2013 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT Owners Manual

less aggressive shifting. The system will return to OFF
when the ignition switch is cycled from RUN to OFF to
RUN, if this mode is selected.
• SPORT Mode – This mode is selected by the first press
of the “SPORT” button. A “SPORT” message will
display in the instrument cluster. The system will
return to SPORT mode when the ignition switch is
cycled from RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is
selected. This mode will set suspension for maximum
performance handling and is intended for spirited
driving.
• TRACK Mode – This includes SPORT mode and
affects automatic 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). A “TRACK” message will
display in the instrument cluster. The system will
return to SPORT mode when the ignition switch is
cycled from RUN to OFF to RUN, if this mode is
selected.
NOTE: For manual transmission vehicles, the available
driving modes are SPORT on or SPORT Off. TRACK is
not available.
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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

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.
• Launch Control should only be used when the engine
and transmission are at operating temperature.
• Launch Control is intended to be used on dry, paved
road surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces
may cause damage to vehicle components. Automatic Transmission (If Equipped):
Launch Control is only available when the following
procedure is followed:
1. Press the “ESC OFF” button to put the vehicle into
ESC Partial mode. The “ESC OFF” lamp will illumi-
nate in the cluster.
2. Press the “ESC OFF” button a second time to put the vehicle into Launch Control. The “ESC OFF” lamp will
remain lit, and the cluster display will read “Launch
Control Enabled”.
3. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
4. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.
5. Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “Drive”.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

6. While holding the brake, rapidly apply the acceleratorpedal to wide open throttle. The engine speed will
hold at approximately 1825 RPM for the quickest
launch.
• Messages will appear in the cluster EVIC display to
inform the driver if one or more of the above
conditions (3 through 6) have not been met.
7. When conditions 3 through 6 have been met, the cluster EVIC display will read “Launch Ready Release
Brake”.
Release the brake and continue to hold wide open
throttle to launch.
8. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.
Launch control will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 kph), at which point the ESC system continues in ESC Partial mode. Activating Launch Con-
trol again from this state will require pressing the “ESC
OFF” button once. Repeat steps 3 through 8.
Launch control will abort before launch completion and
display “Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any the
following conditions:
•
The accelerator pedal is released during launch. ESC
system continues in ESC Partial.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer
moving in a straight line. ESC system continues in ESC
Partial.
• The “ESC OFF” button is pressed to change the system
to another mode. One press puts the ESC system into
ESC Full-On.
NOTE: After launch control has been aborted, the vehicle
will resort back to ESC Full ON.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 321

Manual Transmission (If Equipped):
Vehicles with a manual transmission have an adjustable
launch RPM controlled through the EVIC Performance
Features. Set the desired launch rpm before entering
launch control. Details of this feature can be found under
Performance Features – Launch RPM Set.
Launch Control is only available when the following
procedure is followed:
1. Press the “ESC OFF” button to put the vehicle intoESC Partial mode. The “ESC OFF” lamp will illumi-
nate in the cluster.
2. Press the “ESC OFF” button a second time to put the vehicle into Launch Control. The “ESC OFF” lamp will
remain lit, and the cluster display will read “Launch
Control Enabled”.
3. Make sure the vehicle is not moving. 4. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal and make sure the
vehicle is in first gear.
6. While holding the clutch depressed, rapidly apply the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The engine
speed will hold at the pre-selected launch rpm. The
default engine speed is 3500rpm.
• Messages will appear in the cluster EVIC display to
inform the driver if one or more of the above
conditions (3 through 6) have not been met.
7.
When conditions 3 through 6 have been met, the cluster
EVIC display will read “Launch Ready Release Clutch”.
Release the clutch quickly and continue to hold wide
open throttle to launch Execute shifts as described in the
section: Manual Transmission – Shifting.
8. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Launch control will be active until the vehicle reaches
62mph (100kph), at which point the ESC system contin-
ues in ESC Partial mode. Activating Launch Control
again from this state will require pressing the “ESC OFF”
button once. Repeat steps 3 through 8.
Launch control will abort before launch completion and
display “Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any the
following conditions:
•The brake is applied during launch. ESC system con-
tinues in ESC Partial.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer
moving in a straight line. ESC system continues in ESC
Partial.
• The “ESC OFF” button is pressed to change the ESC
system to another mode. One press puts the ESC
system into ESC Full-On. NOTE:
After launch control has been aborted, the vehicle
will resort back to ESC Full ON.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have traction. Damage to the
transmission may occur.
Launch RPM Set (Manual Transmission Only)
When selected, this screen displays the vehicle’s current
Launch RPM used for Launch Control (see ESC Operat-
ing Modes – Launch Control).
• This feature will only function when the vehicle is
stationary.
• Pressing the SELECT button will bring up a list of
available rpm values to use with Launch Control.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 323

•Scroll to the desired launch rpm value using the
up/down arrow buttons and press the SELECT button
to set the launch rpm to the desired value.
• The newly chosen launch rpm will then be displayed.
When Launch Control is activated, the engine speed
will hold at the newly chosen launch rpm.
NOTE: Launch mode is not available within the first 500
miles of engine break-in.
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.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are slushy.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first becomevisible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential
(LSD) that reduces, but does not eliminate, the amount of
wheel slip across a given axle for improved handling.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Due to lower ground clearance, driving your ve-
hicle up steep driveways, approach ramps or near
parking blocks may cause damage to the front
fascia and ground effects.
• Driving through snow more than 4 inches (100 mm)
deep may cause damage to the front fascia and
ground effects.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off).
Flowing water can wear away the road or path’s
surface and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 325

WARNING!(Continued)
water. Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, trans-
mission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e.,
fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
(Continued)
326 STARTING AND OPERATING