2013 DODGE CHARGER towing

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include an adaptive drive strategy
to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use
the AutoStick® shift control (if equipped) or the LOW
range (if equipped) to select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking. If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 503

RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground,
or using a tow dolly) isNOT ALLOWED. The only
acceptable method for towing this vehicle (behind an-
other vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all four wheels
OFF the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 505

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...........508
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............508
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ..........509
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage .........510
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................512
▫ Jacking And Changing A Tire .............513
▫ Road Tire Installation ...................518 
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ............518
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............519
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................520
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............522
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE — 5 SPEED
TRANSMISSION ...................... .524
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 SPEED
TRANSMISSION (3.6L Engine) .............525
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........527
6

To Reset The Manual Park Release:
1. Push the latch (at the base of the lever, on the rear side)rearward (away from the lever) to unlatch the lever.
2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward and down, to its original position, until the locking tab
snaps into place to secure the lever. 3. Pull up gently on the tether strap to confirm that the
lever is locked in its stowed position.
4. Tuck the tether strap into the base of the console. Reinstall the console storage bin.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
NOTE: This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the GroundRWD MODELS AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIF Transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 mi (24 km) maxdistance
(5-speed trans)
• 30 mi (48 km) maxdistance
(8-speed trans) NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Front NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKTrans inNEUTRAL
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 527

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle’s key fob is unavailable or the battery is
discharged, see “Manual Park Release” or “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK
for towing.CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Damage to the fascia will occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to the front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
• The manufacturer does not recommend towing this
vehicle using a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may
occur.
Flatbed towing is recommended. DO NOTtow an AWD
vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground.
528 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the transmission is operable, vehicles WITHOUT AWD
may be towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km)
for 5-speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for
8-speed transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) for 5-speed transmission, or 30 miles
(48 km) for 8-speed transmission, tow with the rear
wheels OFF the ground (on a flatbed, or with the rear
wheels raised using a wheel lift and the transmission in
NEUTRAL).CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Vehicles equipped with AWD can be towed with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the rear wheels OFF the
ground with no limitation on speed or distance.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 529

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 535

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
552 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE