling System............................................. 259Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 260Coolant Level................................... 260, 261Cooling Capacity....................................... 299Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 261Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 260Inspection................................................. 261Points To Remember................................ 26111

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 307

311
Oil Temperature Warning
............................ 76Park...................................................... 43, 80Passing........................................................ 43Reading....................................................... 45Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 76Security Alarm............................................. 77Service...................................................... 271Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Warning.................................................. 78Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW).... 78Service LaneSense Warning........................ 77Sport Mode Indicator.................................. 80Traction Control......................................... 183Transmission Temperature Warning........... 76Trunk Open Warning................................... 77Turn Signals......................... 42, 44, 80, 222Vanity Mirror................................................ 36Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 76, 80Load Shed Battery Saver On............................ 73Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction.............. 73Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor.............. 73Loading Vehicle................................... 114, 115Capacities................................................. 115Tires.......................................................... 280LocksAuto Unlock................................................. 24Automatic Door........................................... 24Child Protection........................................... 24Power Door.................................................. 21
Low Tire Pressure System............................. 190Lubrication, Body.......................................... 256Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 296
M
Maintenance.................................................... 61Maintenance Free Battery............................ 252Maintenance Schedule........................ 245, 246Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................................... 78, 82ManualService..................................................... 305Media Hub....................................................... 56Media Mode.................................................. 150Memory Seat................................................... 27Memory Settings.............................................. 27Methanol...................................................... 298Mirrors............................................................. 36Electric Powered.......................................... 37Electric Remote........................................... 37Heated......................................................... 38Outside........................................................ 37Rearview.............................................36, 223Vanity.......................................................... 36Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 9Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 190Mopar Parts.................................................. 304MP3 Control..................................................... 56Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 42
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................86
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 193Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 297, 300Oil Change Indicator.........................................69Reset...........................................................69Oil Filter, Change........................................... 254Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 254Oil Pressure Light.............................................76Oil, Engine............................................ 253, 300Capacity.................................................... 299Checking................................................... 251Dipstick..................................................... 251Disposal.................................................... 254Filter................................................ 254, 300Filter Disposal........................................... 254Identification Logo.................................... 253Materials Added To................................... 254Pressure Warning Light................................76Recommendation............................ 253, 299Synthetic................................................... 253Viscosity.................................................... 299Onboard Diagnostic System.............................81Operating Precautions.....................................81Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 305Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................37Overheating, Engine...................................... 239
11

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 311

313
S
Safety
............................................................ 140Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 220Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 221Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 304Safety Features............................................. 140Safety Information, Tire................................. 275Safety Tips..................................................... 220Safety, Exhaust Gas....................................... 222Satellite Radio............................................... 143Saved Radio Stations.................................... 148Schedule, Maintenance....................... 245, 246Seat Belt Reminder......................................... 76Seat Belts............................................ 194, 220Adjustable Shoulder Belt........................... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 198Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................. 198Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)............ 199Child Restraints......................................... 208Energy Management Feature.................... 199Extender.................................................... 198Front Seat.............................. 194, 195, 197Inspection................................................. 220Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 197Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................197Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 195Operating Instructions............................... 197Pregnant Women...................................... 199
Pretensioners........................................... 199Rear Seat................................................. 195Reminder.................................................. 194Seat Belt Extender.................................... 198Seat Belt Pretensioner............................. 199Untwisting Procedure............................... 197Seat Belts Maintenance............................... 294Seats................................................. 29, 31, 32Adjustment........................................... 29, 31Easy Entry.................................................... 32Head Restraints.................................... 34, 35Heated......................................................... 32Height Adjustment....................................... 31Power.......................................................... 31Rear Folding......................................... 29, 30Seatback Release................................ 29, 30Tilting.................................................... 29, 31Vented......................................................... 34Ventilated.................................................... 34Security Alarm........................................... 20, 77Arm The System.......................................... 20Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 300Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 15Service Assistance........................................ 302Service Contract........................................... 303Service Manuals........................................... 305Settings, Audio.............................................. 148Shifting............................................................ 88Automatic Transmission....................... 88, 89Shoulder Belts.............................................. 195
Side View Mirror Adjustment............................37Signals, Turn................................... 44, 80, 222Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 143Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 146Favorites................................................... 146Replay....................................................... 145Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 290Snow Tires.................................................... 287Spare Tires..................................227, 287, 288SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline).......................................... 300Oil............................................................. 300Speed ControlAccel/Decel.................................................96Accel/Decel (ACC Only)............................. 100Cancel..........................................................96Resume.......................................................96Set...............................................................95Speed Control (Cruise Control)..................95, 96Sport Mode......................................................94Starting............................................................83Automatic Transmission..............................83Button..........................................................16Cold Weather...............................................85Engine Fails To Start....................................85Remote........................................................17Starting And Operating.....................................83
11

21_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 313