2012 DODGE CHARGER engine

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will
remain in second gear regardless of which forward gear
is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will con-
tinue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.3. Turn the engine OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
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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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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
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AutoStickis active, the current transmission gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick mode,
the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-) is
manually selected by the driver (using the shift lever, or
the shift paddles [if equipped]), unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.
•If AutoStick is engaged while in DRIVE mode, the
transmission will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached.
•If AutoStick is engaged while in SPORT mode, the
transmission will remain in the selected gear even
when maximum engine speed is reached. The trans-
mission will upshift only when commanded by the
driver.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows down (to prevent engine lugging) and
will display the current gear.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
•Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal will generate an
automatic downshift (for improved acceleration)
when reasonable.
•You can start out in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at
a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting out
in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
•The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.
•Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is en-
gaged.
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•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStickis engaged.
To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the shift lever to the
right or press and hold the (+) shift paddle (if equipped)
until “D” 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.
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
dampening system. This system reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including cornering,
acceleration and braking. There are two modes of opera-
tion:
•Automatic (Auto) Mode — This is the default position
when vehicle ignition is first turned on. This mode will
give a sporty, but comfortable ride. Within this mode,
the suspension will adapt to the vehicle inputs, includ-
ing vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking and accel-
eration.
•Sport Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in SPORT mode (press the CON-
TROLS button and then the SPORT button on the
display screen). This mode will set suspension for
maximum performance handling and is intended for
spirited driving.
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AWD operation could be activated by outside tempera-
ture, wheel slip, or other predetermined conditions (there
may be a slight delay for AWD engagement after a wheel
slip condition occurs). AWD can also be manually se-
lected by moving the shift lever into the AutoStickmode
(+/-) or activating the windshield wipers for an extended
period of time. Drive mode, RWD or AWD, is displayed
momentarily in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) in the gage area of the vehicle display when the
transmission is first shifted into gear, and if the drive
mode changes during vehicle operation.
NOTE: If the “SERVICE AWD SYSTEM” warning mes-
sage appears after engine start up, or during driving, it
means that the AWD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the front differential and/or
the transfer case.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the rear (driving) wheels.
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CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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NOTE:
•Even if power steering assistance is no longer opera-
tional, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
•If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
(IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
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