WARNING!(Continued)
•If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for cuts
and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
Air Bag Warning Light
Red Telltale LightWhat It Means
Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while driv-
ing, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This light will illumi-
nate with a single chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has been detected, it will
stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving,
have an authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Brake Warning Light
Red Telltale LightWhat It Means
English
Metric
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the
full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system mal-
function or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the Brake Booster, the ABS pump
will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
NOTE:Brake Warning Light may illuminate due to excessive wear to brake pads.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity
in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions.
The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It
will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD).
CAUTION!
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immedi-
ate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
placing the ignition in the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light
should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or
a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate,
have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition placed in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
•Front Seat Belts Unbuckled
• Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Service Air Bag System
• ESC Status (ESC OFF, ESC ON, ESC SPORT, ESC
TRACK, RAIN MODE) — Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
• Oil Pressure Low
• Fuel Low
• Service Antilock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH
• Tire Pressure Screen With Low Tire Pressure Warnings
• Service Tire Pressure System •
Parking Brake Engaged
• Brake Fluid Low
• Service Electronic Braking System
• Engine Temperature Hot
• Battery Voltage Low
• Brake Wear
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Lights On
• Right Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Turn Signal Light Out
• Turn Signal On
• Service Air Bag System
• Service Air Bag Warning Light
• Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Front Seat Belts Unbuckled
• Door Open
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................190
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .190
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................192
▫ After Starting ......................... .192
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ................192
▫ Shifting ............................. .193
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ...............195
▫ Skip Shift Indicator Light .................195
STREET/RACE MODE — IF EQUIPPED ........196
LAUNCH MODE ....................... .196
TRACK USE ........................... .198
▫ Guidelines For Track Use .................198
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........199
▫ Acceleration .......................... .199▫
Traction ............................ .199
DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............200
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................200
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................200
POWER STEERING ..................... .201
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............202
PARKING BRAKE ...................... .202
BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .203
▫ Brake Pad Break-In .....................204
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....205
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ..................205
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............206
▫ Electr
onic Stability Control ................207
5
WARNING!(Continued)
reckless or dangerous manner, which can jeopardize
the user ’s safety or the safety of others. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
TRACK USE
Guidelines For Track Use
NOTE:Because of the extreme conditions encountered
during track use, any damage or wear associated with
track use is not covered by warranty.
• It is recommended that the shocks be operated in RACE
mode, if equipped.
• ESC is track capable in all modes.
Prior To Each Track Event/Day
• Verify all fluids are at the correct levels. Refer to “Fluid
Capacities” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• Verify the front and rear brake pads have more than ½
pad thickness remaining. If the brake pads require
changing, please burnish prior to track outing at full
pace. •
Tire pressure:
– 35psi hot recommended. This typically can be achieved with cold pressures between 25 and 29 psi,
depending on driver, track, and ambient conditions.
Conclusion Of Each Track Event
• It is recommended that a brake bleed procedure is
performed to maintain the pedal feel and stopping
capability of your brake system.
• It is recommended that each track outing should end
with a minimum of 1 cool down lap using minimal
braking.
• Following each track session, tires should be inspected
for wear.
NOTE:
• All SRT vehicles are track tested for 24 hours of endur-
ance, however, it is recommended that suspension sys-
tem, brake system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft boots should
be checked for wear or damage after every track event.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at every
oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
Parking Brake Lever
202 STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to thedeflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the valve
stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails)
from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning on the Tire
Service Kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the park-
ing brake engaged and the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
• After pushing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn off the Tire Service
Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Push the Power Button (4) to turn on the Tire
Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning on the
Tire Service Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode and the
pump is operating, air will dispense from the Air Pump
Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 253