2010 DODGE CHARGER Owners Manual

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 263
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 263
▫ Normal Starting (Tip Start) ............. 264
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 264
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 264
▫ After Starting ....................... 265
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 265
 Automatic Transmission ................. 266 ▫
General Information .................. 267
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 269
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 269
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 269
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission –
If Equipped ........................ 270
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 271
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission –
If Equipped ........................ 276
5

▫Gear Ranges ........................ 276
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 280
▫ Operation ......................... 280
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 281
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 282
▫ Acceleration ........................ 282
▫ Traction ........................... 283
 Driving Through Water ................. 283
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 284
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 284
 Power Steering ....................... 286
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 286
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ............. 287
 Parking Brake ........................ 287
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 290
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 292
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 292
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 292
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 293
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 293
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 295
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 296
 Tire Safety Information ................. 297
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 297
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 300
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 301
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 302
 Tires — General Information ............. 306
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 306
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 307
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 308
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 309
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 309
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 310
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 311
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 312
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 312 ▫
Replacement Tires .................... 313
 Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped ........... 314
 Snow Tires .......................... 314
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 314
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 315
▫ Base System ........................ 318
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 321
▫ General Information .................. 325
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 326
▫ 2.7L Engine ........................ 326
▫ 3.5L And 5.7L Engine ................. 326
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 327
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 327
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 261

▫E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 327
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 328
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 329
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 329
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 330
 Adding Fuel ......................... 330
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 330
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 332
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 333
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 333
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 334
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 334▫
Overloading ........................ 334
▫ Loading ........................... 335
 Trailer Towing ........................ 335
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 335
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 338
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 339
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 340
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 341
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 346

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 348
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 348
262 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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 263