DODGE CHARGER SRT 2019 Owners Manual

in the MANUAL (M) position, tap the gear selector for-
ward (-) (or tap the (-) shift paddle on the steering wheel)
to downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, or tap
the lever rearward (+) (or tap the (+) shift paddle), to
command an upshift.
NOTE:
•
Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-), while the gear selector is in DRIVE, will activate a
temporary AutoStick mode. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick
mode will downshift the transmission to the next lower
gear, while using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the
current gear. The current gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster, but the Mwill not be highlighted. The
transmission will revert back to normal operation (if the
gear selector remains in DRIVE) after a period of time,
depending on accelerator pedal activity.
• The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-enabled, as
desired) using the SRT Drive Modes.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver (using the
gear selector, or the shift paddles), unless an engine lug-
ging or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in
the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is
chosen, except as described below. •
In temporary AutoStick mode (gear selector in DRIVE),
the transmission will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. Lack of accelerator pedal
activity will cause the transmission to revert to auto-
matic operation.
• If normal AutoStick mode is engaged (gear selector in
MANUAL position), manual gear selection will be main-
tained until the gear selector is returned to DRIVE, or as
described below. The transmission will not upshift au-
tomatically at redline in this mode, nor will downshifts
be obtained if the accelerator pedal is pressed to the
floor.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 229

•If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or holding the gear
selector in the (-) position, will downshift the transmis-
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault
or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position, or press and hold the (+) shift paddle (if the
gear selector is already in DRIVE) until “D” is once again
indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of
the AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
DRIVE MODES
Your vehicle is equipped with a SRT Drive Mode feature.
This feature gives the driver control over the systems in the
vehicle which affect its performance, enabling the driver to
tune it for desired driving scenarios.
NOTE: Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for
further descriptions of these modes.
Launch Control — If Equipped
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Mode system that
is designed to allow the driver to consistently achieve
maximum acceleration in a straight line. Launch Mode is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
aggressively launching the vehicle. Launch mode is in-
tended for use during race events on a closed course where
consistent acceleration is desired. The system is not in-
tended to compensate for lack of driver experience or
familiarity with the race track. The use of this feature in
low traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc) conditions may result in
excessive wheel slip outside of the system’s control, result-
ing in an aborted launch. Launch Mode is calibrated to
provide the most benefit on an unprepared surface and will
degrade performance on prepared surfaces (such as a drag
strip).
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Launch control is not available within the first 500
miles (804 km) of engine break-in.
Preconditions:
• Launch control should not be used on public roads.
Always check track conditions and the surrounding
area.
• Launch Control should only be used when the engine
and transmission are at operating temperature.
• Launch Control is intended to be used on dry, paved
road surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces
may cause damage to vehicle components and is not
recommended.
Launch Control is available when the following proce-
dure is followed:
1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch bank.
NOTE: Pushing the SRT button on the center stack or
pressing Race Options within Drive Modes, then selecting
the Launch Control tab, followed by the soft, Launch
Control button are two other options to access launch
control features. Please refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in
“Multimedia” for further information. 2. Push the “Launch RPM Set-Up” button on the touch-
screen. This screen will allow you to adjust your launch
RPM’s for optimum launch/traction.
3. Push the “Activate Launch Control” button on the touchscreen.
4. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
5. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.
6. Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “DRIVE” or “AutoStick” position.
7. While holding the brake, rapidly apply and hold the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The engine
speed will hold at the RPM that was set in the “Launch
RPM Set-up” screen.
NOTE: Messages will appear in the instrument cluster to
inform the driver if one or more of the above conditions
have not been met.
8. When conditions 4 through 7 have been met, the instru- ment cluster display will read “Launch Ready Release
Brake”.
9. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 231

Launch control will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 km/h), at which point the ESC system will
return to its current ESC mode.
Launch control will abort before launch completion, dis-
play “Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any of the
following conditions:
•The accelerator pedal is released during launch. ESC
system continues in ESC Full ON.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer
moving in a straight line.
• The “ESC OFF” button is pushed to change the system
to another mode.
NOTE: After launch control has been aborted, ESC will
return to its current ESC mode.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have traction. Damage to the
transmission may occur.
Guidelines For Track Use
NOTE: Because of the extreme conditions encountered
during track use, any damage or wear associated with
track use may not be covered by warranty.
• If your SRT vehicle is equipped with Drive Modes, they
will alter the vehicle’s performance in various driving
situations. It is recommended that your vehicle operates
in SPORT or TRACK modes during the track event.
• Prior to each track event/day, verify all fluids are at the
correct levels. Refer to “Fluid Capacities” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
• Prior to each track event, verify the front and rear brake
pads have more than ½ pad thickness remaining. If the
brake pads require changing, please burnish prior to
track outing at full pace.
NOTE: Use of DOT 4 brake fluid is suggested for extended
track usage due to increased thermal capacity.
• At the conclusion of each track event, it is recommended
that a brake bleed procedure is performed to maintain
the pedal feel and stopping capability of your Brembo
High Performance brake system.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

