steering DODGE CHARGER SRT 2019 Owner's Guide

Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over
time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not
good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions,
and also are needed to help keep you in position, away
from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper passen-
ger side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of
the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your
eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while helping
to restrain the driver and front passenger.Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and front passenger, and position the front occu-
pants for improved interaction with the front air bags.
WARNING!
•Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact
bolsters in any way.
• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact
bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band
radios, etc.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Knee
Air Bag mounted in the instrument panel below the
steering column. The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
provides enhanced protection during a frontal impact by
working together with the seat belts, pretensioners, and
front air bags.
180 SAFETY

The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all rollover events. The
rollover sensing system determines if a rollover event may
be in progress and whether deployment is appropriate. In
the event the vehicle experiences a rollover or near rollover
event, and deployment of the Side Air Bags is appropriate,
the rollover sensing system will also deploy the seat belt
pretensioners on both sides of the vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in
certain rollover or side impact events.
Air Bag System Components
NOTE:The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors
the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with electrical Air Bag System Components listed below:
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch •
Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Supplemental Knee Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Track Position Sensors
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately after
deployment.
NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the
air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:
• The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions
and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags
deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction
rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet
or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with
chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal
quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly
within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your
doctor immediately.
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SAFETY 185

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 compart-
ment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting
the engine.
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 components or wiring, in-
cluding 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
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
(Continued)
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SAFETY 187

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................212
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................212
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .213
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............216
▫ Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F
Or 30°C) ........................... .216
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................216
▫ After Starting ......................... .217
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .217
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .217
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .218
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............220
▫ Ignition Park Interlock ...................222
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .222 ▫
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .........222
 DRIVE MODES ........................ .230
▫ Launch Control — If Equipped .............230
▫ Guidelines For Track Use .................232
 HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING — IF
EQUIPPED ............................ .234
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............235
 SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ..........236
▫ To Activate .......................... .236
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ..................237
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................237
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................238
▫ To Resume Speed ..................... .238
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .238
6

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

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

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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STARTING AND OPERATING 235

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

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The Speed Control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operates the ACC system.NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications
to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE: You cannot engage ACC under the following con-
ditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE
or NEUTRAL.
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
1 — Normal (Fixed Speed)
Cruise Control On/Off 5 — Distance Setting Increase
2 — SET(+)/Accel 6 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — RES/Resume 7 — Distance Setting Decrease
4 — SET (-)/Decel 8 — CANC/Cancel
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STARTING AND OPERATING 241