2021 DODGE CHALLENGER ECU

SAFETY223
SAFETY TIPS
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
TRANSPORTING PETS
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm
your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about
and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during
panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if
equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
I
NSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking
for cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, or if you
have questions regarding the seat belt or retractor
conditions, take your vehicle to an authorized FCA
dealer or authorized FCA Certified Collision Care
Program facility for inspection.
Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag Warning Light will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first placed in the ON/RUN mode. If the light
is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. After the bulb
check, this light will illuminate with a single chime
when a fault with the Air Bag System has been
detected. It will stay on until the fault is removed. If
the light comes on intermittently or remains on while
driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately
Ú
page 192.

Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the
windshield. See an authorized dealer for service if
your defroster is inoperable.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a colli -
sion, people riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and
seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.
6

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224SAFETY
(Continued)
(Continued)
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.
Only use a floor mat that does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator, brake or clutch
pedals. Only use a floor mat that is securely
attached using the floor mat fasteners so it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe
operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to interfere
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals and
cause a loss of vehicle control. To prevent
SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat
using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install
your floor mat upside down or turn your floor
mat over. Lightly pull to confirm mat is
secured using the floor mat fasteners on a
regular basis.

ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT
FROM THE VEHICLE before installing any
other floor mat. NEVER install or stack an
additional floor mat on top of an existing floor
mat.

ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that cannot
be properly attached and secured to your
vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be replaced,
only use a FCA approved floor mat for the
specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for interfer
-
ence, with the vehicle properly parked with the
engine off, fully depress the accelerator, the
brake, and the clutch pedal (if present) to
check for interference. If your floor mat inter -
feres with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat from
the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING!
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide
into the driver’s side floor area when the
vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor mat
(e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects could
change the position of the floor mat and may
cause interference with the accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet to
the floor and check the floor mat fasteners are
secure to the vehicle carpet. Fully depress
each pedal to check for interference with the
accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals then
re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap and
water to clean your floor mats. After cleaning,
always check your floor mat has been properly
installed and is secured to your vehicle using
the floor mat fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING!

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224

230IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
PREPARATIONS FOR JACKING

1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible.
Avoid icy or slippery areas.

2. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector into PARK (automatic transmission) or FIRST gear (manual
transmission).
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For
example, if the driver’s front wheel is being
changed, block the passenger’s rear wheel.
Wheel Blocked

NOTE:Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when
the vehicle is being lifted or raised.
JACK LOCATION/SPARE TIRE STOWAGE
The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an
access cover in the trunk. Follow these steps to
access the jack and spare tire.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to access
the jack.

1. Open the trunk.

2. Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
3. Rotate the fastener securing the spare tire
counterclockwise to remove it.
Removing Tire Fastener

4. Remove the spare tire.
5. Rotate the fastener securing the jack counter -
clockwise to remove it.

Removing Jack Fastener

WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of
the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far
enough off the road to avoid being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

21_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 230

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY241
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator.
If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator
has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the
driver's seat with your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when activating the Manual Park Release.
Activating the Manual Park Release will allow
your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake, or by proper connection to a tow
vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.
7

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242IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available.
Follow these steps to use the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Remove the console storage bin to access the Manual Park Release lever.

Console Storage Bin
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, fish
the tether strap up through the opening in the
console base.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert the screwdriver into the slot in the center of the lever, and disengage the lever
locking tab by pushing it to the right.

Engaging The Lever

6. Pull the tether strap to rotate the lever up and rearward until it locks in place in the vertical
position. The vehicle is now out of PARK and
can be moved. Release the parking brake only
when the vehicle is securely connected to a
tow vehicle. To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Push the latch (at the base of the lever, on the
rear side) rearward (away from the lever) to
unlatch the lever.

Disengaging The Lever

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward and down, to its original position, until the
locking tab snaps into place to secure the
lever.
3. Pull up gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed position.
4. Tuck the tether strap into the base of the console. Reinstall the console storage bin.
NOTE:When the lever is in the release position the access
cover cannot be reinstalled.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY245
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars
and other equipment designed for this purpose,
following equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar
or other towing device to main structural members
of the vehicle, not to fascia/bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's battery
is discharged, find Instructions on shifting the
transmission out of PARK Ú page 241.
REAR-WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be flat
towed (with all four wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N).
Instructions on shifting the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N) when the engine is off
Ú page 241.
The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles
(48 km).
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle
must be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or
farther than 30 miles (48 km), then the only
acceptable method of towing is with a flatbed
truck.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System.
This feature is a communication network that
takes effect in the event of an impact Úpage 206.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record data that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed under certain crash
or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle Úpage 207.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may
result from improper towing.
FCA US LLC does not recommend towing this
vehicle using a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may
occur.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine and/or
transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE265
(Continued)
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú page 247.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder
immediately if the Brake System Warning Light
indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to
the top of the “FULL” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it
may cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Use only brake fluid that has been recommended
by the manufacturer, and has been kept in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination from
foreign matter or moisture Ú page 306.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid Úpage 306. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep
the master cylinder reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in a open container
absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts,
causing the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and vinyl
surfaces, care should be taken to avoid its
contact with these surfaces.8

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312
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes.................................. 82, 301ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control........................... 93Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).......................... 93Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 263Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 253Additives, Fuel............................................... 303AdjustForward................................................ 29, 31Rearward.............................................. 29, 31Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 159Air Bag........................................................... 201Advance Front Air Bag............................... 201Air Bag Operation...................................... 202Air Bag Warning Light................................ 200Enhanced Accident Response......... 206, 245Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 245Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 206Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 203Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 207Maintenance............................................. 207Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............201Side Air Bags............................................. 203Transporting Pets...................................... 223
Air Bag Light.................................. 69, 200, 223
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)... 256
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 257Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 257, 258Air Conditioner System................................. 257Air Conditioning................................................ 48Air Conditioning Filter..............................52, 258Air Conditioning System................................... 48Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 51Air Filter............................................... 256, 257Air PressureTires......................................................... 288AlarmArm The System................................... 20, 21Rearm The System...................................... 21Security Alarm...................................... 20, 72Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel Drive (AWD)................................... 267Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Android Auto........................................ 161, 162Android Auto™
b
....................................... 161Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 263, 305Disposal................................................... 264
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)....................... 178Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................72Apple CarPlay....................................... 161, 164Apple CarPlay®
b
...................................... 163Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................20Assist, Hill Start............................................. 182Audio Settings............................................... 146Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 119Auto Down Power Windows..............................56Automatic Door Locks......................................24Automatic Headlights.......................................43Automatic High Beams.....................................42Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............51Automatic Transmission...................................87Adding Fluid..................................... 267, 307Fluid And Filter Change............................. 267Fluid Change............................................. 267Fluid Level Check...................................... 266Fluid Type........................................ 267, 307Special Additives...................................... 266
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode...24, 90
AutoPark..........................................................80

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