2014 DODGE CHALLENGER Owners Manual

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 — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually 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 build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 391

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission 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.
AutoStick®
• When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or
“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to
a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
392 STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow None
• Transmission in NEU-
TRAL
• 65 mph (105 km/h)
maximum speed
NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontNot Recommended NOT ALLOWED
Rear Not Recommended Not Recommended
On Trailer AllOK OK
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 393

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Recreational towing (with rear wheels on the ground) is
NOT ALLOWED. The only acceptable method for tow-
ing this vehicle (behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle
trailer with all four wheelsOFFthe ground.
Use of a towing dolly (with rear wheels on the ground) is
NOT ALLOWED, as severe transmission damage will
occur. Use of a towing dolly (with front wheels on the
ground) is not recommended, as vehicle damage may
occur.
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.
394 STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Vehicles with a manual transmission may be flat towed
(with all four wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 65 mph
(105 km/h).
• There is no limitation on towing distance.
Manual transmission vehicles may also be towed using a
vehicle trailer (with all four wheels off the ground).
Use of a towing dolly is not recommended, as vehicle
damage may occur.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not cov-
ered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 395

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...........399
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............399
 TIREFIT KIT — IF EQUIPPED .............400
▫ TIREFIT Storage ..................... .401
▫ TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation .....401
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions ...............402
▫ Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT ..............405
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .410
▫ Torque Specifications ...................411 
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ..........412
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage .........413
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................415
▫ Jacking And Changing A Tire .............416
▫ Road Tire Installation ...................421
 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ...........421
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............422
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................423
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............426
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................428
6

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........429
▫ Automatic Transmission .................431 ▫
Manual Transmission ...................432
398 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES