2006 DODGE CHARGER torque

The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor’s information varies from the
driver’s intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
ESP Control Switch
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in cold outside tempera-
tures, shifts into Overdrive may be delayed. Normal
Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the“Note”under“Torque Con-
verter Clutch”later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The“3”position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:
Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
L (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while down-
shifts occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
•Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
•When“rocking”a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween“First”and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into“Overdrive”when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the shift lever
into the“3”position will show that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of“Overdrive.”
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to thetransmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will
continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
•Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
•Shift into“D”and resume driving.
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and
tire. Remove the cover by hand, do not pry off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, see the wheel cover installation instruc-
tions. Do not attempt to install a wheel cover on a
compact spare.
9. Tighten all the lug nuts on the mounting studs.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
11. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135 N. m).
12. Store the flat tire, jack and tools.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire is for temporary emergency use
with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
•Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
•Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
•This tire is designed as an emergency spare only-do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 269
6

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for
correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 214
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 300
Adding Fuel.......................... 244
Adding Washer Fluid.................105,297
Additives, Fuel........................ 243
Adjustable Pedals....................... 95
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 294
Air Conditioning....................... 181
Air Conditioning Filter................190,295
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 191
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 295
Air Conditioning System................. 181
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 227
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................42,48
Airbag Light....................43,50,60,136
Airbag Maintenance...................... 49
Airbag, Side........................... 46
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........38,46
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 25
Alignment and Balance.................. 233
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 175Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............299,323
Disposal............................ 301
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 214
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 25
Appearance Care....................... 307
Auto Down Power Windows............... 29
Auto Up Power Windows................. 29
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 67
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 101
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 184
Automatic Transmission............198,203,306
Adding Fluid.....................306,325
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 306
Fluid Change........................ 306
Fluid Level Check..................... 306
Fluid Type.......................... 325
Gear Ranges......................... 199
Torque Converter..................... 201
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 202
Autostick..........................205,210
352 INDEX

High Speed......................... 228
Inflation Pressures.................... 227
Jacking..........................264,266
Life of Tires......................... 232
Load Capacity....................222,223
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 234
Quality Grading...................... 349
Radial............................. 229
Replacement......................... 232
Rotation............................ 240
Safety...........................218,226
Self-Sealing.......................... 234
Sizes............................... 219
Snow Tires.......................... 239
Spare Tire........................... 265
Spinning............................ 230
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 231
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 253
Torque Converter Clutch................. 201
Towing.............................. 249
Behind a Motor Home................. 259
Disabled Vehicle...................... 274
Guide.............................. 251Recreational......................... 259
Weight............................. 251
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 259
Traction Control........................ 107
Traction Control Switch.................. 107
Trailer Towing......................... 249
Cooling System Tips................... 258
Hitches............................. 251
Minimum Requirements................ 254
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 253
Wiring............................. 256
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 251
Trailer Weight......................... 251
Transmission.......................... 306
Automatic.....................198,203,306
Fluid.............................. 325
Shifting............................ 198
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).115
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 21
Transporting Pets........................ 58
Tread Wear Indicators................... 231
INDEX 363
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