2012 DODGE CHALLENGER brake light

brake pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle
during this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The
system will release brake pressure in proportion to
amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in
the intended direction of travel.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped.
•Vehicle must be on a 7% grade or greater hill.
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
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:
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “ESC Off” switch (located in the lower
switch bank below the climate controls) four times within
20 seconds. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction 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. 9. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then
back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will blink several times to confirm HSA is dis-
abled.
10. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature
to it’s previous setting.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If Equipped
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESC
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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 291

WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
•Weight distributing systems may not be compat-
ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable rec-
reational vehicle dealer for additional
information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum GTW towable
for your given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 339

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.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•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
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S444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

About Your Brakes.................... 281,284
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............285,288
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 410
Adding Fuel ........................... 332
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 404
Additives, Fuel ......................... 330
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 397
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 400
Air Conditioning ........................ 238
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 238
Air Conditioning Filter .................244,401
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............400,401
Air Conditioning System ................238,400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 245
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 306
Airbag .............................. 54,63
Airbag Deployment ....................... 64
Airbag Light ................... 61,62,67,80,178
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 66 Airbag, Side
........................ 58,60,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........58,60,63
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm Light ........................... 183
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 25
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 224
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............285,288
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............185,287
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............409,438
Disposal ........................... 411
Appearance Care ........................ 418
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ....................... 105
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 39
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 87
470 INDEX

Automatic Door Locks..................... 33
Automatic Headlights .................... 139
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 238
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ..................... 416
Automatic Transmission .............266,416,418
Adding Fluid .................... 418,440
Autostick .......................... 273
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 418
Fluid Change ....................... 418
Fluid Level Check .................... 417
Fluid Type ......................... 440
Special Additives ..................... 416
Autostick ............................. 273
Axle Fluid ............................. 440
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 440
B-Pillar Location ........................ 301 Battery
............................... 398
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 398
Belts, Seat ............................ 45,80
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 403
Brake Assist System ...................... 289
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 287
Brake Fluid ............................ 440
Brake System ........................ 284,413
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 285,288
Fluid Check ..................... 414,440
Master Cylinder ..................... 414
Parking ........................... 281
Warning Light .................... 181,284
Brake, Parking .......................... 281
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 266
Brakes ............................. 284,413
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
10
INDEX 471

DipsticksOil (Engine) ........................ 394
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 381
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 411
Engine Oil ......................... 397
Door Locks ............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 277
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 278
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 191
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 89
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 163
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 287
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 427Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 148
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 291
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 177
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 186
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 378
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 353
Jacking ............................ 365
Jump Starting ....................... 374
Overheating ........................ 353
Towing ............................ 381
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 391
Engine ............................... 389
Air Cleaner ......................... 397
Block Heater ........................ 260
Break-In Recommendations .............. 77
Checking Oil Level ................... 394
474 INDEX