
CAUTION!(Continued)
Brake Control System/Hill Start Assist” in “Safety”
for further information.
• Failure to press the clutch pedal fully to the floor
may cause increased shift efforts, and may result in
damage to the clutch and transmission.
• Do not rest your hand on the shift lever while
driving, as this may result in transmission synchro-
nizer damage.
• Do not attempt to shift the transmission if the rear
wheels are spinning due to loss of traction. Damage
to the transmission may occur.
NOTE: During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.
Shifting
Fully press the clutch pedal and lift your foot off the
accelerator pedal before shifting gears. As you release the
clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal. Damage to
the transmission or clutch may occur if you do not fully
press the clutch pedal and lift off of the accelerator pedal
when shifting.
Manual Shifter
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for
further descriptions of these modes.
Launch Mode
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Mode system that
is designed to allow the driver to achieve maximum
vehicle acceleration in a straight line. Launch Mode is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
launching the vehicle. This feature is intended for use
during race events on a closed course where consistent
quarter mile and zero to sixty times are desired. The system
is not intended to compensate for lack of driver experience
or familiarity with the race track. Use of this feature in low
traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc.) conditions may result in
excess wheel slip outside of this system’s control, resulting
in an aborted launch.
NOTE:
• Launch mode is not available within the first 500 miles
of engine break-in.
• Torque Reserve is implemented during Launch Mode, so
you may notice different engine/exhaust sounds and
increased NVH. Preconditions:
•
Launch Mode should not be used on public roads.
Always check track conditions and the surrounding
area.
• Launch mode is not available within the first 500 miles
of engine break-in.
• Launch Mode should only be used when the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature.
• Launch Mode is intended to be used on dry, paved road
surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces may
cause damage to vehicle components and is not recom-
mended.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Launch Mode is only available when the following proce-
dure is followed:
1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch bank.
NOTE: Pushing the SRT button on the center stack or
pressing Race Options within Drive Modes, then selecting
the Launch Control tab, followed by the soft, Launch
Control button are two other options to access launch
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

control features. Please refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in
“Multimedia” for further information.
2. Slide the RPM slider bar on the touchscreen. This screenwill allow you to adjust your launch RPM’s for opti-
mum launch/traction.
3. Press the “Activate Launch Mode” button on the touch- screen.
4. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
5. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.
6. Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “DRIVE”.
7. While holding the brake, rapidly apply and hold the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The engine
speed will hold at the RPM that was set in the “Launch
RPM Set-up” screen.
NOTE: Messages will appear in the instrument cluster to
inform the driver if one or more of the above conditions
have not been met.
8. When conditions 4 through 7 have been met, the instru- ment cluster display will read “Launch Ready Release
Brake”.
9. Keep the vehicle pointed straight. Launch mode will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 km/h), at which point the ESC system will
return to its current ESC mode.
Launch mode will abort before launch completion, display
“Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any the following
conditions:
•
The accelerator pedal is released during launch.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer
moving in a straight line.
• The “ESC OFF” button is pushed to change the system
to another mode.
NOTE: After launch mode has been aborted, ESC will
return to its current ESC mode.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Vehicles with a manual transmission have an adjustable
launch RPM controlled through the Uconnect system.
Launch Mode is only available when the following proce-
dure is followed:
1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch bank.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 231

•An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event occurs.
• The gear selector is removed from the Drive position.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.
• Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed in memory if:
•The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is
pushed.
• The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button
is pushed.
• The ignition is turned OFF.
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory push the RES (resume)
button and then remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The instrument cluster display will display the last
set speed.
NOTE: ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary
vehicle in-front of your vehicle in close proximity.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if traffic
and road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that
is too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road
conditions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or
decelerate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision and
death or serious personal injury.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 245

•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease in 5 mph decrements until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-)button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease in 10 km/h decrements until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.
To Cancel
The following conditions will cancel the Normal (Fixed
Speed) Cruise Control without clearing the memory:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC button is pushed.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied. •
The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over-
heated).
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h).
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and erase the set speed in memory
if:
•The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button
is pushed.
• The ignition is turned OFF.
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is
pushed.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system provides visual and
audible indications of the distance between the rear fascia
and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect on
the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing is not permitted with this vehicle.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or
using a tow dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. The only accept-
able method for towing this vehicle (behind another ve-
hicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all four wheels OFFthe
ground.
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 covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Information in this section will aid in safe controlled
launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and care-
fully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precautions
should be observed:
•Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
• Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
• Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential (LSD) that reduces, but does not eliminate, the
amount of wheel slip across a given axle for improved
handling.
Driving Through Water
Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.
NOTE:
• Due to lower ground clearance, driving your vehicle up
steep driveways, approach ramps or near parking blocks
may cause damage to the front fascia and ground effects.
• Driving through snow more than 4 inches (100 mm)
deep may cause damage to the front fascia and ground
effects.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is
flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or path’s surface and
cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Further-
more, flowing and/or rising water can carry your ve-
hicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 271

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall, and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-
tween different all season tires. All season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four; failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry condi-
tions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be aware
these tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle when am-
bient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more information, contact an
authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
Summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury or
death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
360 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE