2007 DODGE CHARGER torque

vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly ter-
rain, traveling into strong head winds, or while tow-
ing heavy trailers.
NOTE:
•
If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
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
downshifts occur earlier than other gear range selec-
tions.
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 practices
can cause overheating and damage to the transmis-
sion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
5

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
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 selector
lever into the “3” position will show that the transmis-
sion 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 torqueconverter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and it will not cause damage to the
transmission. 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. P (Park), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) 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 P (Park).
•Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
•Shift into D (Drive) and resume driving.
204 STARTING AND OPERATING

•You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when Autostickis en-
gaged.
•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while Autostickis
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostickis engaged.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time All Wheel Drive (AWD)
with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)/Traction Control.
The front wheels provide 38% of the torque, and the rear
wheels provide 62% of the torque. The system is auto-
matic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills
required.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the front differential and/or
the transfer case.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5

The ESP OFF button is located in the center of the
instrument panel. To turn OFF the ESP, momentarily
press the ESP OFF button and the ESP/TCS Indicator
Light will illuminate. To turn the system ON again,
momentarily press the ESP OFF button and the indicator
light will turn OFF.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, switch off the ESP by pressing the ESP OFF
button.When ESP is switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. However, a fea-
ture of the system remains active. This feature controls
wheel spin across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip
differential. If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This wheel slip
control is active at vehicle speeds between approximately
24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION!
When the ESP/TCS Indicator Light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Avoid spin-
ning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

6. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove the flat tire
and install the spare tire.
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.
7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped), and
tire. Remove the cover by hand. Do not pry it off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, refer to “Wheel Cover Installation.” 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 counter-clockwise.
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!
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.
280 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufac-
turer will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating con-
ditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit
your authorized dealer immediately. Severe dam-
age to the transmission may occur. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check..................... 316
Fluid Type.......................... 339
Gear Ranges......................... 201
Shifting..........................200,205
Special Additives..................... 317
Torque Converter..................... 204
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 204
Autostick..........................207,209
Ball Joints............................ 306
Battery............................... 303
Emergency Starting.................... 282
Jump Starting........................ 282
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................282,303
Bearings.............................. 318
Belts, Drive........................... 300
Belts, Seat............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 306
B-Pillar Location....................... 228
Brake Assist System..................... 220
Brake, Parking......................... 213
Brake System.......................214,313Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 214
Fluid Check......................315,339
Hoses.............................. 314
Master Cylinder...................... 315
Parking............................ 213
Warning Light....................133,214
Brakes............................... 214
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 200
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 59
Bulb Replacement...................... 331
Bulbs, Light........................... 330
Calibration, Compass.................... 142
Capacities, Fluid....................... 337
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 254
Oil (Engine)......................... 298
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 310
Car Washes........................... 319
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............60,253
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 178
Catalytic Converter..................... 301
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............150,157
INDEX 371
10

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 264
Torque Converter Clutch................. 204
Towing.............................. 259
Behind a Motor Home................. 270
Disabled Vehicle...................... 285
Guide.............................. 263
Recreational......................... 270
Weight............................. 263
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 270
Traction Control........................ 218
Traction Control Switch.................. 218
Trailer Towing......................... 259
Cooling System Tips................... 270
Hitches............................. 262
Minimum Requirements................ 265
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 264
Wiring............................. 268
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 263
Trailer Weight......................... 263
Transmission.......................... 316
Automatic.....................200,205,316
Fluid.............................. 339
Shifting............................ 197Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).... 109
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 17
Transporting Pets........................ 58
Tread Wear Indicators................... 237
Trip Odometer......................... 129
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 33
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 32
Turn Signals........................98,131
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)............ 69
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 366
Universal Transmitter.................... 109
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 250
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt............. 39
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 68
Variance, Compass...................... 143
Vehicle Certification Label................ 256
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).......... 6
INDEX 383
10