2008 DODGE CHARGER Owners Manual

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
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.
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................255
NAutomatic Transmission................256
NNormal Starting (Tip Start)..............256
NExtremely Cold Weather (Below220ÉF Or
229ÉC).............................256
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................257
NAfter Starting........................258
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........258
mAutomatic Transmission..................258NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................259
NBrake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 261
N4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........262
N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........267
mAutoSticktÐ If Equipped................272
NAutoSticktÐ 3.5L Engine...............272
NAutoSticktÐ 5.7L Engine...............273
mAll Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped............274
5

mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............275
NAcceleration.........................275
NTraction............................275
mDriving Through Water..................276
NFlowing/Rising Water..................276
NShallow Standing Water.................276
mParking Brake.........................278
mBrake System..........................280
NAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.....280
mPower Steering........................282
mMulti Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................283
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 284mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....285
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................286
NSynchronizing ESP....................289
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights......................289
mTire Safety Information...................290
NTire Markings........................290
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........293
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........294
mTires Ð General Information...............298
NTire Pressure.........................298
NTire Inflation Pressures.................299
NRadial-Ply Tires......................301
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........302
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........302
NTire Spinning........................303
NTread Wear Indicators..................304
NLife Of Tire.........................304
NReplacement Tires.....................305
NAlignment And Balance.................306
mSelf-Sealing Tires Ð If Equipped............307
mTire Chains...........................307
mSnow Tires...........................308
mTire Rotation Recommendations............308
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................309NBase System Ð If Equipped..............312
NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........314
NGeneral Information...................318
mFuel Requirements......................319
N2.7L Engine.........................319
N3.5L And 5.7L Engines..................319
NReformulated Gasoline.................320
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............320
NMMT In Gasoline.....................321
NMaterials Added To Fuel................321
NFuel System Cautions..................321
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............322
mAdding Fuel..........................323
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............323
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............325
mVehicle Loading........................326
NVehicle Certification Label...............326
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......326
NGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........326
NOverloading.........................327
NLoading............................327
mTrailer Towing.........................329
NCommon Towing Definitions.............329NTrailer Hitch Classification...............333
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................333
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............335
NTowing Requirements..................336
NTowing Tips.........................341
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 342
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................342
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

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!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be 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 gear selection lever. Ac-
cidents can also be caused by pressing the accel-
erator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the
exhaust system, resulting in overheating and ve-
hicle fire, which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
5

Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the ªNº (Neutral) or ªPº
(Park) position before you can start the engine. Apply the
brakes before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
²Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Normal Starting (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running. If the engine
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10
seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below220ÉF or229ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING