2013 DODGE CHARGER Owners Manual

NOTE:
•For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is in Mix,
Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be turned off, but
the A/C system shall remain active to prevent fogging
of the windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (lo-
cated in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of
dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from
the front of the radiator and through the condenser.
MAX A/C
MAX A/C sets the control for maximum cooling perfor-
mance. Press and release to toggle between MAX A/C and the
prior settings. The soft-key illuminates when MAX A/C
is ON.
In MAX A/C, the blower level and mode position can be
adjusted to desired user settings. Pressing other settings
will cause the MAX A/C operation to switch to the
selected setting and MAX A/C to exit.
Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired,
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the Recirculation control button. The
recirculation indicator will illuminate when this button is
selected. Push the button a second time to turn off the
Recirculation mode and allow outside air into the vehicle.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 383

NOTE:In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation feature
may be unavailable (soft-key greyed out) if conditions exist
that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, the Recircula-
tion mode is not allowed in Defrost mode to improve
window clearing operation. Recirculation will be disabled
automatically if this mode is selected. Attempting to use
Recirculation while in this mode will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
ATC Hard-keys are located in the center of the instru-
ment panel.
Soft-keys are accessible on the Uconnect® Touch-screen.
Automatic Operation
1. Press the AUTO hard-key or soft-key button (4) on the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the system to maintain by adjusting the driver and pas-
senger temperature hard or soft control buttons (8, 9,
14, 15). Once the desired temperature is displayed, the
system will achieve and automatically maintain that
comfort level.
3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is not necessary to change the settings. You will experi-
ence the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the
system to function automatically.
384 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Uconnect® System Settings” in
this section of the manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.Manual Operation
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation control.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 385

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% OAT
(Organic Additive Technology) coolant that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106
and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
386 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
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.
• Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
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
theyenter 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 climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be totally
filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 387

Manual Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
388 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................394
▫ Automatic Transmission ................394
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ ..................395
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .395
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................397
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................397
▫ After Starting ....................... .399
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .399 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............399
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............401
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .401
▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped .......................... .402
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped ...........................411
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .412
 AUTOSTICK® ........................ .418
▫ Operation – Eight-Speed Transmission – If
Equipped .......................... .418
5

▫Operation – Five-Speed Transmission .......420
 SPORT MODE (5.7L ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED . . .422
 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED . .423
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........424
▫ Acceleration ........................ .424
▫ Traction ........................... .425
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............425
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................425
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................426
 POWER STEERING .....................427
 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE
ONLY – IF EQUIPPED ...................428
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .429
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .............431
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .433
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............433
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............434
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............434
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........435
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................437
▫ Ready Alert Braking ...................439
▫ Rain Brake Support ....................439
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light ........440
▫ Synchronizing ESC ....................441
390 STARTING AND OPERATING