Dodge Challenger SRT (2019 year). Manual

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. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System/Hill Start Assist” in “Safety”
for further information.

• 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 shift lever 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.

NOTE:

During cold weather, you may experience in-

creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.

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.

Manual Shifter

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STARTING AND OPERATING

The six-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.

CAUTION!

Always make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop
before shifting into REVERSE. Failure to do so may
result in transmission damage.

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.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS — SRT

Engine

1-4

4-5

5-6

6.2L Supercharged

mph

(km/h)

(32)

(40)

(67)

Shift Pattern

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225

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 depress 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.

NOTE:

The 1 - 4 Skip Shift feature is disabled when

selecting Track, Sport, or Custom Drive Modes. Refer to
“SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multimedia” section for further
descriptions of these modes.

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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the
transmission gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is
in PARK before exiting the vehicle.

• The transmission may not engage PARK if the ve-

hicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify
that the transmission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the
vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK posi-
tion is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

(Continued)

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227

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF mode, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the 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 seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF mode.

NOTE:

The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the

ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will
be off). Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the
ignition is OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) 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.

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear range (PRNDM) is displayed both
on the gear selector and in the instrument cluster.

To select a gear range, press 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 mov-
ing at low speeds. Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.

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229

NOTE:

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 continuously until the selector is re-
turned 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. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; 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
(kilometers).

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 posi-
tions. 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 as M1, M2, M3, etc. Refer to

⬙AutoStick⬙ in this

section for further information.

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.

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. 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 level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precau-
tion, 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.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the
transmission gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is
in PARK before exiting the vehicle.

• The transmission may not engage PARK if the ve-

(Continued)

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231

WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the

gear selector and firmly move the selector all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not
blinking.

• With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear

selector will not move out of PARK.

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.

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.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.

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. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.

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233

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head winds), use the
AutoStick shift control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section
for further information) to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.

During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or be-
low), transmission operation may be modified depending
on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmis-
sion temperature has risen to a suitable level.

MANUAL (M)

The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi-
tion) enables full manual control of transmission shifting
(also known as AutoStick mode; refer to “AutoStick” in this
section for further information). 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 ab-
normal 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 loca-
tion (preferably, at an authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift

the transmission to NEUTRAL.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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 recom-

mend 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.

AutoStick

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance.

This system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, and many other situations.

Operation

When the gear selector is in the DRIVE (D) position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the eight available gears. To activate AutoStick, move the
gear selector into the MANUAL (M) position (beside the
DRIVE position). The current transmission gear will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, along with a high-
lighted

⬙M⬙ (Manual) indication. When the gear selector is

Paddle Shifters

1 — (–) Shift Paddle

2 — (+) Shift Paddle

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235

in the MANUAL (M) position, tap the gear selector for-
ward (-) (or tap the (-) shift paddle on the steering wheel)
to downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, or tap
the lever rearward (+) (or tap the (+) shift paddle), to
command an upshift.

NOTE:
• Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted shift

paddles (+/-), 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 using (+) 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.

• The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-enabled, as

desired) using the SRT Drive Modes.

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), unless an engine lug-
ging 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 maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. Lack of accelerator pedal
activity will cause the transmission to revert to auto-
matic 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 below. The transmission will not upshift au-
tomatically 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.

• 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to

over-speed, that shift will not occur.

• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of

a vehicle speed.

• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or holding the gear

selector in the (-) position, will downshift the transmis-
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is engaged.

• 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 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.

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.

DRIVE MODES

Your vehicle is equipped with a SRT Drive Mode feature.
This feature gives the driver control over the systems in the
vehicle which affect its performance, enabling the driver to
tune it for desired driving scenarios.

NOTE:

Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for

further descriptions of these modes.

Launch Mode

This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Mode system that
is designed to allow the driver to consistently achieve
maximum acceleration in a straight line. Launch Mode is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
aggressively launching the vehicle. Launch mode is in-
tended for use during race events on a closed course where
consistent acceleration is desired. The system is not in-
tended to compensate for lack of driver experience or
familiarity with the race track. The use of this feature in
low traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc) conditions may result in
excessive wheel slip outside of the system’s control, result-
ing in an aborted launch. Launch Mode is calibrated to
provide the most benefit on an unprepared surface and will
degrade performance on prepared surfaces (such as a drag
strip).

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237

NOTE:

Torque Reserve is implemented during Launch

Mode, so you may notice different engine/exhaust sounds
and increased NVH.

Preconditions:
• Launch Mode should not be used on public roads.

Always check track conditions and the surrounding
area.

• Launch mode is not available within the first 500 miles

of engine break-in.

• Launch Mode should only be used when the engine and

transmission are at operating temperature.

• Launch Mode is intended to be used on dry, paved road

surfaces only. Use on slippery or loose surfaces may
cause damage to vehicle components and is not recom-
mended.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

Launch Mode is only available when the following proce-
dure is followed:

1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch

bank.

NOTE:

Pushing the SRT button on the center stack or

pressing Race Options within Drive Modes, then selecting
the Launch Control tab, followed by the soft, Launch
Control button are two other options to access launch
control features. Please refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in
“Multimedia” for further information.

2. Slide the RPM slider bar on the touchscreen. This screen

will allow you to adjust your launch RPM’s for opti-
mum launch/traction.

3. Press the “Activate Launch Mode” button on the touch-

screen.

4. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.

5. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.

6. Hold the brake and make sure the vehicle is in “DRIVE”.

7. While holding the brake, rapidly apply and hold the

accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The engine
speed will hold at the RPM that was set in the “Launch
RPM Set-up” screen.

NOTE:

Messages will appear in the instrument cluster to

inform the driver if one or more of the above conditions
have not been met.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

8. When conditions 4 through 7 have been met, the instru-

ment cluster display will read “Launch Ready Release
Brake”.

9. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.

Launch mode will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 km/h), at which point the ESC system will
return to its current ESC mode.

Launch mode will abort before launch completion, display
“Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any the following
conditions:
• The accelerator pedal is released during launch.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer

moving in a straight line.

• The “ESC OFF” button is pushed to change the system

to another mode.

NOTE:

After launch mode has been aborted, ESC will

return to its current ESC mode.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Vehicles with a manual transmission have an adjustable
launch RPM controlled through the Uconnect system.

Launch Mode is only available when the following proce-
dure is followed:

1. Push the LAUNCH button on the center stack switch

bank.

NOTE:

Pushing the SRT button on the center stack or

pressing the “Apps” button on the touchscreen are two
other options to access launch mode features. Please refer
to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further infor-
mation.

2. Slide the RPM slider bar on the touchscreen. This screen

will allow you to adjust your launch RPM’s for opti-
mum launch/traction.

3. Press the “Activate Launch Mode” button on the touch-

screen.

4. Make sure the vehicle is not moving.

5. Make sure the steering wheel is pointing straight.

6. Fully depress the clutch pedal and make sure the vehicle

is in first gear.

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Dodge Challenger SRT (2019 year). Manual - part 14