2021 DODGE CHALLENGER automatic transmission

88STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
The transmission electronics are self-cali-
brating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a
normal condition, and precision shifts will
develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu -
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL
(AutoStick) shift positions. Manual shifts can be
made using the AutoStick shift control. Toggling
the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while
in the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside the
DRIVE position) will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster Ú page 91.
Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed
forward) it is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick, +/-)
position (beside the DRIVE position). In MANUAL
(AutoStick) mode, the transmission gear is displayed
in the instrument cluster (as M1, M2, M3, etc.). Move
the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D]
position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL.

Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler
-
ating. This is especially important when the engine
is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb
on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
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.

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90STARTING AND OPERATING
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts through all
forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use
the AutoStick shift control to select a lower gear
Úpage 91. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation
may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of the
engine and transmission to achieve maximum
efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid is
warm. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
MANUAL (M)
The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position) enables full manual control of
transmission shifting (also known as AutoStick
mode Ú page 91. Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster as M1, M2, M3, etc.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected
that could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this
mode, the transmission may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 117.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 244.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 90

92STARTING AND OPERATING
In some models, the shift paddles may be
disabled (or re-enabled, as desired) using Drive
Mode Set-Up, accessed by selecting Perfor -
mance Control.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver
(using the gear selector, or the shift paddles [if
equipped]), unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain in the selected
gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen,
except as described below.
In temporary AutoStick mode (gear selector in
DRIVE), the transmission will automatically shift
up when maximum engine speed is reached. If
the accelerator is fully pressed, the transmis -
sion will downshift when possible. Lack of accel -
erator pedal activity will cause the transmission
to revert to automatic operation.
If normal AutoStick mode is engaged (gear
selector in MANUAL position), manual gear
selection will be maintained until the gear
selector is returned to DRIVE, or as described
below. The transmission will not upshift auto -
matically at redline in this mode, nor will down -
shifts be obtained if the accelerator pedal is
pressed to the floor.
The transmission will automatically downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans -
mission as the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow
starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in
SECOND gear can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur
and an indication will display.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too
low of a vehicle speed and an indication will
display.
Holding the (-) paddle pressed (if equipped), or
holding the gear selector in the (-) position, will
downshift the transmission to the lowest gear
possible at the current speed.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift mode
if a fault or overheat condition is detected. To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position, or press and hold
the (+) shift paddle (if equipped, and the gear
selector is already in DRIVE) until “D” is once again
indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in
or out of the AutoStick mode at any time without
taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
SPORT MODE — WITHOUT PERFORMANCE
CONTROL
Your vehicle is equipped with a SPORT Mode
feature. This mode is a configuration set up for
typical enthusiast driving. The engine,
transmission (when equipped with automatic
transmission), and steering systems are all set to
their SPORT settings. SPORT Mode will provide
improved throttle response and modified shifting
for an enhanced driving experience, as well the
greatest amount of steering feel. This mode may
be activated and deactivated by pushing the
SPORT button on the instrument panel switch
bank.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92

STARTING AND OPERATING93
NOTE:If equipped with a manual transmission, the 1 - 4
Skip Shift Feature is disabled in SPORT Mode.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L —
IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The system
is automatic with no driver inputs or additional
driving skills required. When the system is active,
an indication will display within the instrument
cluster “Fuel Economy” main menu screen.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The Electric Power Steering system will give you
good vehicle response and increased ease of
maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will
vary its assist to provide light efforts while parking
and good feel while driving. If the electric steering
system experiences a fault that prevents it from
providing assist, you will still have the ability to
steer the vehicle manually. Alternate electric power steering efforts can be
selected through the Uconnect System
Ú
page 120.
If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or
the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF – SERVICE
SYSTEM” message is displayed within the
instrument cluster display, this indicates the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service
Ú page 69.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service. If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, they
indicate that extreme steering maneuvers may
have occurred which caused an over temperature
condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the
vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon and
message turn off.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main
-
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be
unavailable, and vice versa.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING97
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display shows the current
ACC system settings. The information it displays
depends on ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button until one of the following appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC
display activity
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
The system will cancel when the vehicle speed
drops below 15 mph (24 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster
displays “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following condi
-
tions:
When the brakes are applied.
When the parking brake is applied.
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL.
When the vehicle speed is below the minimum
speed range.
When the brakes are overheated.
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.” To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again.
At this time, the system will turn off and the
instrument cluster displays “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Off.”
To Set A Desired ACC Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push
the SET
(+) button or the SET (-) button and
release. The instrument cluster display will show
the set speed.
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without
ACC enabled. To change between the different
modes, push the ACC on/off button which turns
the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise Control off.
Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off
button will result in turning on (changing to) Fixed
Speed Cruise Control mode.
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it to
go faster than you want. You could lose control
and have a collision. Always ensure the system
is off when you are not using it.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING113
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATION
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting
the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Trailer towing with the 5.7L manual transmission, 6.4L and 6.2L Supercharged engine is not recommended.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Engine/Transmission Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.6L Automatic12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lb (454 kg) 100 lb (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic 12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lb (454 kg) 100 lb (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING117
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control to manually
select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor -
mance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick
When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate perfor -
mance and avoids frequent downshifts. For
example, choose “5” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “4” or “3” if needed to
maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle
speed as necessary to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle
speed when grade and road conditions allow.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME)
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a tow dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. The
only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with
all four wheels OFF the ground.
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.
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.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine,
transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 carefully whenever there
is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).
4

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 117

166MULTIMEDIA
The Performance Pages include the following:
Home
Timers
Gauges
G-Force
Engine
Dyno
If a USB drive is installed in the media hub, press
the Camera icon on the top right of the
touchscreen when using Performance Pages. A
screen shot of the page will be taken and saved
onto the USB.

Screenshot Camera Button
The following describes each feature and its
operation:
HOME

Performance Pages — Home

When Home is selected, a series of widgets
(gauges) can be customized by the user. Follow
these steps to change a widget. Either press
directly on the widget you want to change, or:
1. Press the Settings button (gear icon) on the
touchscreen to access the main menu for the
widgets.

2. Select one the following options from the menu:
Set Widget: Top Left
Set Widget: Top Right
Set Widget: Bottom Left
Set Widget: Bottom Right
3. After selecting a widget location, select the gauge to display:
Gauge: Oil Temp
Gauge: Oil Pressure
Gauge: Coolant Temp
Gauge: Battery Voltage
Gauge: Trans Temp — If Equipped with an
Automatic Transmission
Gauge: Boost Pressure — If Equipped
Gauge: Air/Fuel Ratio — If Equipped
Gauge: I/C Coolant Temp — If Equipped

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