2011 DODGE CHARGER light

WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation ratesare possible, based on the collision type and severity. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of
the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully
inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag Inflator
Unit
The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag unit is
located in the instrument panel trim beneath the steering
column. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the
air bag, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Supplemental
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side
curtain air bag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when
it is inflated.
Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time,
vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of
whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
Front And Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of theevent the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition is cycled off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the air bag system.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on for
approximately four to eight seconds when the ignition
is first cycled to ON/RUN.
•The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the
approximate four to eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving. NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Mirrors .............................. 96
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror ................ 96
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 96
▫ Outside Mirrors ...................... 97
▫ Outside Mirrors Folding Feature .......... 98
▫ Driver’s Outside Automatic Dimming
Mirror — If Equipped .................. 98
▫ Outside Mirrors Approach Light —
If Equipped ......................... 98
▫ Tilt Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped ...... 98▫
Power Mirrors ....................... 99
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ........... 100
▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped . . 100
▫ “Slide-On-Rod” And Extender Features Of
Sun Visor .......................... 100
 Blind Spot Monitoring — If Equipped ....... 101
▫ Rear Cross Path ..................... 106
▫ Modes Of Operation .................. 108
3

▫Manual Seats — If Equipped ............ 176
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 178
▫ Folding Rear Seat .................... 181
 Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ........ 183
▫ Programming The Memory Feature ....... 184
▫ Linking And Unlinking The Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter To Memory ........... 185
▫ Memory Position Recall ................ 186
▫ Easy Entry/Exit Seat (Available
With Memory Seat Only) ............... 186
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 188
 Lights ............................. 189
▫ Headlight Switch .................... 189
▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ...... 190▫
Headlights On With Wipers (Available
With Automatic Headlights Only) ......... 190
▫ Smartbeam™ — If Equipped ............ 190
▫ Headlight Time Delay ................. 191
▫ Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —
If Equipped ........................ 192
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 192
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 192
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 193
▫ Turn Signals ........................ 193
▫ Lane Change Assist ................... 194
▫ High/Low Beam Switch ............... 194
▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 194
▫ Front Map/Reading Lights ............. 195
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

▫Ambient Light ...................... 196
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 196
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 198
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 199
▫ Wiper Operation ..................... 199
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 199
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 200
▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available
With Automatic Headlights Only) ......... 200
▫ Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ....... 200
 Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column .......... 202
 Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column —
If Equipped .......................... 203
 Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 204
Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped .......... 206
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 207
▫ To Activate ......................... 208
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ................ 209
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 209
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 209
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 209
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 210
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) —
If Equipped .......................... 211
▫ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation . . 213
▫ Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) . . 214
▫ To Activate ......................... 215
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE