2012 DODGE CHALLENGER User Guide

WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL DAMPING SYSTEM
• This vehicle may be equipped with an electronic controlled damping system. Thissystem reduces body roll and pitch in many driving situations including cornering,
acceleration and braking. On the center console, there is a “SPORT” button that
when pressed will cycle through three different driving modes of operation:
Automatic (Auto) Mode
• This is the default position whenvehicle ignition is first turned on. Auto
mode will give a sporty, but
comfortable ride. Within this mode, the
suspension will adapt to the vehicle
inputs, including vehicle speed,
steering inputs, braking, and
acceleration.
• If AutoStick
®is engaged while in “Auto” mode, the transmission will automatically
shift up if maximum engine speed is reached.
• Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal may generate an automatic downshift for improved acceleration.
• This mode should be used for most driving situations.
SPORTSport Mode
• This mode is driver selectable when the vehicle is placed in SPORT mode (press the SPORT button on the center console). This mode will set suspension for
maximum performance handling and is intended for spirited driving.
• When SPORT mode is enabled, a “ SPORT” message will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE: The SPORT setting will provide a firmer ride.
Track Mode
• In Track Mode, the transmission has a sportier, more aggressive shift pattern.
• This mode includes SPORT Suspension and affects transmission shifting in either
Auto or Manual mode.
• If AutoStick is engaged while in “Track” mode, the transmission will remain in the selected gear even when maximum engine speed is reached.
• Engine overspeed protection is achieved through fuel cut off at or near redline.
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• This mode will provide aggressive shifting and is intended for spirited driving.
• The system will return to SPORT mode when the ignition switch is cycled fromRUN to OFF, and back to RUN again, if this mode is selected.
NOTE:
• A “TRACK” message will display in the instrument cluster.
• For manual transmission vehicles, the available driving modes are Sport on or Sport Off. Track is not available.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) – If Equipped
• The EVIC can be used to program thefollowing Performance Features. Press
and release the MENU
button until
Performance Features displays, then
press the UP
or DOWNbuttons to scroll through the settings.
Press the SELECTbutton to
change or reset the setting.
• 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) • Instantaneous G-Force
• Braking Distance • Peak G-Force
• 1/8 Mile • Digital Speedometer
• 1/4 Mile
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) • When selected, this screen displays the time it takes for the vehicle to go from 0 to60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) within 10 seconds.
Braking Distance • When selected, this screen displays the vehicle's braking distance and the speedat which the brake pedal was depressed.
1/8 Mile, 1/4 Mile • When selected, this screen displays the time it takes the vehicle to travel 1/8 mile(1/4 mile) within 30 seconds and the vehicle's speed when it reaches 1/8 mile
(1/4 mile).
Instantaneous G-Force • When selected, this screen displays the current G-Force (lateral and longitudinal)along with a friction circle that displays the directions of the forces.
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Peak G-Force• When selected, this screen displays all four G-Force values (two lateral and twolongitudinal).
Digital Speedometer • When selected, this screen displays vehicle speed and records top speed.
WARNING!
Measurement of vehicle statistics with the Performance Features is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only and should not be done on any public
roadways. It is recommended that these features be used in a controlled
environment and within the limits of the law. The capabilities of the vehicle as
measured by the performance pages must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which can jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
SUMMER/THREE-SEASON TIRES
• This vehicle may be equipped with wheels and tires to enhance traction in bothwet and dry conditions.
• Summer tires are not intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
• Use summer tires only in sets of four.
NOTE: Summer tires will not contain the all season designation or mountain/snowflake
symbol on the sidewall of the tire.
WARNING!
Do not use summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You could lose control,
resulting in severe injury or death.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival.If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster willcome on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand 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 illuminates, 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 reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
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• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE: Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside
temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by
3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant
from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned
by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center
for service if your vehicle overheats.
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BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction orthe parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. 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.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• 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 light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
SPORTSport Mode
• This light will illuminate when the sport mode is selected. This mode providesperformance based tuning.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
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• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a“clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as Oil Change Required) appears and a singlechime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™ • Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cyclethe ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating bytaking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C)
or greater and you hear a chime, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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