2021 DODGE CHALLENGER service indicator

4
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................... 69 Red Warning Lights ..........................................69
Yellow Warning Lights ......................................72
Yellow Indicator Lights .....................................75
Green Indicator Lights......................................75
White Indicator Lights ......................................76
Blue Indicator Lights ........................................76
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ....... 76
Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ......................................76
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ............................................................ 77
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................ 78
Manual Transmission — If Equipped ...............78
Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped........................................................78
Normal Starting ................................................79
AutoPark ...........................................................80
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F
Or −30°C) ........................................................81
If Engine Fails To Start .....................................81
After Starting.....................................................81 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ...........81
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
3.6L & 5.7L ............................................................82
PARKING BRAKE ....................................................82
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED ..........83
Six-Speed Manual Transmission .....................83
Shifting ..............................................................84
Recommended Shift Speeds...........................85
1–4 Skip Shift .................................................86
Downshifting.....................................................86
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED .......................................................... 86
Ignition Park Interlock ......................................87
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System .............................................................87
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .............87
SPORT MODE — WITHOUT PERFORMANCE
CONTROL................................................................. 92
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L —
IF EQUIPPED ...........................................................93
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ...............................93
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .....93
Cruise Control ..................................................94
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .........................95 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 103
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 104
ParkSense Display ........................................ 104
ParkSense Warning Display ......................... 107
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense.............. 107
Service The ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System ................................................ 107
Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 107
ParkSense System Usage Precautions........ 107
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............... 108
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................................... 109 Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .................... 110
VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 110
Vehicle Certification Label............................ 110
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......... 110
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............... 111
Overloading ................................................... 111
Loading ......................................................... 111

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11
Trunk Open Warning Light Úpage 71
Vehicle Security Warning Light Úpage 72
Yellow Warning Lights
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Úpage 73
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light Úpage 72
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light Úpage 73
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light Úpage 74
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 72
Red Warning Lights
Low Fuel Warning Light
Úpage 73
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light Úpage 74
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light Úpage 73
Service AWD Warning Light Úpage 74
Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light Úpage 72
Yellow Indicator Lights
Forward Collision Warning OFF Indicator Light
Úpage 75
Yellow Warning Lights
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL69

Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads
(e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior
lights, overloaded power outlets +12 Volts,
115 Volts AC, USB ports) during certain driving
conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stop-
ping).

Installing options like additional lights, upfitter
electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms
and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by
long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended period
of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was not
charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical load
left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volts portable appliances
like vacuum cleaners, game consoles and
similar devices. What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:

Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)

Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review
specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw
currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecutive
trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and
driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when applicable.
These indications are indicative and precautionary
and as such must not be considered as exhaustive
and/or alternative to the information contained in
the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to read
carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this chapter in the event of a failure
indication. All active telltales will display first if
applicable. The system check menu may appear
different based upon equipment options and
current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional
and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and will
turn on for four to eight seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light
will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with
the air bag has been detected, it will stay on until
the fault is cleared. If the light is either not on
during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
chime.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 93.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC system.
If a problem is detected while the
vehicle is running, the light will either
stay on or flash depending on the nature of the
problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is
safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The
light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the
upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four
minutes or until the engine is able to cool,
whichever comes first. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service
Ú
page 241.
Trunk Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
trunk is open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil
is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
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72GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine
as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to
return to normal levels.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light —
If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer towing.
If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is
disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when a ACC is not
operating and needs service
Ú page 95.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The
light will turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is required as
soon as possible. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally,
assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position,
have the brake system inspected by an authorized
dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the
ESC system is Active. The ESC Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/
RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC is
activated. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected in the ESC system. If this warning light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers)
at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL73
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi-
cator Light come on momentarily each time the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in an
ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light indicates the ESC is off.

Each time the ignition is turned to ON/
RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will
be on, even if it was turned off previously.

Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches
approximately 2 gal (7.5 L), this light will
turn on and a chime will sound. The light
will remain on until fuel is added.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the windshield washer fluid is low.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when
the fuel filler cap is loose. Properly close
the filler cap to disengage the light. If the
light does not turn off, please see an
authorized dealer.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an
Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD
II that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing. When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to
alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced
by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this
occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the
vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power
loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
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74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Service AWD Warning Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate the
All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is not
functioning properly and that service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Collision
Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service Úpage 187.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that
the tire pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal
tire duration and fuel consumption may not be
guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute
and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When
the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the
vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a
tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using
the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

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76GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Sport Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when Sport Mode is
active.
Refer to the Drive Modes Supplement
for further information.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This indicator light will illuminate when
the cruise control is ready, but not set
Úpage 93.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when ACC has
been turned on, but is not set
Úpage 95.
Speed Warning Indicator Light —
If Equipped
The indicator light will illuminate white
along with a notification text message
(Speed Warning Set to XX followed by
unit). When the set speed is just
exceeded, a single chime will sound along with pop
up message of Speed Warning Exceeded. When
the set speed is exceeded, the indicator will light
up yellow and flash along with a continuous chime (up to 10 seconds or until the speed is no longer
exceeded).
NOTE:The number “31” is only an example of a speed
that can be selected.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the high beam headlights
are on. With the low beams activated,
push the multifunction lever forward
(toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the high
beams. Pull the multifunction lever rearward
(toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the high
beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever
toward you for a temporary high beam on, "flash to
pass" scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government
regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in
making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually
be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
(OBD II) C
YBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system Ú page 119.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control
system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced
before any emissions tests can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.

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