2009 DODGE CHARGER Owners Manual

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 263
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 269
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 269
▫ Normal Starting (Tip Start) ............. 270
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 272
 Automatic Transmission ................. 273
▫ General Information .................. 273
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 275
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 275 ▫
4-Speed Automatic Transmission ......... 276
▫ 5-Speed Automatic Transmission ......... 282
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 286
▫ AutoStick Operation................. 286
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 286
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 287
▫ Acceleration ........................ 287
▫ Traction ........................... 288
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Driving Through Water ................. 288
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 289
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 289
 Power Steering ....................... 291
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 291
 Parking Brake ........................ 292
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 294
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 296
▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ........... 296
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ........... 297
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 297
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ........ 298
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 300 ▫
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 300
 Tire Safety Information ................. 301
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 301
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 305
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 306
 Tires — General Information ............. 310
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 310
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 311
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 312
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 313
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped ....... 313
▫ Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped ........ 314
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Spinning ....................... 315
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 316
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 316
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 317
 Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped ........... 318
 Tire Chains .......................... 319
 Snow Tires .......................... 320
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 321
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 322
▫ Base System ........................ 324
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ......... 327
▫ General Information .................. 332 
Fuel Requirements ..................... 332
▫ 2.7L Engine ........................ 332
▫ 3.5L And 5.7L Engines ................. 332
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 333
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 333
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 334
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 335
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 335
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 335
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 336
 Adding Fuel ......................... 337
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 337
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 339
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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Vehicle Loading ...................... 340
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 340
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 340
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 340
▫ Overloading ........................ 341
▫ Loading ........................... 341
 Trailer Towing ........................ 342
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 342
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 344 ▫
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 346
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 347
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 348
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 353
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 354
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 354
268 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. Do not leave the key 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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

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.
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 not press 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 (Below 20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING