Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission gear
selector in the PARK position. Apply the
brake before shifting to any driving range.
Normal Starting
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights
when starting the engine.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while
pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
NOTE:
A delay of the start of up to five seconds is
possible under very cold conditions. The
"Wait to Start" telltale will be illuminated
during the pre-heat process, When the
engine Wait To Start light goes off the
engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START engine before
you drain the water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage. Refer to “Draining
Fuel/Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” in your Diesel Supple-
ment for further information, which can be
found with your online Owner’s Informa-
tion.
3. The system will automatically engage the
starter to crank the engine. If the vehicle
fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the
engine prior to the engine starting, push
the button again.
5. Check that the oil pressure warning light
has turned off.
6. Release the parking brake.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to re-
duce fuel consumption. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle
stop if the required conditions are met. Re-
leasing the brake pedal or pressing the accel-
erator pedal will automatically re-start the
engine.
This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy
duty starter, enhanced battery, and other up-
graded engine parts, to handle the additional
engine starts.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled
after every normal customer en-
gine start. At that time, the sys-
tem will go into STOP/START
READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into a STOP/START AUTOSTOP AC-
TIVE “Autostop” mode.
STARTING AND OPERATING
140
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
• The system must be in STOP/START
READY state. A STOP/START READY mes-
sage will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display within the Stop/Start sec-
tion. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” in
your Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
• The vehicle must be completely stopped.
• The shifter must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal depressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer
will move to the zero position and the Stop/
Start telltale will illuminate indicating you
are in Autostop. Customer settings will be
maintained upon return to an engine running
condition.
Refer to the “Stop/Start System” in the
“Starting And Operating” section located in
your Owner’s Manual for further information.Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will
check many safety and comfort conditions to
see if they are fulfilled. Detailed information
about the operation of the Stop/Start system
may be viewed in the instrument cluster dis-
play Stop/Start Screen. In the following situ-
ations, the engine will not stop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled.
• Driver’s door is not closed.
• Battery temperature is too warm or cold.
• Battery charge is low.
• The vehicle is on a steep grade.
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and
an acceptable cabin temperature has not
been achieved.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed.
• HVAC set to MAX A/C.• Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature.
• The transmission is not in a forward gear.
• Hood is open.
• Vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode.
• Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient
pressure.
Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop In-
clude:
• Accelerator pedal input.
• Engine temp too high.
• 5 MPH threshold not achieved from previ-
ous AUTOSTOP.
• Steering angle beyond threshold.
• ACC is on and speed is set.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
several times without the STOP/START sys-
tem going into a STOP/START READY state
under more extreme conditions of the items
listed above.
141
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play“ in “Getting to Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM”
message appears in the instrument cluster
display, have the system checked by an au-
thorized dealer.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
3.6L & 5.7L Engines
A long break-in period is not required for the
drivetrain (engine, transmission, clutch, and
rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. However, wide-open
throttle acceleration in low gear can be det-
rimental and should be avoided.The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle
lubricant installed at the factory is high-
quality and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and
lubricant changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate and conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in "Techni-
cal Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as an indication of difficulty. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator
often during the break in period. Add oil as
required.
Diesel Engine
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro-
longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to
prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer tow-
ing or no load operation will extend the time
before the engine is at full efficiency. Re-
duced fuel economy and power may be seen
at this time.
143
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
SRT Engines
The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance and maximum dura-
bility for your new SRT Vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class
manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other.
This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the
new vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
• Do not allow the engine to operate at idle
for an extended period of time.
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and
not more than halfway to avoid rapid accel-
eration.
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than
3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph
(88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and
not more than halfway to avoid rapid accel-
eration in lower gears (1st to 3rd gears).
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than
5,000 RPM.• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph
(112 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
• Exercise the full engine rpm range, shifting
manually (paddles or gear shift) at higher
rpms when possible.
• Do not perform sustained operation with
the accelerator pedal at wide open throttle.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph
(136 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
For the first 1500 miles (2414 km):
• Do not participate in track events, sport
driving schools, or similar activities during
the first 1500 mi (2414 km).
NOTE:
Check engine oil with every refueling and add
if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher through the first oil change inter-
val. Running the engine with an oil level
below the add mark can cause severe engine
damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING
144
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the parking brake. Always ap-
ply the parking brake fully when exiting
the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or dam-
age.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the transmission gear
selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmis-
sion is in PARK before exiting the ve-
hicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
WARNING!
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF.
When the ignition is in the OFF mode,
the transmission is locked in PARK, se-
curing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
WARNING!
• When exiting the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission
gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
145
•Track– Track road calibration for use on
high traction surfaces. Driveline is maxi-
mized for traction. Some binding may be
felt on less forgiving surfaces. This feature
will reset to AUTO on an ignition cycle.
•To w– Use this mode for towing and hauling
heavy loads. Vehicle suspension will go to
sport mode. Trailer sway control is enabled
in the ESC system. This feature will reset to
AUTO upon an ignition cycle.
Custom
This mode allows the driver to create a cus-
tom vehicle configuration that is saved for
quick selection of favorite settings. The sys-
tem will return to AUTO mode when the
ignition switch is cycled from RUN to OFF to
RUN, if this mode is selected. While in Cus-
tom Mode the Stability, Transmission, Steer-
ing, Suspension, all-wheel drive set up, and
Paddle shifter settings may be configured
through the custom mode set-up.
NOTE:
Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multime-
dia” section in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
Active Damping System
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
controlled damping system. This system re-
duces body roll and pitch in many driving
situations including cornering, acceleration
and braking. There are 3 modes:
•Street Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, SNOW and CUSTOM.) — Used dur-
ing highway speeds where a touring sus-
pension feel is desired.
•Sport Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, SPORT, CUSTOM and TOW.) — Pro-
vides a firm suspension for better handling.
•Track Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, TRACK and CUSTOM.) — Provides
a full firm suspension for an aggressive
track experience.
Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multime-
dia” section in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
Launch Control— If Equipped
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Con-
trol system that is designed to allow the driver
to achieve maximum vehicle acceleration in astraight line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire slip while
launching the vehicle. This feature is in-
tended 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 results in excess
wheel slip outside this systems control result-
ing in an aborted launch.
Preconditions:
• Launch Control should not be used on pub-
lic roads. Always check track conditions
and the surrounding area.
• Launch Control is not available within the
first 500 miles (805 km) of engine break-
in.
• Launch Control should only be used when
the engine and transmission are at operat-
ing temperature.
• Launch Control is intended to be used on
dry, paved road surfaces only.
STARTING AND OPERATING
160
Guidelines For Track Use
NOTE:
Because of the extreme conditions encoun-
tered during track use, any damage or wear
associated with track use may not be covered
by warranty.
• If your SRT vehicle is equipped with Drive
Modes they will alter the vehicle’s perfor-
mance in various driving situations. It is
recommended that your vehicle operates in
SPORT or TRACK modes during the track
event.
• Prior to each track event/day, verify all
fluids are at the correct levels. Refer to
“Fluid Capacities” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
• Prior to each track event, verify the front
and rear brake pads have more than ½ pad
thickness remaining. If the brake pads re-
quire changing, please burnish prior to
track outing at full pace.
NOTE:
Use of DOT 4 brake fluid is suggested for
extended track usage due to increased ther-
mal capacity.• At the conclusion of each track event, it is
recommended that a brake bleed proce-
dure is performed to maintain the pedal
feel and stopping capability of your Brembo
High Performance brake system.
• It is recommended that each track outing
should end with a minimum of one cool
down lap using minimal braking.
• If equipped with a removable lower front
fascia grille, it is recommended to remove it
for track use during warm/hot weather to
improve cooling airflow to critical pow-
ertrain and cooling system components.
• All SRT vehicles are track tested for
24 hours of endurance, however, it is rec-
ommended that suspension system, brake
system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft boots
should be checked for wear or damage after
every track event.
• Track usage results in increased operating
temperatures of the engine, transmission,
driveline and brake system. This may affect
noise vibrations and harshness (NVH)
countermeasures designed into your ve-
hicle. New components may need to be
installed to return the system to the original
NVH performance.• Tire pressure:
– 40 psi (276 kpa) hot, recommend
32 psi (221 kpa) front, 30 psi
(207 kpa) rear cold
NOTE:
It is recommended that you target 40 psi
(276 kpa) Hot Tire Pressure at the conclusion
of each track session. Starting at 32 psi
(221 kpa) Front & 30 psi (207 kpa) Rear
Cold and adjusting based on ambient & track
conditions is recommended. Tire pressure
can be monitored via the instrument cluster
display and can assist with adjustments.
Track burnishing your brakes:
To avoid “green lining fade” during track use,
the brake pads and rotors must have a ther-
mal burnish for factory installed components
or when new brake friction components are
installed:
1. Use one track session to burnish brakes
by driving at 75% speed. Brake at ap-
proximately 0.60-0.80g maximum with-
out ABS intervention.
STARTING AND OPERATING
162
• If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift
air suspension, the engine should be
started and left running for a minimum of
60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at
least once every 24 hours. This process
allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for
temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leav-
ing it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF mode.
5. Start the engine.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
8. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object,
push and hold the recessed transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the se-
lector switch) for one second.9. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light
turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) but-
ton. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has
been released, the transfer case will shift
to the position indicated by the selector
switch.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK. Turn
the engine OFF.
11. Release the brake pedal.
12. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
13. Start the engine.
14. Press and hold the brake pedal.15. Release the parking brake.
16. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, re-
lease the brake pedal, and check that
the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button, and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL
(N) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the igni-
tion is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator
light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
195