2023 DODGE CHALLENGER manual transmission

74STARTING AND OPERATING
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” and the vehicle has not experienced an
extended park condition as defined previously, it may be
flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than
10 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON/RUN
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(BELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
3.6L & 5.7L
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 contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory are 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
Úpage 278.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter
-
preted 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.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
PARK or REVERSE (manual transmission only) position.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition switch
is in the ON/RUN position, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 216.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING75
(Continued)
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the transmis -
sion is placed in gear, the Brake Warning Light will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
 This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission, apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.

Parking Brake Release

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the parking
brake, firmly push the parking brake pedal fully. To release
the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.

Parking Brake

WARNING!
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended 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
gear selector.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFF position, remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or in a
location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n
Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
4

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 75

76STARTING AND OPERATING
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE:During cold weather, you may experience increased effort
in shifting until the transmission fluid warms up. This is
normal.

Manual Gear Selector

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.

Shift Pattern

Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the parking
brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the parking brake fully
applied. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear
on the clutch
Úpage 162.
 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 gear selector 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING77
The 6-speed manual transmission has a spring that
centers the gear selector near THIRD and FOURTH gear.
This spring helps you know which gear you are in when you
are shifting. Be careful when shifting from FIRST to
SECOND or downshifting from SIXTH to FIFTH.
The spring will try to pull the gear selector toward THIRD
and FOURTH gear. Make sure you move the gear selector
into SECOND or FIFTH gear. If you let the gear selector
move in the direction of the pulling, you may end shifting
from FIRST to FOURTH or from SIXTH to THIRD gear.
You must always use FIRST gear (or REVERSE) when
starting from a standing position.
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in recommended
shift speed chart. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively steady
speeds) may result in increased fuel economy.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
NOTE:

Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission reverse
inhibitor system. Always press the clutch pedal fully to
the floor before shifting into REVERSE. When vehicle
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), the reverse
inhibitor activates to help prevent shifts into REVERSE.
When at a complete stop, you may notice lighter shift
efforts into REVERSE with the ignition switch in the ON
position (RUN position for Keyless Enter ‘n Go™), as
compared to the ignition LOCK position (OFF position
for Keyless Enter ‘n Go™). This is normal operation of
the transmission reverse inhibitor system.
 Due to the high performance nature of your drivetrain,
you may hear your transmission. This can be most
noticeable when the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL with
the clutch engaged (clutch pedal released), but it may
also be heard when driving at low engine RPM. Also,
this may be more noticeable when the transmission is
warm. This is a normal condition and is not an indica -
tion of a problem with your clutch or transmission.
1–4 SKIP SHIFT
In Auto Drive Mode, Default, or Street Drive Modes, there
are times when you must shift the transmission directly
from FIRST gear to FOURTH gear instead of from FIRST
gear to SECOND gear. This is to help you get the best
possible fuel economy from your vehicle. This occurs when the engine coolant (antifreeze) is higher
than 106°F (41°C), vehicle speed is greater than 19 mph
(30 km/h) but less than 21 mph (34 km/h), and the
transmission is in FIRST gear, and the accelerator is at ¼
throttle or less.
After you shift the transmission to FOURTH gear, you can
press the clutch in and shift to another forward gear.
DOWNSHIFTING
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, downshift
to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep grade.
CAUTION!
Always make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop
before shifting into REVERSE. Failure to do so may
result in transmission damage.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT
SPEEDS
Axle
Ratio 1-4 4-5 5-6
3.90 mph 20 37 48
km/h 32 59 77
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting, could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You could have
a collision.
CAUTION!
 If you skip more than one gear while downshifting or
downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
 Do not downshift into FIRST gear when the vehicle is
moving faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), as you could
damage the engine and/or clutch.
4

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77

STARTING AND OPERATING79
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range is displayed both on the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear
range, push the lock button on the gear selector and move
the selector rearward or forward. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the engine must be running and the brake
pedal must be pressed. You must also press the brake
pedal to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
 The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
 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 indi -
cator will blink continuously 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
Úpage 82.

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 accelerating. This is espe
-
cially 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.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING81
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 82. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup. 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
Úpage 82. 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:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message indicates
the transmission may not re-engage after engine
shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at an authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not,
shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that
you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
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
Úpage 104.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 221.
4

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82STARTING AND OPERATING
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control of
the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector (in the
MANUAL position), or the shift paddles to the MANUAL (M)
position (beside the DRIVE (D) position), or tap one of the
shift paddles on the steering wheel. Tapping the (-) shift
paddle to enter AutoStick mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear, while tapping (+) to
enter AutoStick mode will retain the current gear. The
current transmission gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster.

Shift Paddles

NOTE:
Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted shift
paddles (+/-) (if equipped), while the gear selector is in
DRIVE, will activate a temporary AutoStick mode.
Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear, while tapping (+) to
enter AutoStick mode will retain the current gear. The
current gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster,
but the “M” will not be highlighted. The transmission
will revert back to normal operation (if the gear selector
remains in DRIVE) after a period of time, depending on
accelerator pedal activity.
 In some models, the shift paddles may be disabled (or
re-enabled, as desired) using Drive Mode Set-Up,
accessed by selecting Performance 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 follows:

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 transmission will downshift when
possible. Lack of accelerator 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 main -
tained until the gear selector is returned to DRIVE, or as
described in the following conditions. The transmission
will not upshift automatically at redline in this mode,
nor will downshifts 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 transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
1 — (–) Shift Paddle
2 — (+) Shift Paddle

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

STARTING AND OPERATING83
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
overspeed, 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.
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 function -
ality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system provides increased
vehicle response and ease of maneuverability. The system
adapts to different driving conditions. 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
Úpage 107.
If the Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light 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
Úpage 63.
NOTE:
 Even if the power steering system is no longer opera -
tional, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
 If the condition persists, see an authorized dealer for
service.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.
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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