Dodge Charger (2019 year). Manual

Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See an autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so it
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.

WARNING!

An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control.
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
• ALWAYS securely attach

your floor mat using the

floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor mat
upside down or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat fasten-
ers on a regular basis.

• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT

FROM THE VEHICLE

before installing any other

floor mat. NEVER install or stack an additional floor
mat on top of an existing floor mat.

• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.

NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.

(Continued)

SAFETY

221

WARNING! (Continued)

• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s

side floor area. To check for interference, with the
vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch pedal
(if present) to check for interference. If your floor mat
interferes with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your trunk.

• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the

passenger’s side floor area.

• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into

the driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.

• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,

towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-

installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water

to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

222

SAFETY

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.

SAFETY

223

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.

Automatic Transmission

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.

• 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.

228

STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button

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.

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

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.

NOTE:

If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, push and

release the ENGINE START/STOP button with the vehicle
speed below 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut
off, and the ignition will remain in the ACC position. The
system will automatically time out and the ignition will
cycle to the OFF mode after 30 minutes of inactivity if the
ignition is left in the ACC or RUN (engine not running)
mode and the transmission is in PARK.

STARTING AND OPERATING

229

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)

The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN.
To change the ignition modes without starting the vehicle
and use the accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place

the ignition to the ACC mode.

3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time

to place the ignition to the RUN mode.

4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to

return the ignition to the OFF mode.

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
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

230

STARTING AND OPERATING

• 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.

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the vehicle
with the engine running, 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
• 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

231

Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch
with the push of a button, as long as the Remote Start/
Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is in the passenger compartment.

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.

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.

(Continued)

Keyless Push Button Ignition

232

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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. 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.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

233

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.

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.

234

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 position.

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.

Parking Brake

STARTING AND OPERATING

235

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.

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 at-
tempting 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. 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.

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 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.

(Continued)

236

STARTING AND OPERATING

Dodge Charger (2019 year). Manual - part 14