2010 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT automatic transmission

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.
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.
NOTE:
•In AutoStickmode, the transmission will shift up and
down when the driver manually moves the shift lever
right (D+) or left (D-).
•An UPSHIFT message will appear in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the in-
strument cluster when using AutoStick. This message
appears in order to alert the driver to upshift to the
next gear. The UPSHIFT message will display while
operating the vehicle at higher engine revolutions per
minute (RPM).
You can shift in or out of the AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When you wish to engage AutoStick, simply move the
shift lever to the right (D+) or left (D-) while in the DRIVE
position. The transmission will remain in the current gear
until an upshift or downshift is chosen. When you wish
to disengage AutoStick, hold the shift lever to the right
for at least two seconds. The transmission will now
operate automatically, shifting between the five available
gears.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

General Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed or downshift at too high of a vehicle speed..
•The transmission will automatically downshift to 1st
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when AutoStickis en-
gaged.
•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while AutoStick is
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more crisp/abrupt when
AutoStick is engaged.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 259

NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Parking Brake Release
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 265

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•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 fob in the ignition switch. A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.(Continued)
Parking Brake
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission
in PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remainingsystem will still function. There will be some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and potential activation of
the “Brake Warning Light.”
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
OFF) the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps”
the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 267

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 injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories. 3. If using a another vehicle to jump-start the battery,
park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage due to battery ex-
plosion.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 329

▫Brake System ....................... 359
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System
(Manual Transmission) – If Equipped ...... 361
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 361
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 361
▫ Rear Axle .......................... 363
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 364
 Fuses .............................. 369
▫ Integrated Power Module (IPM) .......... 369
▫ Rear Power Distribution Center .......... 371
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 375 
Replacement Bulbs .................... 376
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 377
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Park/Turn Lamp — Models With
Halogen Headlamps — If Equipped ....... 377
▫ Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, And Park/Turn Lamp — Models
With High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Headlamps — If Equipped ............. 377
▫ Front/Rear Side Marker Lamp ........... 378
▫ Tail/Turn And Stop Lamp .............. 378
▫ Center Tail/Backup Lamp .............. 381
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339