•It is recommended that each track outing should end
with a minimum of one cool down lap using minimal
braking.
• If equipped with a removable lower front fascia grille, it
is recommended to remove it for track use during
warm/hot weather to improve cooling airflow to critical
powertrain and cooling system components.
• All SRT vehicles are track tested for 24 hours of endur-
ance. However, it is recommended that suspension
system, brake system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft boots
should be checked for wear or damage after every track
event.
• Track usage results in increased operating temperatures
of the engine, transmission, clutch – if equipped, drive-
line and brake system. This may affect noise (NVH)
countermeasures designed into your vehicle. New com-
ponents may need to be installed to return the system to
the original NVH performance.
• For race track usage it is recommended that the axle
fluid be changed every 4 hours of on track time.
• Tire pressure:
• 40psi (276kpa) hot, recommended 32psi (221kpa) front,
30psi (207 kpa) rear cold NOTE:It is recommended that you target 40psi (276kpa) Hot
Tire Pressure at the conclusion of each track session. Starting at
32psi (221kpa) Front and 30psi (207 kpa) Rear Cold and
adjusting based on ambient & track conditions is recom-
mended. Tire pressure can be monitored via the instrument
cluster display and can assist with adjustments.
Track burnishing your brakes:
To avoid “green lining fade” during track use, the brake
pads and rotors must have a thermal burnish for factory
installed components or when new brake friction compo-
nents are installed:
1. Use one track session to burnish brakes by driving at 75% speed. Brake at approximately 0.60-0.80g max with-
out ABS intervention.
2. Lap the track in this manner until you start smelling the brakes. Continue for another half lap at speed, then do
a two lap cool down with minimal brake applies. Make
sure the brakes are not smoking. If they are, do another
cool down lap.
3. Do not continue for more than one full burnishing lap after you start smelling the brakes. Do not get them
smoking heavily. This will get them too hot and affect
their life negatively in future track use.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 233

4. Allow vehicle to sit and cool in the paddock for at least30 min. If an infrared thermal gun is available, allow
rotors to cool to 200°F (93.3°C) before going back out.
5. There should be a thin ash layer when inspecting the pads installed in the caliper. Having the ash layer go
more than half the thickness of the pad material indi-
cates too aggressive of a burnish.
6. Sometimes, a second burnish session is required. If the pads start smelling in the next track session, reduce
speed and braking decel to burnish targets and follow
steps two through four.
7. New pads installed on old rotors still need to be burnished. New rotors installed with old pads should be
burnished at the track or street driven for 300 city miles
to develop an adequate lining transfer layer on the rotor
surface prior to track use.
8. Rotors that pulsate during track use should be replaced. Resurfacing of the rotors is not recommended, as it
removes mass from the rotor, reducing its thermal
capacity. Resurfacing also thins the rotor cheek, making
it less robust and increasing the likelihood of pulsation
in further track use.HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING — IF EQUIPPED
The hydraulic power steering system is sport tuned and
will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of
maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide
mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering as-
sist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
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SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed
Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control on/off button and resetting the
desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Speed Control.
“CRUISE CONTROL READY” will appear in the instru-
ment cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is on. To
turn the system off, push the on/off button a second time.
“CRUISE CONTROL OFF” will appear in the instrument
cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use
is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
OFF when you are not using it.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — On/Off 4 — SET (-)/Decel
2 — SET (+)/Accel 5 — CANC/Cancel
3 — RES/Resume 236 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate
at the selected speed. Once a speed has been set, a message
“CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear
indicating what speed was set. A cruise indicator lamp,
along with set speed will also appear and stay on in the
instrument cluster when the speed is set.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET(+)button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument cluster display. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The speed incre-
ment shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit of U.S.
(mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (+)button once will result ina1mph
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph. •
If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (+)button once will result in a 1 km/h
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by
pushing the SET (-)button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument cluster display. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The speed decre-
ment shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit of U.S.
(mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-)button once will result in a 1 mph
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 237

•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-)button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.
NOTE: The Speed Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is
normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it
may be preferable to drive without Speed Control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button,
or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.
Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING