2012 DODGE CHARGER wheel

9. AUTO Operation Button — If Equipped
Automatically controls the interior cabin temperature by
adjusting airflow distribution and amount. Performing
this function will cause the ATC to switch between
manual mode and automatic modes. Refer to “Automatic
Operation” for more information.
10. Driver Temperature Control Down Button
Provides the driver with independent temperature con-
trol. Push the button for cooler temperature settings.
NOTE:In Sync mode, this button will also automati-
cally adjust the passenger temperature setting at the
same time.
11. Driver Temperature Control Up Button
Provides the driver with independent temperature con-
trol. Push the button for warmer temperature settings.
NOTE: In Sync mode, this button will also automati-
cally adjust the passenger temperature setting at the
same time. 12. Modes
The airflow distribution mode can be adjusted so air
comes from the instrument panel outlets, floor outlets,
demist outlets and defrost outlets. The Mode settings are
as follows:
•Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel.
Each of these outlets can be individually adjusted to
direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets
and outboard outlets can be moved up and down or side
to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a shut off
wheel located below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the
amount of airflow from these outlets.
•Bi-Level Mode Air comes from the instrument panel outlets and
floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed
through the defrost and side window demister outlets.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 351

▫Gear Ranges ........................ 375
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 381
▫ Operation – 3.6L Engine ............... 381
▫ Operation – 5.7L Engine ............... 382
 Sport Mode — If Equipped .............. 384
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 385
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 386
▫ Acceleration ........................ 386
▫ Traction ........................... 387
 Driving Through Water ................. 387
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 388
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 388
 Power Steering ....................... 390 
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 391
 Parking Brake ........................ 391
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 394
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 396
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 396
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 396
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 397
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 398
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 400
▫ Ready Alert Braking .................. 402
▫ Rain Brake Support ................... 402
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 402
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Synchronizing ESC ................... 403
 Tire Safety Information ................. 404
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 404
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 407
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 408
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 409
 Tires — General Information ............. 413
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 413
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 414
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 416
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 416
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 416 ▫
Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 417
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 418
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 418
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 419
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 420
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 420
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 421
 Tire Chains .......................... 422
 Snow Tires .......................... 424
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 425
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 426
▫ Base System ........................ 428
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 431
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STARTING AND OPERATING 361

Vehicle Loading ...................... 447
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 447
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 448
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 448
▫ Overloading ........................ 448
▫ Loading ........................... 449
 Trailer Towing ........................ 449
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 449
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 452 ▫
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 453
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 453
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 455
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 460
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 461
▫ Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive .... 461
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STARTING AND OPERATING 363

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Optional Shifter With AutoStick
The optional shift lever (with AutoStick shift paddles
mounted on the steering wheel) provides PARK, RE-
VERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and SPORT shift positions.
Once in the DRIVE range, tapping the shift lever rear-
ward will toggle between SPORT mode and DRIVE
mode. You do not need to press the shift lever button
when toggling between DRIVE and SPORT modes.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section). Pressing
the shift paddles (-/+) while in the DRIVE or SPORT
position will manually select the transmission gear, and
will display the current gear in the instrument cluster as
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission – 5.7L
Engine
The shift lever position display (located in the instrument
panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You
must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of
the PARK position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

The transmission shift lever has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts can
be made using the “AutoStick” shift control (refer to
“AutoStick” in this section). Moving the shift lever to
the left or right (-/+) while in the DRIVE position will
manually select the transmission gear, and will display
that gear in the instrument cluster as 4, 3, 2, 1.Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
Shift Lever
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STARTING AND OPERATING 375

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission feature
that offers manual gear shifting to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation – 3.6L Engine
When the transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT mode, it
will operate automatically, shifting between the eight
available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap one of
the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles (+/-) while in
DRIVE or SPORT mode. When AutoStick
is active, the
current transmission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster. In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the
driver, except as described below. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen.
•If AutoStick is engaged while in DRIVE mode, lack of
accelerator pedal activity will cause the transmission
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STARTING AND OPERATING 381

to revert to automatic operation. The transmission will
also upshift automatically once redline is reached. If
the pedal is pressed to the floor, the transmission will
downshift when possible (based on current vehicle
speed and gear).
•If AutoStickis engaged while in SPORT mode,
manual gear selection will be maintained until either
SPORT mode is exited or as described below. The
transmission will not upshift automatically at redline
in this mode, nor will downshifts be obtained if the
pedal is pressed to the floor.
•In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmission will
automatically downshift as the vehicle slows to a stop
(to prevent engine lugging) and will display the cur-
rent gear. Tapping the (+) paddle (at a stop) will allow
starting in second gear. After a stop, the driver should
manually upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
accelerates. To disengage AutoStick
mode, press and hold the (+)
shift paddle until “D” or “S” is once again displayed in
the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
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.
Operation – 5.7L Engine
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply
move the shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the
DRIVE position, or tap one of the steering wheel-
mounted shift paddles (+/-), if equipped. When
382 STARTING AND OPERATING