2013 DODGE CHALLENGER tow

6. Charging System Warning LightThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
turns on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
non-essential electrical devices (i.e., radio) or slightly
increase engine speed (if at idle). If the light remains on,
it means that the charging system is experiencing a
problem. See your local authorized dealer to obtain
service immediately.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”. 7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is placed in the ON/
RUN position. This light will also turn on while
the engine is running if there is a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the shift lever in PARK, for manual transmission
place the transmission in neutral, apply the parking
brake, and cycle the ignition key. The light should turn
off. If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213

Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.
8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” and you hear a chime, turn the
engine OFF immediately and call for service.
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 a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
and follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
9. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

24. Low Fuel LightThis light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an
onboard diagnostic system called OBD. The OBD
system monitors engine and automatic transmis-
sion control systems. The MIL will turn on when the
ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the MIL does not come on when turning the key from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
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 MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (right knob) to one of the following positions.
•Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed
so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
• Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE:For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there is
a difference in temperature between the upper and lower
outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets. This
feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool
conditions.
• Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
• Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
• Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service inter-
vals.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

▫General Information ...................378
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................378
▫ 3.6L Engine – If Equipped ...............378
▫ 5.7L Engine (with Automatic Transmission) . . .379
▫ 5.7L Engine (with Manual Transmission) .....380
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................380
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............380
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......381
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................381
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................382
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................382
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............383
ADDING FUEL ....................... .383
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............383
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............385
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................386
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............386
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......386
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........387
▫ Overloading ........................ .387
▫ Loading ........................... .388
 TRAILER TOWING .....................388
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............389
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............392
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... .393
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............393
▫ Towing Requirements ..................395
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .400
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................402
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ .402
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STARTING AND OPERATING 293

Press the clutch pedal fully to the floor, and turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release when
the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has
a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow the
procedure carefully. Refer to “Jump Starting” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for further informa-
tion.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle
has come to a complete stop and the engine is at
idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 295