Dodge Challenger (2019 year). Manual

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in “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. Leaving children 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.

• 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 mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal before starting vehicle.
This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition
system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is pressed to
the floor.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

The gear selector must be in the PARK position before you
can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting into
any driving gear.

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.

(Continued)

208

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)

• 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.

Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transmission

Place the ignition in the START mode and release it as the
starter engages. The starter motor will automatically dis-
engage itself once engine is running. If the engine fails to
start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. If this occurs:

1. Place the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.

3. Repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Normal Starting

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button — Manual Transmission Only

1. Press and hold the clutch pedal while pushing and

holding the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. Release the button when the engine starts. If the vehicle

fails to start within 15 seconds, release the button, wait
10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.

3. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to

the engine starting, release the button.

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button — Automatic Transmission
Only

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the

ENGINE START/STOP button once.

3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle.

If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds.

4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to

the engine starting, push the button again.

STARTING AND OPERATING

209

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button — Manual Transmission Only

1. With the vehicle stopped, place the gear selector in

NEUTRAL, then push and release the ENGINE START/
STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.

3. Place the gear selector in first gear or REVERSE and then

apply the parking brake.

NOTE:
• If the ignition switch is left in the ACC position, the

system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity and the ignition will switch to the OFF posi-
tion.

• If the ignition switch is left in the RUN position, the

system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity if the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h) and the
engine is not running.

• If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h), the

ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two
seconds or three short pushes in a row before the engine
will shut off. The ignition switch position will remain in
the ACC position until the vehicle is stopped, placed in
park and the button is pushed twice to the OFF position.

To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button — Automatic Transmission
Only

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release

the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.

3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/

STOP button must be held for two seconds or three short
pushes in a row with the vehicle speed above 5 mph
(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition
will remain in the ACC mode until the gear selector is in
PARK and the button is pushed twice to the OFF mode.
If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pushed once, the instrument
cluster will display a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and
the engine will remain running. Never leave a vehicle
out of the PARK position, or it could roll.

210

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or RUN

(engine not running) position and the transmission is in
PARK, the system will automatically time out after 30
minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch to the
OFF position.

AutoPark

AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in placing the
vehicle in PARK should the situations on the following
pages occur. It is a back up system and should not be relied
upon as the primary method by which the driver shifts the
vehicle into PARK.

The conditions under which AutoPark will engage are
outlined on the following pages.

WARNING!

• Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the

vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid
(not blinking) “P” is indicated in the instrument
cluster display and on the gear selector. If the

ⴖPⴖ

indicator is blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK. As

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

an added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.

• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not de-

signed to replace the need to shift your vehicle into
PARK. It is a back up system and should not be
relied upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off the
engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.

AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC

NOTE:

For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The engine will

turn off and the ignition switch will change to ACC mode.
After 30 minutes the ignition switches to OFF automati-
cally, unless the driver turns the ignition switch OFF.

STARTING AND OPERATING

211

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may Au-
toPark.

AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed

The MESSAGE “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift
to Gear

”will display in the instrument cluster.

NOTE:

In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be

displayed in the instrument cluster. In these cases, the
shifter must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.

If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle
may AutoPark.

AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less.

The MESSAGE “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to
P

”will be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle

speed is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h).

WARNING!

If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the ve-
hicle speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle
left in the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking brake when
exiting the vehicle.

ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK

that your vehicle is in

PARK by looking for the

⬙P⬙ in the instrument cluster

display and on the shifter. As an added precaution, always
apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

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 your authorized dealer) is recommended.

212

STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the

⬙Normal Starting⬙ or ⬙Extreme Cold Weather⬙ procedure 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 15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case
the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the RUN
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.

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

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time.
Wait 60 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

STARTING AND OPERATING

213

The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that is
located near the air box.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

For vehicles equipped with the 3.6L or 5.7L use the
following engine break-in recommendations:

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 is 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, refer to “Fluids And Lubri-
cants” in “Technical Specifications”.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

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
interpreted 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.

For vehicles equipped with the 6.4L use the following
engine break-in recommendations:

Despite modern technology and World Class manufactur-
ing methods, the moving parts of the vehicle must still
wear in with each other. This wearing in occurs mainly
during the first 500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.

214

STARTING AND OPERATING

It is recommended for the operator to observe the follow-
ing driving behaviors during the new vehicle break-in
period:

0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
• Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for an

extended period of time.

• Press the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than

halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.

• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph (88 km/h) and

observe local speed limits.

100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Press the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than

halfway to avoid rapid acceleration in lower gears (1st to
3rd gears).

• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 5,000 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph (112 km/h) and

observe local speed limits.

300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
• Exercise the full engine rpm range, shifting manually

(paddles or gear shift) at higher rpms when possible.

• Do not perform sustained operation with the accelerator

pedal at wide open throttle.

• Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph (136 km/h) and

observe local speed limits.

For the first 1500 miles (2414 km):
• Do not participate in track events, sport driving schools,

or similar activities during the first 1500 miles (2414 km).

NOTE:

Check engine oil with every refueling and add if

necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher
through the first oil change interval.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

215

NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the transmission

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.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

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

Manual Transmission Parking Brake Release

216

STARTING AND OPERATING

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

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

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 gear
selector.

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

keyless ignition node is in the OFF mode, 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 mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• 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.

Parking Brake

STARTING AND OPERATING

217

CAUTION!

If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the park brake fully ap-
plied. The park brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an incline.

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.

218

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

The six-speed manual transmission has a spring that
centers the gear selector near third and fourth gear. This

Manual Shifter

Shift Pattern

STARTING AND OPERATING

219

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 — DODGE

Axle Ratio

1-4

4-5

5-6

3.90

mph

(km/h)

(32)

(59)

(77)

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

220

STARTING AND OPERATING

Dodge Challenger (2019 year). Manual - part 13