Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
SRT ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, clutch, and rear axle) in your new
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 mi (800 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph
(80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil is a high performance synthetic lubricant,
the transmission fluid and axle lubricant installed at the
factory is high-quality and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid,
and lubricant changes should be consistent with antici-
pated climate and conditions under which vehicle opera-
tions will occur. For the recommended viscosity and
quality grades, refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
13. Sport ShiftingThis light will illuminate when Track mode is
selected. When Track Mode is selected, the
EVIC will display “Track Mode Activated (Sus-
pension and Transmission)”. In addition to
SPORT suspension, Track mode also affects transmission
shifting in either Auto or Manual mode. Refer to
“AutoStick” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. The transmission has a sportier, more ag-
gressive shift pattern. In Manual mode, the transmission
will hold gear at redline during manual shifting (console
shifter or paddle switches). 14. Sport Suspension
The light will illuminate when Sport or Track
mode is selected. When Sport mode is selected,
the EVIC will display “Sport Mode Active
(Suspension)”. This mode provides perfor-
mance based tuning with improved handling through an
electronic controlled damping system. This system re-
duces body roll and pitch in many driving situations
including cornering, acceleration and braking. When
Track Mode is Selected, the EVIC will display “Track
Mode Activated (Suspension and Transmission)”. In ad-
dition to SPORT suspension, Track mode also affects
transmission shifting. Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................369
▫ Automatic Transmission ................370
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ ..................370
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .371
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................372
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................373
▫ After Starting ....................... .374
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER – IF EQUIPPED . . . .374
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............375
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............376
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .376
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ........377
AUTOSTICK® ........................ .384
▫ Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters Or
Console Mounted Shifter ................384
SPORT MODE ........................ .387
LAUNCH MODE – IF EQUIPPED ...........388
5
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the “AutoStick®” shift control (refer to
“AutoStick®” in this section) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.SPORT
This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift
schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are in-
creased to make full use of available engine power. To
toggle between DRIVE and SPORT modes, touch the
SPORT button (on the Controls screen in the center touch
panel).
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
382 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the trans-
mission will operate automatically, shifting between the
five available gears. To engage AutoStick®, simply tap the
shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE
position, or tap one of the steering wheel-mounted shift
paddles (+/-). Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick® mode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while
using (+) to enter AutoStick® mode will retain the current
gear. When AutoStick® is active, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) portion of 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, unless an engine lugging oroverspeed condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen,
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. Engine overspeed protection will be provided
by fuel cut off at or near redline.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
SPORT MODE
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
damping system. This system reduces body roll and pitch
in many driving situations including cornering, accelera-
tion and braking. There are three modes of operation:•
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, including
vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking and acceleration.
•Sport Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in SPORT mode (press the CONTROLS
button and then the SPORT button on the display screen).
The SPORT button can also be found on the SRT Perfor-
mance Page (press the SRT & MORE button and the SRT
Performance Page button then the SPORT button on the
display screen). This mode will set suspension for maxi-
mum performance handling and is intended for spirited
driving.
NOTE: The SPORT setting will provide a firmer ride.
•
When SPORT mode is enabled, a shock symbol will light
up in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Description” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
SPORT Mode
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387
•AUTO mode will provide a sporty comfortable ride,
where as SPORT or TRACK will be a firmer, sportier
suspension with better handling.
• Track Mode — This mode includes SPORT suspension
and affects transmission shifting in either “Auto” or
“Manual” mode. Refer to “AutoStick” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information. In TRACK
mode, the transmission has a sportier, more aggressive
shift pattern. In Manual mode, the transmission will
hold gear at redline during manual shifting (console
shifter or paddle shifters).
• When TRACK mode is enabled, a flag symbol will
light up in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.LAUNCH MODE – IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Control system that
is designed to allow the driver to achieve maximum vehicle
acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire slip while launching the
vehicle. This feature is intended for use during race events
on a closed course where consistent quarter mile and zero to
sixty times are desired. The system is not intended to
compensate for lack of driver experience or familiarity with
the race track. Use of this feature in low traction (cold, wet,
gravel, etc) conditions may results in excess wheel slip
outside this systems control resulting in an aborted launch.
Preconditions:
•
Launch control should not be used on public roads.
Always check track conditions and the surrounding area.
• Launch Control is not available for the first 500 miles
of vehicle life.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING
TIREFIT Usage Precautions
•Replace the TIREFIT Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant
Hose (6) prior to the expiration date (printed on the
bottle label) to assure optimum operation of the sys-
tem. Refer to “Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT” section (F)
“Sealant Bottle and Hose Replacement”.
•
The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6) are a one tire
application use. After each use, always replace these
components immediately at an authorized dealer.
• When the TIREFIT sealant is in a liquid form, clean
water, and a damp cloth will remove the material from
the vehicle or tire and wheel components. Once the
sealant dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded. •
For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem
on the wheel is free of debris before connecting the
TIREFIT kit.
•
You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle tires.
The kit also comes with two needles, located in the
Accessory Storage Compartment (on the bottom of the
air pump) for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar
inflatable items. However, use only the Air Pump
Hose (7) and make sure the Mode Select Knob (5) is in
the Air Mode when inflating such items to avoid inject-
ing sealant into them. The TIREFIT Sealant is only
intended to seal punctures less than ¼ in (6 mm)
diameter in the tread of your vehicle.
• Do not lift or carry the TIREFIT kit by the hoses.
456 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES