2008 DODGE CHALLENGER Owners Manual

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.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor 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:Recirculation without A/C should not be used
for long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
Floor, Mix, or Defrost mode. The air is directed at the area
of the windows through which you view the outside
mirrors.
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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 A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures .....................214
▫ Automatic Transmission ................215
▫ Keyless Go ..........................216
▫ Normal Starting ......................217
▫ Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C) ................217
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................218
▫ After Starting ........................219

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........219

Automatic Transmission ..................220
▫ General Information ...................220
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 222
▫ 5-Speed Automatic Transmission ..........223

AutoStick ...........................228
▫ AutoStick Operation ..................228
▫ AutoStick General Information ...........229

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............229
▫ Acceleration .........................229
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▫Traction ............................230

Driving Through Water ..................230
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................230

Parking Brake .........................232

Brake System ..........................234
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............235

Power Steering ........................237

Electronic Brake Control System ............238
▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............238
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ............239
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) ...............239
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........240
▫ Synchronizing ESP ....................244 ▫
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ................244

Tire Safety Information ...................245
▫ Tire Markings ........................245
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........250

Tires — General Information ...............254
▫ Tire Pressure .........................254
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................255
▫ Radial Ply Tires ......................257
▫ Tire Spinning ........................258
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................258
▫ LifeOfTire .........................259
▫ Replacement Tires .....................260
▫ Alignment And Balance .................261
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Tire Chains ...........................261

Snow Tires ...........................262

Tire Rotation Recommendations ............262
▫ Tire Rotation — Standard Tires ............263
▫ Tire Rotation — Optional Tires ............263

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........264
▫ Premium System ......................266
▫ General Information ...................269

Fuel Requirements ......................270
▫ 6.1L Engine .........................270
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................270
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............271
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................271
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................272 ▫
Fuel System Cautions ..................272
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............273

Adding Fuel ..........................274
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............274
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............275

Vehicle Loading ........................276
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............276
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......276
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........276
▫ Overloading .........................277
▫ Loading ............................277

TrailerTowing .........................278

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 278
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING
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