2012 DODGE CHALLENGER brake

indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the
anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
21. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed. 22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183

23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON/RUN position and may stay
on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
24. Low Fuel Light This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. 25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD. The
OBD system monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The MIL will turn on when
the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine
start. If the MIL does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185

•Press Brake & Push Button to Start
•Push Button or Insert Key/Turn To Run (refer to
“Remote Starting System” in “Things To Know Before
Starting Your Vehicle”)
•1–4 SKIPSHIFT
Engine Oil Change Indicator System
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 sec-
onds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent
upon your personal driving style.Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position or cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position if
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go. To turn off the
message temporarily, press and release the MENU but-
ton. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/
RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the
OFF/LOCK position.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Headlamps On with Wipers
(Available with Auto Headlamps Only)
When ON is selected, and the headlight switch is in the
AUTO (A) position, the headlamps will turn on approxi-
mately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on. The
headlamps will also turn off when the wipers are turned
off if they were turned on by this feature. To make your
selection, press and release the SELECT button until
“ON” or “OFF” appears.
NOTE:Turning the headlights on during the daytime
causes the instrument panel lights to dim. To increase the
brightness, refer to “Lights” in “Understanding The
Features Of Your Vehicle.”
Delay Turning Headlights Off
When this feature is selected, the driver can choose to
have the headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds
when exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
and release the SELECT button until “0,” “30,” “60,” or
“90” appears.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped
When on is selected, the HSA system is active. Refer to
“Electronic Brake Control System” in “Starting And
Operating” for system function and operating informa-
tion. To make your selection, press and release the
SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
Turn Headlights On with Remote Key Unlock
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the RKE transmitter. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the SELECT button until “OFF,”
“30 sec.,” “60 sec.,” or “90 sec.” appears.
Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, Uconnect™ phone (if equipped), power
sunroof (if equipped), and ignition-powered power out-
lets will remain active for up to 60 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned OFF. Opening either front
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 252
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 252
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 253
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go – If Equipped ........ 254
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 255
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 258
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 258
▫ After Starting ....................... 260 
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 260
 Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........ 260
▫ Six-Speed Manual Transmission .......... 260
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ...... 265
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 266
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 266
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 266
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 267
5

AutoStick .......................... 273
▫ Operation ......................... 273
 Sport Mode — If Equipped .............. 275
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 277
▫ Acceleration ........................ 277
▫ Traction ........................... 277
 Driving Through Water ................. 278
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 278
 Power Steering ....................... 280
 Parking Brake ........................ 281
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 282
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 283
Brake System ........................ 284
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped .......................... 285
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 287
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) –
If Equipped ........................ 288
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) –
If Equipped ........................ 288
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 289
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 289
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If
Equipped .......................... 291
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 294
248 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!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal before starting vehicle.
This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking igni-
tion system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting With Integrated Key – Manual
Transmission
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Press the clutch pedal fully to the floor, and turn the
252 STARTING AND OPERATING