2010 DODGE CHALLENGER brake light

If both the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” remain on, the ABS and EBD systems are not
functioning. Immediate repair to the ABS system is
required.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), the
Traction Control System (TCS), the Brake Assist System
(BAS), and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). These
systems work together to enhance both vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions.
An additional electronic brake control feature called Hill
Start Assist (HSA) is standard on manual transmission
models.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – If Equipped
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions by controlling hydrau-
lic brake pressure. This prevents wheel lock-up to help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those result-
ing from excessive speed in turns, driving on very
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of
an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 279

WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer,
when the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur. This could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
Disabling/Enabling HSA
If you wish to turn on or off the HSA system, it can be
done using the Customer Programmable Features in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:NOTE:
You must complete Steps 1 through 8 within
90 seconds.
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing
straight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Release the clutch pedal.
6. Rotate the steering wheel one-half turn to the left.
7. Press the “ESP OFF” switch (located in the lower
switch bank below the climate controls) four times within
20 seconds. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” should turn
on and turn off two times.
8. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an
additional half-turn to the right.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

9. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then
back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will blink sev-
eral times to confirm HSA is disabled.
10. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature
to it’s previous setting.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – If Equipped
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual pathdoes not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 283

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the “MAX”
mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

About Your Brakes.................... 273,276
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............276,279
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 392
Adding Fuel ........................... 319
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 386
Additives, Fuel ......................... 317
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 382
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 384
Air Conditioning ........................ 232
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 232
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 239
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............384,385
Air Conditioning System ................232,384
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 297
Airbag .............................. 47,56
Airbag Deployment ....................... 57
Airbag Light ..................... 55,60,73,168
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 59
Airbag, Side .......................... 53,56Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........50,53,56
Alarm Light ........................... 174
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 225
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............391,421
Disposal ............................ 394
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............276,279
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............176,278
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 401
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ....................... 100
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 33
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 81
Automatic Door Locks ................... 30,31
454 INDEX

Automatic Headlights.................... 128
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 172
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ...................... 400
Automatic Transmission .............262,399,400
Adding Fluid ...................... 400,423
Autostick ............................ 266
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 400
Fluid Change ......................... 400
Fluid Level Check ..................... 399
Fluid Type ........................... 423
Shifting ............................. 262
Special Additives ...................... 400
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ..... 265
Autostick ............................. 266
Axle Fluid ............................. 423
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 423
Battery ............................... 382 Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)
....... 25
Location ............................ 382
Belts, Seat ............................ 37,73
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 385
B-Pillar Location ........................ 292
Brake Assist System ...................... 280
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 279
Brake Fluid ............................ 423
Brake, Parking .......................... 273
Brake System ........................ 276,395
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 276,279
Fluid Check ....................... 396,423
Master Cylinder ....................... 396
Parking ............................. 273
Warning Light ..................... 172,276
Brakes ............................. 276,395
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 260
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 133
10
INDEX 455

DipsticksOil (Engine) .......................... 378
Power Steering ........................ 272
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 366
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 394
Engine Oil ........................... 381
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 142
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 268
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 269
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 182
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 83
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 152
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 279Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
.... 409
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 137
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 283
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 166
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 178
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 35
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 365
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 339
Jacking ............................. 351
Jump Starting ......................... 361
Overheating .......................... 339
Towing ............................. 366
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 35
Emission Control System Maintenance ......375,426
Engine ............................ 372,373
Air Cleaner .......................... 382
Block Heater ......................... 252
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
458 INDEX