2009 DODGE CHARGER torque

shifts and the best fuel economy. Select the “3” range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers).
NOTE:
•If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the Note under “Torque Converter
Clutch” later in this section.
•If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage Overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.“3” (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd while in
this range. The “3” position should also be used when
descending steep grades to prevent brake system dis-
tress.
NOTE:
Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.
“L” (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than in other gear range selections.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the transmis-
sion.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission in this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.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.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
Autostickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting to provide you with more control of
the vehicle. Autostick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, it can be
moved from side to side. This allows the driver to select
a higher or lower range of gears. Moving the shift lever to
the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an
upshift. The gear position will display in the instrument
cluster on the transmission range indicator.
You can shift in or out of the Autostick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you choose the Overdrive mode, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically, shifting between the five available
gears. When you wish to engage Autostick, simply
move the shift lever to the right or left (D+/D-) while in
the DRIVE position. The transmission will remain in the
current gear until an upshift or downshift is chosen.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an active on-demand All
Wheel Drive (AWD) system which makes available opti-
mum traction for a wide variety of road surface and
driving conditions. The system minimizes wheel slip by
automatically redirecting torque to the front and rear
wheels as necessary.
To maximize fuel economy, your AWD vehicle automati-
cally defaults to Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) when road and
environmental conditions are such that wheel slip is
unlikely to occur. When specific road and environmental
conditions require increased levels of road traction, the
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove the flat tire
and install the spare tire.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
6. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped), and
tire. Remove the cover by hand. Do not pry it off.
7. Mount the spare tire.
NOTE: For vehicles so equipped, do not attempt to
install a center cap or wheel cover on the compact spare.
However, when reinstalling the road tire, follow the
procedure under “Wheel Cover or Center Cap Installa-
tion” in place of the remaining steps in this procedure. 8. Install the lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the
nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts. To
avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not
tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to
the ground.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
10. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. The
correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N·m). If
in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.
11. Stow the jack, tools and flat tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 365
6

snapping the cover over the two lug nuts. Do not use a
hammer or excessive force to install the cover.
4. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped
end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug
nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is
lowered to the ground.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
6. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. The
correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N·m). If
in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.7. For vehicles equipped with center caps, install the
center cap by hand. Do not use a hammer or excessive
force to install the center cap.
8. Stow the jack, tools, and spare tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
368 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
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.
•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.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 86
Automatic Door Locks ................... 30,31
Automatic Headlights .................... 132
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ..........177,186
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 256
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ...................... 405
Automatic Transmission ...........276,282,404,405
Adding Fluid ...................... 405,430
Autostick ............................ 286
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 405
Fluid Change ......................... 405
Fluid Level Check ..................... 404
Fluid Type ........................... 430
Gear Ranges ....................... 277,282
Overdrive ........................... 278
Shifting .......................... 276,282
Special Additives ...................... 405 Torque Converter
...................... 280
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 281,285
Autostick ............................. 286
Axle Fluid ............................. 430
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 430
Battery ............................... 389
Emergency Starting ..................... 369
Jump Starting ......................... 369
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location .......................... 370,390
Belts, Seat ............................ 42,79
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 392
B-Pillar Location ........................ 306
Brake Assist System ...................... 297
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 296
Brake Fluid ............................ 430
Brake, Parking .......................... 292
Brake System ........................... 402
INDEX 461
10

Trailer Towing........................ 350
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 316
To Open Hood .......................... 129
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 347
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 280
Towing ............................... 342
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 103
Behind a Motor Home .................. 354
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 374
Guide .............................. 346
Recreational .......................... 354
Weight .............................. 346
Towing Assistance ....................... 103
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home ......... 354
Traction Control ......................... 297
Trailer Towing .......................... 342
Cooling System Tips .................... 354
Hitches ............................. 344
Minimum Requirements ................. 348 Tips ................................ 353
Trailer and Tongue Weight
............... 347
Wiring .............................. 351
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 346
Trailer Weight .......................... 346
Transfer Case ........................... 405
Fluid ............................ 405,430
Maintenance ......................... 406
Transmission ........................... 404
Automatic ................... 273,276,282,404
Fluid ............................... 430
Range Indicator .................... 277,282
Shifting ............................. 273
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 146
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20
478 INDEX