2008 DODGE CHARGER SRT Owners Manual

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255
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
outside rearview mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the
button will illuminate when the rear window defroster is
ON. The defroster automatically turns off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. For five more minutes of operation,
press of the button again.
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.
256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................261
▫Automatic Transmission................262
▫Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............263
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below
20°F Or

29°C).............................263
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................264
▫After Starting........................265

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........265

Automatic Transmission..................265▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................266
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 268
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission..........269

AutoStick...........................274
▫AutoStickOperation..................274
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........275

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............276
▫Acceleration.........................276
5

▫Traction............................276

Driving Through Water..................277
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................277
▫Shallow Standing Water.................277

Parking Brake.........................279

Brake System..........................281
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................281

Power Steering........................283

Electronic Brake Control System............284
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............285
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............286
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............286
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........287▫Synchronizing ESP....................290
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................291

Tire Safety Information...................292
▫Tire Markings........................292
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........295
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........296

Tires — General Information...............300
▫Tire Pressure.........................300
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................301
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................303
▫Tire Spinning........................304
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................304
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫LifeOfTire .........................305
▫Replacement Tires.....................306
▫Alignment And Balance.................307

Tire Chains...........................307

Snow Tires...........................309

Tire Rotation Recommendations............309
▫Tire Rotation — Standard Tires............310
▫Tire Rotation — All Season Tires..........311

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................311
▫Base System — If Equipped..............314
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........316
▫General Information...................320
Fuel Requirements......................321
▫6.1L Engine.........................321
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................321
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............322
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................322
▫Materials Added To Fuel................323
▫Fuel System Cautions..................323
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............324

Adding Fuel..........................324
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............324
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............327

Vehicle Loading........................327
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............327
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......328
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........328
▫Overloading.........................328
▫Loading............................329

TrailerTowing .........................330
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 330
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................330
260 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!
•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 keys 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or 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:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING