automatic transmission DODGE CHARGER 2023 Owners Manual

3
Parking Lights ............................................................. 42
Automatic Headlights On With Wipers —
If Equipped .................................................................. 42
Headlight Delay .......................................................... 42
Lights-On Reminder .................................................... 42
Fog Lights — If Equipped ............................................ 42
Turn Signals ................................................................ 43
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped............................. 43
Battery Saver ............................................................... 43
INTERIOR LIGHTS ...............................................................43 Interior Courtesy Lights............................................... 43
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ........................... 45 Windshield Wiper Operation....................................... 45
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ........................... 46
CLIMATE CONTROLS .........................................................46 Automatic Climate Control Descriptions
And Functions ............................................................. 47
Manual Climate Control Descriptions
And Functions ............................................................. 49
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...................... 51
Climate Voice Commands .......................................... 51
Operating Tips ............................................................ 51
INTERIOR STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT ............................52 Storage ........................................................................ 52
USB/AUX Control ..................................................... 54
Illuminated Cupholders — If Equipped....................... 54
Power Outlets ............................................................. 55
WINDOWS ...........................................................................56 Power Window Controls .............................................. 56
Automatic Window Features ...................................... 56
Reset Auto-Up.............................................................. 57
Window Lockout Switch.............................................. 57
Wind Buffeting ............................................................ 57 POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED................................... 57
Opening And Closing The Sunroof ..............................58
Pinch Protect Feature.................................................. 58
Sunshade Operation.................................................... 58
Sunroof Maintenance.................................................. 58
Ignition Off Operation .................................................. 58
HOOD.................................................................................... 59 Opening The Hood ......................................................59
Closing The Hood ......................................................... 59
TRUNK .................................................................................. 59 Opening The Trunk ......................................................59
Closing The Trunk ........................................................ 60
Trunk Safety ................................................................. 60
Cargo Area Features ................................................... 60
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER...................................................... 61 Instrument Cluster Descriptions ................................. 63
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ..................................... 63 Location And Controls ................................................. 64
Engine Oil Life Reset .................................................. 65
Performance Shift Indicator (PSI) — If Equipped ....... 65
Instrument Cluster Display Selectable
Menu Items .................................................................. 65
Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction Actions —
If Equipped ................................................................... 67 WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................................ 68
Red Warning Lights ..................................................... 68
Yellow Warning Lights ................................................. 71
Yellow Indicator Lights ................................................ 73
Green Indicator Lights................................................. 73
White Indicator Lights ................................................. 74
Blue Indicator Lights ................................................... 74
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ..................... 74 Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ................................................. 75
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...................................................................... 75
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE...................................................... 76 Automatic Transmission ............................................ 76
Normal Starting ........................................................ 76
AutoPark ...................................................................... 77
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Ignition ................................. 78
Extended Park Starting ............................................... 78
If Engine Fails To Start ............................................... 78
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) .......................................... 78
After Starting................................................................ 78
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
3.6L & 5.7L ........................................................................ 79
PARKING BRAKE ............................................................... 79
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................................ 80 Ignition Park Interlock ................................................. 81
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) System ............................................................. 81
8-Speed Automatic Transmission .............................. 81

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 3

5
SAFETY TIPS .................................................................... 199Transporting Passengers .......................................... 199
Transporting Pets ................................................... 199
Connected Vehicles .................................................. 199
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................................ 199
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................................................. 201
Exhaust Gas .............................................................. 201Carbon Monoxide Warnings .................................... 201
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................................. 202
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED .................. 202
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING — IF EQUIPPED .......... 205 Preparations For Jacking ......................................... 205Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage ......................... 206Jacking Instructions .................................................. 207
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ................................. 209 Tire Service Kit Storage ............................................ 209
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation ........... 210Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .......................... 210Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .......................... 211
JUMP STARTING .............................................................. 213 Preparations For Jump Start .................................... 214
Jump Starting Procedure .......................................... 214
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY .......................................... 215
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ....................................... 216 MANUAL PARK RELEASE–8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION................................................................ 216
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .......................................... 218
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...................................... 219 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models — If Equipped ......... 220
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Models ............................ 220Without The Key Fob ................................................ 220
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ............................................................... 220
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ..................................... 220
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................................ 221 3.6L And 5.7L Engines ............................................ 221
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ............................................... 225 3.6L Engine ............................................................... 2255.7L Engine .............................................................. 226
Checking Oil Level .................................................... 227
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................ 227
Maintenance-Free Battery ...................................... 228
Pressure Washing ..................................................... 228
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ................................................. 228 Engine Oil ................................................................. 228Engine Oil Filter ........................................................ 229Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................................ 229
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................ 230
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection............................... 231 Body Lubrication........................................................ 231
Windshield Wiper Blades .......................................... 232
Exhaust System ......................................................... 233
Cooling System ......................................................... 234
Brake System ........................................................... 236
Automatic Transmission ........................................... 237
Rear Axle .................................................................... 237
Fuses .......................................................................... 238Bulb Replacement .................................................... 246
TIRES ..................................................................................248 Tire Safety Information ............................................. 248
Tires — General Information .................................... 255
Tire Types ................................................................... 258Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................................... 259
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................... 260
Snow Traction Devices ............................................. 262
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............................. 263
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ................................................... 263 Treadwear .................................................................. 263
Traction Grades ......................................................... 264
Temperature Grades ................................................. 264
STORING THE VEHICLE ....................................................264
BODYWORK ......................................................................264 Protection From Atmospheric Agents ...................... 264
Body And Underbody Maintenance.......................... 265
Preserving The Bodywork ......................................... 265
INTERIORS ........................................................................ 265 Seats And Fabric Parts.............................................. 265Plastic And Coated Parts .......................................... 266
Leather Surfaces ....................................................... 266
Glass Surfaces .......................................................... 266

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46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Intermittent Wipers
Use one of the four intermittent wiper settings when
weather conditions permit. At driving speeds above
10 mph (16 km/h), the delay can be regulated from a
maximum of approximately 36 seconds between cycles
(first detent), to a cycle every one second (fourth detent).
If the vehicle is moving less than 10 mph (16 km/h), delay
times will be doubled.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push on the end of the lever (toward
the steering wheel) and hold. If the lever is pushed while
in the intermittent setting, the wipers will turn on and
operate for several cycles after the end of the lever is
released, and then resume the intermittent interval
previously selected.
If the end of the lever is pushed while the wipers are in the
off position, the wipers will operate for several cycles, then
turn off.
Mist
Rotate the end of the lever downward to the MIST position
and release for a single wiping cycle.NOTE:The Mist feature does not activate the washer pump;
therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed on the wind -
shield. The washer function must be used in order to spray
the windshield with washer fluid.
For information on wiper care and replacement, see
Úpage 232.
RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature senses rain or snowfall on the windshield and
automatically activates the wipers. Rotate the end of the
multifunction lever to one of four detent positions to
activate this feature.
The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted with the
multifunction lever. Wiper delay position one is the least
sensitive, and wiper delay detent position four is the most
sensitive.
Wiper delay position three should be used for normal rain
conditions.
NOTE:
 The Rain Sensing feature will not operate when the
wiper switch is in the low or high-speed position.
 The Rain Sensing feature may not function properly
when ice, or dried salt water is present on the wind -
shield.
 Use of products containing wax or silicone may reduce
Rain Sensing performance.
 The Rain Sensing feature can be turned on and off
using the Uconnect system
Úpage 112. The Rain Sensing system has protection features for the
wiper blades and arms, and will not operate under the
following conditions:

Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition is first
placed in the ON position, the Rain Sensing system will
not operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), or the outside
temperature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
 Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the ignition
is ON, and the automatic transmission is in the
NEUTRAL position, the Rain Sensing system will not
operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed
is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), or the gear selector is
moved out of the NEUTRAL position.
 Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles equipped with
the Remote Start system, Rain Sensing wipers are not
operational when the vehicle is in the Remote Start
mode.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control system allows you to regulate the
temperature, air flow, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
touchscreen and on the instrument panel below the radio.WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield could
lead to a collision. You might not see other vehicles or
other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of the windshield
during freezing weather, warm the windshield with the
defroster before and during windshield washer use.

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 46

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL65
ENGINE OIL LIFE RESET
Use this QR code to access your digital
experience.
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an
engine oil change indicator system.
The “Oil Change Required” message
will display in the instrument cluster
display for five seconds after a single
chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is
duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change
interval may fluctuate, dependent upon your personal
driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you place the ignition in the ON/RUN position. To turn
off the message temporarily, push and release the OK or
arrow buttons. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to
the following procedure.
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter ’n Go™ — Ignition
Use the steering wheel instrument cluster display controls
for the following procedure(s):

1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the ignition in the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).

2. Push and release the down arrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info.” 3. Push and release the
right arrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.
4. Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life. If
conditions are met, the gauge and numeric display
will update to show 100%. If conditions are not met a
pop-up message of "To reset oil life engine must be
off with ignition in run” will be displayed (for five
seconds), and the user will remain at the Oil Life
screen.
5. Push and release the up or down arrow button
to exit the submenu screen.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you start the
vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset.
If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Secondary Method Of Resetting Engine Oil Life

1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within ten seconds.
3. Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the
OFF position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you start the
vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset.
If necessary, repeat this procedure.
PERFORMANCE SHIFT INDICATOR
(PSI) — IF EQUIPPED
The PSI is enabled on vehicles with manual transmission,
or when a vehicle with automatic transmission is in
manual shift mode. The PSI provides the driver with a
visual indication within the instrument cluster display
when the driver configured gear shift point has been
reached and the driver is still accelerating. This indication
notifies the driver to change gear corresponding to the
configured RPM in the head unit.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
S
ELECTABLE MENU ITEMS
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the desired Selectable Menu item is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Follow the Menu or submenu prompts as desired.
Speedometer
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the speedometer menu is displayed in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the OK button to toggle
units (km/h or mph) of the speedometer.
3

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 65

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required as soon as possible.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not
also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the ESC
system is Active. The ESC Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, and when ESC is activated. It should go out
with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in the ESC system. If this warning light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle
has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer
as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected. 
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light
come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
 The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive.
 This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC
event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even
if it was turned off previously.
Service LaneSense Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
LaneSense system is not operating and
requires service. Please see an authorized
dealer.
LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense system provides the driver with
visual and steering torque warnings when the
vehicle starts to drift out of its lane
unintentionally without the use of a turn signal.
 When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift situa -
tion, the LaneSense indicator changes from solid green
to solid yellow. 
When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been
approached and is in a lane departure situation, the
LaneSense indicator changes from solid white/green
to flashing yellow
Úpage 98.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2
gal (7.5 L), this light will turn on and a chime will
sound. The light will remain on until fuel is
added.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low Úpage 227.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System
called OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most situations,
the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
3

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

76
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The gear selector must be in the PARK position before you
can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting into
any driving gear.
NORMAL STARTING
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. 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 The 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 position.
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 position until the
gear selector is in PARK and the button is pushed
twice to the OFF position. 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.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in OFF position, 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. Leaving children 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 transmission 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 ignition (of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter
’n Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
 Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 76

STARTING AND OPERATING77
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
position after 30 minutes of inactivity if the ignition is left
in the ACC or ON/RUN (engine not running) position 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 positions: OFF, ACC, and ON/
RUN. To change the ignition positions without starting the
vehicle and use the accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the ON/RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
AUTOPARK
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist with placing
the vehicle in PARK should the situations on the following
pages occur. It is a back up 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. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off the
engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:

Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmission
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Ignition is switched from ON/RUN to ACCNOTE:For Keyless Enter ’n Go™ equipped vehicles, the engine
will turn off and the ignition switch will change to ACC
position. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the vehicle
with the engine running, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:

Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmission
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
 Driver’s door is ajar
 Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then Shift To
Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be displayed in
the instrument cluster. In these cases, the gear selector
must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle may
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift to P ” will
be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle speed is
above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
WARNING!
 Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the
vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK that
your vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid (not
blinking) “P” is indicated in the instrument cluster
display and on the gear selector. If the "P" indicator is
blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking brake when
exiting the vehicle.
 AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not
designed to replace the need to shift your vehicle
into PARK. It is a back up system and should not be
relied upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the vehicle
speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). A vehicle left in
the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added precaution,
always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
4

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77

80STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.

When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFF position, 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 children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ’n
Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged 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!
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute 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 trans -
mission 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 prop -
erly 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
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or some -
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
 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 ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, 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 unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission 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 ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING!

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 80

STARTING AND OPERATING81
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a 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.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range 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:

The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).
 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 indi -
cator will blink continuously until the selector is
returned to the proper position, or the requested shift
can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
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
Úpage 83.

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

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 position). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the
transmission 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.
CAUTION!
 Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 81

82STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe -
cially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the ignition OFF.
 Remove the key fob from the vehicle. The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:

When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the
gear selector and firmly move the selector all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.
 Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK (P) position, and is not
blinking.
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.
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) to select a lower gear
Úpage 83. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
CAUTION!
 Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
CAUTION!WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition
to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that
limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
For “Recreational Towing”
Úpage 109.
For “Towing A Disabled Vehicle”
Úpage 219.

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