2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT engine

Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns the headlights ON or
OFF according to ambient light levels. To turn the system
ON, rotate the HEADLIGHT switch counterclockwise to
the AUTO (A) position. When the system is on, the
headlight time delay feature is also on. This means the
headlights will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you turn
the ignition switch OFF. To turn the automatic system
OFF, move the HEADLIGHT switch out of the AUTO (A)
position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
HEADLIGHT Switch
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

if the HEADLIGHT switch is placed in the AUTO posi-
tion. In addition, the headlights will turn off when the
wipers are turned OFF if they were turned ON by this
feature.
The Headlights On with Wipers feature can be enabled or
disabled. Refer to ”Headlights On with Wipers,” under
“Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features),”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in Section
4.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 l) of washer
fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Washer Fluid Reservoir
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If desired, the power outlet next to the ash
receiver tray (if equipped) can be converted by your
authorized dealer to provide power with the ignition
switch in the LOCK position.The center console outlet is powered directly from the
battery (power available at all times). Items plugged into
this outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent
engine starting.
Front Power OutletCenter Console Power Outlet
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle’s battery even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum
cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the battery even more
quickly. Only use these intermittently and with greater
caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories
still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient
length of time to allow the alternator to recharge the
vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do
not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from
the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage.
CUPHOLDERS
Front Seat Cupholders
The cupholders are located in the forward edge of the
center console.
Front Seat Cupholders
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of two trip odometer settings. The letter “A” or “B”
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 mi (km). The odometer must be in TRIP mode to
reset it.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Electronic Speed Control Indicator Light
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. (See page 137 for more
information.)5. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions per minute (RPM. x 1000) for each
gear range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the
red area.
6. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices (i.e., radio) or slightly increase engine
speed (if at idle). If the light remains on, it means that the
charging system is experiencing a problem. See your
local authorized dealer to obtain service immediately.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4

7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This 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.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated. (See page 129
for more information.)
NOTE:A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mi (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.NOTE:Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 60 for more information.)
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page
332 for more information.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
4

12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the ESP. (See page 284 for more
information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light
will turn on when the key in the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. The light should go
out with the engine running. If the light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected. (See
page 291 for more information.)
14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut OFF the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in Section 7. (See page 353 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the multifunction lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 129 for more information.)
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL