2009 DODGE CHALLENGER automatic transmission fluid

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L
Engine)........................... 264
▫Gear Ranges........................ 264
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 268
▫AutoStickOperation................. 268
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 269
▫Acceleration........................ 269
▫Traction........................... 270
Driving Through Water................. 270
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 271
Power Steering....................... 273
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 273
Parking Brake........................ 274▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped...... 275
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped.... 276
Brake System........................ 277
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped.......................... 277
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only............. 280
Electronic Brake Control System........... 280
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) — If
Equipped.......................... 280
▫TCS (Traction Control System) — If
Equipped.......................... 281
▫BAS (Brake Assist System) — If Equipped . . . 281
▫HSA (Hill Start Assist) — Manual
Transmission Only................... 283
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1–3 miles [1.6–4.8 km] of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the shift lever
into the “3” position will show that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and it will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within
five seconds of shifting from PARK into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. This reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK.
•Turn the key to LOCK, then start the engine.
•Shift into DRIVE and resume driving.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 263

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
turn on when the parking brake is applied and the
ignition switch is ON.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position (automatic transmission), R (Reverse) or
first gear (manual transmission) first and then apply the
parking brake.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) or Autostickmode (if
equipped) to select a lower gear range.
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the intervalspecified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the Maintenance Schedule. Refer to Section 8 for
the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Autostick/Electronic Range Select (ERS)

By using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) or
Autostickmode and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

Sealing Tire with TIREFIT
1. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis-
sion) or in gear (manual transmission), turn OFF the
engine and set the parking brake.
3. Remove the TIREFIT kit from the trunk.
4. Pull the power plug 2 and the TIREFIT sealant hose 6
out from the TIREFIT kit.
5. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.
6. Screw the fitting at the end of TIREFIT sealant hose 6
coming from the sealant bottle 5 onto the tire valve.
7. Insert the power plug 2 into the power point on the
instrument panel.8. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK (automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (manual
transmission) and start the engine.
9. Press the switch 3 on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should start to inflate the tire and the tire sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the sealant bottle 5 through
the TIREFIT sealant hose 6 and into the tire.
10. Allow the air pump to run for five minutes and then
read the pressure gauge 4. If the tire inflates to 26 psi
(1.8 bar) or greater, proceed to Step 19 of this procedure.
If not, proceed to the following step.
11. Press the AIR PUMP switch 3 to 0 (OFF). Then,
disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and place it
back in the vehicle.
12. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle back
and forth approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) to distribute the
sealant more evenly within the tire.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12-Volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
356 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393

Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the
axle. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE