2007 DODGE CHARGER Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is
also directed to the front door windows through the
side window demister grilles.
•
Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor
outlets and the outlets at the base of the
windshield. Air is also directed to the front
door windows through the side window demister
grilles.
•
Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located
under the instrument panel and into the rear
seating area through vents under the front seats.•
Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and through the outlets lo-
cated on the floor. Air flows through the registers in
the back of the center console to the rear seat
passengers. These registers can be closed to block
airflow.
•
Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel. Air flows through the regis-
ters in the back of the center console to the rear seat
passengers. These registers can be closed to block
airflow.
•
Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on the air condition-
ing during manual operation only. When the
air conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidi-
fied air will flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this button a second
time to turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the
button illuminates when manual compressor opera-
tion is selected.
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
4

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 of this manual for filter replacement instruc-
tions.
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................194
▫Automatic Transmission................195
▫Normal Starting......................195
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)................195
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................195
▫After Starting........................196
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........197
Automatic Transmission.................197
▫Automatic Transmission —
General Information...................198
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 200▫4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........200
▫5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........205
AutoStick— If Equipped...............209
▫AutoStick— 3.5L Engine...............209
▫AutoStick— 5.7L Engine...............210
All Wheel Drive — If Equipped...........211
Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............212
▫Acceleration.........................212
▫Traction............................212
Parking Brake.........................213
Brake System.........................214
5

▫Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.....214
Power Steering........................217
Multi Displacement System (MDS) -
5.7L Engine Only
......................218
Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped....218
Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped....220
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —
If Equipped
..........................221
▫Synchronizing ESP....................223
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights......................223
Tire Safety Information..................224
▫Tire Markings........................224
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........227
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........228
Tires — General Information..............232
▫Tire Pressure.........................232▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................233
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................235
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........235
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........236
▫Tire Spinning........................236
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................237
▫Life Of Tire.........................238
▫Replacement Tires.....................238
▫Alignment And Balance.................239
Self–Sealing Tires — If Equipped..........240
Tire Chains...........................240
Snow Tires...........................241
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........241
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped
..........................242
▫Base System — If Equipped..............245
192 STARTING AND OPERATING