2008 DODGE CHALLENGER trailer

7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning LightThis light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control system.
If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the shift lever in PARK, and cycle the ignition key. The
light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see
your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting. 8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine OFF immediately and call for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
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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
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DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts and the best fuel economy.
The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers, use the AutoStickmode and select the “3”
range.
Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.
Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
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AUTOSTICK
Autostickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting to provide you with more control of
the vehicle. Autostick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, it can be
moved from side to side. This allows the driver to select
a higher or lower range of gears. Moving the shift lever to
the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an
upshift. The gear position will display in the instrument
cluster on the transmission range indicator. NOTE:
•In Autostick
mode, the transmission will only shift
up and down when the driver manually moves the
shift lever right (D+) or left (D-).
•An UPSHIFT message will appear in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the in-
strument cluster when using Autostick . This message
appears in order to alert the driver to upshift to the
next gear. The UPSHIFT message will display while
operating the vehicle at higher engine revolutions per
minute (RPM).
You can shift in or out of the Autostick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. When
you wish to engage Autostick , simply move the shift lever
to the right (D+) or left (D-) while in the DRIVE position.
The transmission will remain in the current gear until an
upshift or downshift is chosen. When you wish to disen-
gage Autostick , hold the shift lever to the right for at least
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Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295
kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs [295 kg]).
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5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci-
ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:
For the following example, the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).
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NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing. 48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. 60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. † 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. 120,000 200 000 120
† This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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