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CAUTION!
Always make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop
before shifting into REVERSE. Failure to do so may
result in transmission damage.
You must always use first gear (or REVERSE) when
starting from a standing position.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in recommended
shift speed chart.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS — DODGE
Axle Ratio 1-44-5 5-6
3.90 mph 2037 48
(km/h) (32)(59) (77)
Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively steady
speeds) may result in increased fuel economy.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission reverse
inhibitor system. Always depress the clutch pedal fully
to the floor before shifting into reverse. When vehicle
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), the reverse
inhibitor activates to help prevent shifts into REVERSE.
When at a complete stop, you may notice lighter shift efforts into REVERSE with the ignition switch in the ON
position (RUN position for Keyless Enter-N-Go), as
compared to the ignition LOCK position (OFF position
for Keyless Enter-N-Go). This is normal operation of the
transmission reverse inhibitor system.
• Due to the high performance nature of your drivetrain,
you may hear your transmission. This can be most
noticeable when the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL with
the clutch engaged (clutch pedal released), but it may
also be heard when driving at low engine RPM. Also,
this may be more noticeable when the transmission is
206 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 209 of 516

warm. This is a normal condition and is not an indica-
tion of a problem with your clutch or transmission.
1–4 Skip Shift
In Auto Drive Mode, Default, or Street Drive Modes, there
are times when you must shift the transmission directly
from first gear to fourth gear instead of from first gear to
second gear. This is to help you get the best possible fuel
economy from your vehicle. This occurs when the engine
coolant (antifreeze) is higher than 106°F (41°C), vehicle
speed is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h) but less than
21 mph (34 km/h), and the transmission is in first gear, and
the accelerator is at ¼ throttle or less.
NOTE:The1-4Skip Shift feature is disabled when
selecting Sport Mode. Refer to “Performance Pages — If
Equipped” in the “Multimedia” section for further descrip-
tions of this mode.
After you shift the transmission to fourth gear, you can
press the clutch in and shift to another forward gear.
Downshifting
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, downshift
to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep grade.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have a collision.
CAUTION!
• If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
• Do not downshift into first gear when the vehicle is
moving faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), as you could
damage the engine and/or clutch.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
(Continued)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
Page 283 of 516
CavityCartridge Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
4 30 Amp Pink – Starter
5 40 Amp Green –Anti Lock Brake
6 30 Amp Pink –Anti Lock Brake
7 20 Amp Blue –Police Ignition Run / ACC #1
8 50 Amp Red /
20 Amp Blue –
Radiator Fan (6.2L Supercharged) /
Police Ignition Run / ACC # 2
9 –20 Amp Yellow All-Wheel Drive Module – If Equipped
10 –10 Amp Red Intrusion MOD (300) – If Equipped /
Under Hood Lamp – Police
11 –20 Amp Yellow Horns
12 –10 Amp Red Air Conditioning Clutch
13 –– Fuse – Spare
14 –– Fuse – Spare
15 –20 Amp Yellow Left HID – If Equipped
16 –20 Amp Yellow Right HID – If Equipped
18 50 Amp Red –Radiator Fan – (Non 6.2L Supercharged)
19 50 Amp Red –Electric Power Steering #2 – If Equipped
20 30 Amp Pink –Wiper Motor
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 281
Page 285 of 516
CavityCartridge Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
37 –10 Amp Red Engine Controller / Rad Fan Relays
(Charger/300) / Electric Power SteeringModule (Charger/300) / 5-Speed TCM
38 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
39 –10 Amp Red EPS (Challenger) / EHPS (Police) / AC
Clutch Relay / Vacuum Pump Relay /Rad Fan Relays (Challenger)
48 –10 Amp Red AWD Module/Front Axle Disconnect –
If Equipped
49 –– Fuse – Spare
50 –– Fuse – Spare
51 –20 Amp Yellow Vacuum Pump
52 –5 Amp Tan Adaptive Cruise – If Equipped
53 –– Fuse – Spare
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 283
Page 314 of 516

CAUTION!(Continued)
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of clutch or transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the “ESC Off” switch (if necessary), to place
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial
Off” mode, before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in “Safety” for further information.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch
again to restore “ESC On” mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE / FIRST GEAR and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
312 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Page 319 of 516

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................319
▫ 3.6L And 5.7L Engines ...................319
▫ 6.4L Engine ......................... .324
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................329
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .329
▫ 5.7L Engine ......................... .330
▫ 6.4L Engine ......................... .331
▫ Checking Oil Level — 3.6L And 5.7L Engine . . .332
▫ Checking Oil Level — 6.4L Engine ...........332
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................333
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................333
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .334
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .335
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .339▫
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................339
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............340
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............342
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .344
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................344
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .347
▫ Cooling System ....................... .349
▫ Brake System ........................ .353
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped) ......................... .355
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........355
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......355
▫ All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped .......357
▫ Rear
Axle ........................... .357
8
Page 357 of 516

Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped)
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated volume
of fluid within the brake system master cylinder reservoir.
In the event of leakage or wear, use only the manufactur-
er’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lu-
bricants” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be 1/4 inch
(6.4mm) below the bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid, if
necessary, to maintain the proper level. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
transmission shift quality and/or damage to the trans-
mission. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for fluid specifications.
Change Transmission Fluid
If contaminated with water, change the fluid immediately.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 355