2014 DODGE CHALLENGER Owners Manual

4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 279

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.
280 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air
conditioning during manual operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air
conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
• Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will put the system in recircu-
lation mode. This can be used when outside
conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity
are present. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in
the control button to illuminate. NOTE:
•
When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in defrost mode in order to
improve window clearing. Recirculation will be dis-
abled automatically if these modes are selected.
• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in defrost mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in defrost
mode will cause the LED in the control button to blink
and then turn off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion 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
Anytime 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 settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
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.
282 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283

Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions While In Manual Override
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................290
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........290
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....291
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ — If Equipped .......292
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .293
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................296
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................296
▫ After Starting ....................... .299
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .299 
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .299
▫ Six-Speed Manual Transmission ...........299
▫ Shifting ............................ .301
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ..............302
▫ 1–4 Skip Shift ....................... .303
▫ Downshifting ....................... .303
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................ .304
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............306
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .306
5

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission ........306
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .307
 AUTOSTICK® ........................ .314
▫ Operation .......................... .314
 SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED ............316
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........316
▫ Acceleration ........................ .316
▫ Traction ........................... .317
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............317
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................317
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................318
 POWER STEERING .....................319 
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
— IF EQUIPPED ...................... .321
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .321
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........322
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......322
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .324
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............324
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .327
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............327
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............328
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............328
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................329
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........331
286 STARTING AND OPERATING