2023 DODGE CHALLENGER service

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL67
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.
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 167.
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
previously, 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.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter 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.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.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL69
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding exterior
turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:
 A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
 Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
ECO Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when ECO mode is active.
Refer to the Drive modes Supplement for
further information.
Cruise Control Set Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cruise control is set to the desired speed
Úpage 84.
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 Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cruise control is ready, but not set Úpage 84.
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 85.
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.
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.
3

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70GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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
Úpage 106.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and
that the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this
test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check. 3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
 The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.
 The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illu -
minated until you place the ignition in the off posi -
tion or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready and you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see an
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the previously mentioned test
routine may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal vehicle
operation you should have your vehicle serviced before
going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine running.
WARNING!
 ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your
vehicle.
 If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II
connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
 Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
 Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including
personal information.

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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.

23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 76

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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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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90STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Warnings And Maintenance
“WIPE FRONT RADAR SENSOR IN FRONT OF
VEHICLE” WARNING
The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
warning will display and a chime will sound when
conditions temporarily limit system performance.
This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as
in snow or heavy rain. The ACC system may also become
temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt
or ice. In these cases, the instrument cluster display will
display “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
and the system will deactivate.
The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
message can sometimes be displayed while driving in
highly reflective areas (i.e. tunnels with reflective tiles, or
ice and snow). The ACC system will recover after the
vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when
the radar is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path
this warning may temporarily occur.
NOTE:If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
warning is active, Fixed Speed Cruise Control is still
available.
If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should
examine the sensor. It may require cleaning or removal of
an obstruction. The sensor is located in the center of the
vehicle behind the lower grille. To keep the ACC system operating properly, it is important
to note the following maintenance items:

Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully wipe the
sensor lens with a soft cloth. Be cautious not to
damage the sensor lens.
 Do not remove any screws from the sensor. Doing so
could cause an ACC system malfunction or failure and
require a sensor realignment.
 If the sensor or front end of the vehicle is damaged due
to a collision, see an authorized dealer for service.
 Do not attach or install any accessories near the
sensor, including transparent material or aftermarket
grilles. Doing so could cause an ACC system failure or
malfunction.
When the condition that deactivated the system is no
longer present, the system will return to the “Adaptive
Cruise Control Off” state and will resume function by
simply reactivating it.
NOTE:
 If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on
every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other
obstruction, have the radar sensor realigned at an
authorized dealer.
 Installing a snow plow, front-end protector, an after -
market grille or modifying the grille is not recom -
mended. Doing so may block the sensor and inhibit
ACC/FCW operation.
SERVICE ACC/FCW WARNING
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster displays
“ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required” or “Cruise/FCW
Unavailable Service Required”, there may be an internal
system fault or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC
functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable under
normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily unavailable.
If this occurs, try activating ACC again later, following an
ignition cycle. If the problem persists, see an authorized
dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or
unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need
to intervene. The following are examples of these types of
situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
Towing a trailer is not recommended when using ACC.

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94STARTING AND OPERATING
The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the warning display shows one flashing arc and sounds a continuous tone. The following chart shows the warning alert operation when the
system is detecting an obstacle:
PARKSENSE WARNING DISPLAY
The ParkSense Warning screen will only be displayed if
Sound and Display is selected from within the Uconnect
system
Úpage 107.
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within the
instrument cluster display. It provides visual warnings to
indicate the distance between the rear fascia/bumper
and the detected obstacle.
ENABLING AND DISABLING PARKSENSE
ParkSense can be enabled and disabled with
the ParkSense switch, located on the switch
panel below the Uconnect display. When the ParkSense switch is pushed to disable the
system, the instrument cluster will display the “ParkSense
Off” message for approximately five seconds. When the
gear selector is moved to REVERSE and the system is
disabled, the instrument cluster display will display the
“ParkSense Off” message for as long as the vehicle is in
REVERSE.
The ParkSense switch LED will be on when ParkSense is
disabled or requires service. The ParkSense switch LED
will be off when the system is enabled. If the ParkSense
switch is pushed, and the system requires service, the
ParkSense switch LED will blink momentarily, and then the
LED will be on.
SERVICE THE PARKSENSE REAR PARK
A
SSIST SYSTEM
During vehicle start up, when the ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System has detected a faulted condition, the
instrument cluster will actuate a single chime, once per
ignition cycle and it will display the “PARKSENSE
UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR SENSORS” or “PARKSENSE
UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED” message for five
seconds.
WARNING ALERTS
Rear Distance
(inches/cm) Greater than
79 inches (200 cm) 79-59 inches
(200-150 cm) 59-47 inches
(150-120 cm) 47-39 inches
(120-100 cm) 39-25 inches
(100-65 cm) 25-12 inches
(65-30 cm) Less than 12 inches
(30 cm)
Audible Alert Chime None Single 1/2 Second
Tone
(for rear center only) Slow
(for rear center only) Slow
(for rear center only) Fast
(for rear center only) Fast
Continuous
Arc — Left Rear NoneNoneNoneNoneNone2nd Flashing 1st Flashing
Arc — Center Rear None 6th Solid5th Solid4th Solid3rd Flashing 2nd Flashing 1st Flashing
Arc — Right Rear None NoneNoneNoneNone2nd Flashing 1st Flashing
Radio Volume Reduced No
Yes YesYesYesYesYes

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