2008 DODGE CHARGER traction control

This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light, located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The indicator light also flashes when the
TCS is active. If the indicator 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with ESP, refer to9Syn-
chronizing ESP9under9Electronic Stability Program9in
Section 5 of this manual if the ESP/BAS light (in the
instrument cluster) remains on continuously after start-
ing the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Ð if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) Ð if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to
ªElectronic Stability Programº or ªTraction Control Sys-
temº in this manual.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
440 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Electrical Power Outlets................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 285
Electronic Stability Program............... 286
Traction Control System................. 284
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 404
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 135
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 286
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 165
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 175
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 359
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Jacking............................. 346
Jump Starting......................... 356
Overheating.......................... 345
Towing............................. 360
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40Emission Control System Maintenance......371,426
Engine.....................74,366,367,368,369
Air Cleaner.......................... 379
Block Heater......................... 258
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Checking Oil Level..................374,375
Compartment................366,367,368,369
Coolant (Antifreeze).................388,421
Cooling............................. 388
Exhaust Gas Caution..................75,322
Fails to Start.......................... 257
Flooded, Starting...................... 257
Fuel Requirements..................... 319
Jump Starting......................... 356
Multi-Displacement..................... 283
Oil ...........................374,419,421
Oil Change Interval...............169,178,376
Oil Filler Cap......................376,377
Oil Filter............................ 378
INDEX 449
10

Heated Seats........................... 118
Heater............................... 239
Heater, Engine Block..................... 258
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 127
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 333
Holder, Coin........................... 153
Holder, Cup........................... 151
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 139
Hood Release.......................... 121
Hoses................................ 393
Ignition............................... 14
Key ...............................12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Indicator, Traction Control................. 284
Infant Restraint........................65,66Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 172
Information Center, Vehicle................. 175
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 83
Instrument Cluster.................162,163,164
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 161
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 402
Interior Appearance Care.................. 401
Interior Fuses.......................... 404
Interior Lights.......................... 128
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 130
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 348
Jack Operation.......................... 350
Jacking Instructions...................... 350
Jump Starting.......................... 356
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
INDEX 453
10

Headlights On With Wipers............125,131
High Beam........................127,168
High Beam Indicator.................... 168
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 127
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................123,164
Intensity Control....................... 129
Interior..........................128,139
License............................. 418
Lights On Reminder.................... 126
Low Fuel............................ 174
LowTire ............................ 172
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 174
Map Reading......................128,139
Oil Pressure.......................... 168
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 129
Passing............................. 128
Reading..........................128,139
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 168Service...........................412,413
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 174
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........172,309
Traction Control....................... 289
Turn Signal...................78,126,127,166
Vanity Mirror.......................... 87
Voltage............................. 165
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 164
Load Leveling System.................... 156
Loading Vehicle......................326,327
Capacities........................... 327
Tires ............................... 294
Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 28
Power Door........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 309
INDEX 455
10

Life of Tires.......................... 304
Load Capacity.....................294,295
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 309
Quality Grading....................... 440
Radial.............................. 301
Replacement......................... 305
Rotation............................. 308
Safety...........................290,298
Self-Sealing.......................... 307
Sizes............................... 291
Snow Tires........................... 308
Spare Tire........................... 348
Spinning............................ 303
Trailer Towing........................ 337
Tread Wear Indicators................... 304
To Open Hood.......................... 121
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 335
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 266
Towing............................... 329Behind a Motor Home.................. 342
Disabled Vehicle....................... 360
Guide.............................. 333
Recreational.......................... 342
Weight.............................. 333
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 342
Traction Control......................... 284
Traction Control Light.................... 284
Traction Control Switch................... 284
Trailer Towing.......................... 329
Cooling System Tips.................... 342
Hitches............................. 333
Minimum Requirements................. 336
Tips ................................ 341
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 335
Wiring.............................. 339
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 333
Trailer Weight.......................... 333
Transfer Case........................... 398
INDEX 463
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)Fob with Integrated KeyTip Start FeatureIgnition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key (Fob) ProgrammingGeneral InformationSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the
SystemTo Arm the SystemTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsTo unlatch the trunkUsing The Panic AlarmProgramming Additional TransmittersTransmitter Battery ServiceGeneral Information
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How To Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power WindowsWind BuffetingTRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE TRUNK SAFETY WARNING Trunk
Emergency Release OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Automatic Locking Mode - If EquippedSeat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt Extender
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONSSAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Inside Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature - If Equipped
Drivers Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer - If EquippedPower Remote-Control MirrorsHeated Remote Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect
System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Manual Seats - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedPower Reclining Seats - If EquippedLumbar Support - If EquippedHead RestraintsHeated
Seats - If EquippedFolding Rear Seat TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Headlight SwitchAutomatic Headlights - If EquippedHeadlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto Headlights Only)Headlight Time DelayDaytime Running Lights - If EquippedLights-on
ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedMulti-Function LeverOverhead Console Map/Reading LightsInterior LightsWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemMist FeatureWindshield WashersHeadlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto Headlights Only)
Adding Washer FluidTILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Electronic Speed Control OperationTo ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary the Speed Setting
To Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading LightsSunglasses StorageGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurity
Troubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening Sunroof - ExpressClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceIgnition Off
OperationSunroof Fully ClosedELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCUP HOLDERS Front Seat Cup HoldersRear Seat Cup HoldersSTORAGE Console FeaturesCargo AreaLOAD LEVELING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING
YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - IF EQUIPPED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF
EQUIPPED Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) DisplaysOil Change RequiredTrip FunctionsCompass DisplayTelephone - If EquippedNavigation - If EquippedPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast
SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REN - MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)
Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing
MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)
(If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode
for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (REQ AND RES RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception Quality
Operating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED UNIVERSAL CONSUMER INTERFACE (UCI) -
IF EQUIPPED Connecting the iPodControlling the iPod using Radio ButtonsPlay ModeList or Browse ModeREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Air
Conditioning and Heating System Automatic Temperature Control - If Equipped Operating TipsREAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window DefrosterSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Automatic TransmissionNormal Starting (Tip Start)
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - General InformationBrake/Transmission Shift Interlock System4 Speed
Automatic Transmission5 Speed Automatic TransmissionAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick - 3.5L EngineAutostick - 5.7L EngineALL WHEEL DRIVE - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising
WaterShallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System - If EquippedPOWER STEERING MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L Engine Only TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) - IF EQUIPPED BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS) - IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) - IF EQUIPPED Synchronizing ESPESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator and ESP/TCS Indicator LightsTIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
TIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSELF-SEALING TIRES - IF
EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.7L Engine3.5L and
5.7L EnginesReformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Vehicle Certification
LabelGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)OverloadingLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing
RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheelson the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR
ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Preparations For JackingJack Location/Spare Tire StowageJacking and Changing a TireCompact Spare TireWheel Cover or Center Cap Installation (If Required)JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEYTOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLYMAINTAINING
YOUR VEHICLE 2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - EXCEPT DAYTONA AND R/T 5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DAYTONA AND R/T ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsEngine Air Cleaner FilterFuel FilterCatalytic
ConverterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceA/C Air Filter - If EquippedPower Steering - Fluid CheckFront and Rear Suspension Ball JointsSteering LinkageBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling System
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesFuel SystemBrake SystemAutomatic TransmissionAll Wheel Drive (AWD) - If EquippedFront And Rear Wheel BearingsAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionCleaning The Center Console Cup HoldersFUSES (POWER
DISTRIBUTION CENTERS) Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center)Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, Park/Turn Light, and Front Side Marker
LightBackup Light, Side Marker Light, Tail/Turn Light, and Tail/Stop LightLicense LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED
ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction Grades
Temperature GradesINDEX