Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2009 year). Instruction — part 16

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

ⴖ in this

section.

• 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 syn-
chronizer damage.

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 before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.

Instruction Shifter

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The six-speed instruction transmission has a spring that
centers the shift lever 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 shift lever toward third and
fourth gear. Make sure you move the shift lever into
second or fifth gear. If you let the shift lever 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 should always use first gear when starting from a
standing position if under heavy load.

Recommended Shift Speeds
To utilize your instruction transmission efficiently for fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in recom-
mended shift speed chart.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS

1-4

4-5

5-6

mph

20

37

48

(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. When vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), the reverse inhibitor activates to help

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prevent shifts into REVERSE. When at a complete
stop, you may notice light shift efforts into REVERSE
with the ignition key ON, and increased shift efforts
into REVERSE with the ignition key OFF. 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 transmis-
sion is warm. This is a normal condition and is not an
indication of a problem with your clutch or
transmission.

1–4 Skip Shift
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 1/4 throttle or less.
The “1–4 Skip Shift” indicator message will be displayed
during these times.

When the “1–4 Skip Shift” indicator message is dis-
played, the shift mechanism will only allow shifts from
first gear to fourth gear. 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, down-
shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep
grade.

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WARNING!

Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.

CAUTION!

• If you skip more than one gear while downshift-

ing 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 — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the automatic transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL

into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

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WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.

General Information
The automatic transmission selects individual gears au-
tomatically, dependent upon:

• Altitude
• Vehicle loading
• Driving style

• Shift lever position
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed

The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, de-
pendent on the driving style, the driving situation, and
the road characteristics.

NOTE:

• After selecting any driving position, wait a moment to

allow the gear to engage fully before accelerating,
especially when the engine is cold.

• If there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle

the key to the LOCK position before restarting. Trans-
mission engagement may be delayed up to 10 seconds
after restart if the key is not cycled to the LOCK
position first.

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• The electronically-controlled transmission provides a

precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the
break-in period. This is a normal condition, and pre-
cision shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.

The shift lever is automatically locked while in the PARK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the brake pedal must be firmly pressed before
the shift lock will release.

Move the shift lever to the desired position only when the
engine is idling normally and the brake pedal is applied.
Do not release the brake pedal until ready to drive. The
vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the shift
lever is in DRIVE or REVERSE position.

WARNING!

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the transmission into PARK, remove the key
from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once
the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever
is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you
should never leave unattended children inside a
vehicle.

Over-Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission exceeds
normal operating temperature, the transmission will
change the way it shifts to help control the condition.

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This may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in DRIVE position. After the
transmission cools down, it will return to normal
operation.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) system that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON
position, and the brake pedal must be pressed.

Brake/Transmission Interlock Instruction Override
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (i.e., dead battery). To access
the override (using a flat-bladed screwdriver), carefully
remove the override cover which is located on the right
of the shift lever.

Interlock Instruction Override

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With Keyless Go
To activate the override, with a valid keyfob (FOBIK)
inside of the vehicle, and without the brake pedal
pressed, press the START/STOP button once to go to the
ACC position, or twice to go to the ON position. Then,
press the pink-colored tab through the access port with a
small flat-bladed screwdriver or alike. While pressing the
override tab, move the shift lever out of the PARK
position. When complete, return the override cover to its
original position.

Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

Gear Ranges

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.

Shift Lever

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When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

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.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever in the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the

way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.

• Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument

panel to ensure it is in the PARK position.

CAUTION!

Damage to the shifter could result if the shift lever is
moved out of PARK before the ignition is turned
from the LOCK to ON position.

REVERSE
This range is used for moving the vehicle rearward.
Always stop before moving the shift lever to REVERSE.

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NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.

CAUTION!

Coasting the vehicle or driving for any other reason
with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in
transmission damage.

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 an accident.

DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts and the best fuel economy.

The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers, use the AutoStick

威 mode and select the “3”

range.

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Delayed Shifts in Cold Temperatures
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.

Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.

A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service. To reset the
transmission, use the following procedure:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.

3. Turn OFF the engine.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Move the shift lever to the desired 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 your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

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Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.

If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.

AUTOSTICK

姞

Autostick

威 is a driver-interactive transmission that offers

instruction gear shifting to provide you with more control of
the vehicle. Autostick

威 allows you to maximize engine

braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.

Autostick

姞 Operation

By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, it can be
moved from side to side. This allows the driver to select
a higher or lower range of gears. Moving the shift lever to
the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an

upshift. The gear position will display in the instrument
cluster on the transmission range indicator.

NOTE:

• In Autostick威 mode, the transmission will shift up and

down when the driver instructionly moves the shift lever
right (D+) or left (D-).

• An UPSHIFT message will appear in the Electronic

Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the in-
strument cluster when using Autostick

威. This message

appears in order to alert the driver to upshift to the
next gear. The UPSHIFT message will display while
operating the vehicle at higher engine revolutions per
minute (RPM).

You can shift in or out of the Autostick

威 mode at any time

without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. When
you wish to engage Autostick

威, simply move the shift

lever to the right (D+) or left (D-) while in the DRIVE
position. The transmission will remain in the current gear

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until an upshift or downshift is chosen. When you wish
to disengage Autostick

威, hold the shift lever to the right

for at least two seconds. The transmission will now
operate automatically, shifting between the five available
gears.

Autostick

姞 General Information

• You can start out in first or second gear. The system

will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed or downshift at too high of a vehicle speed..

• The transmission will automatically downshift to 1st

gear when coming to a stop.

• Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy

conditions.

• Avoid using speed control when Autostick威 is en-

gaged.

• The transmission will automatically shift up when

maximum engine speed is reached while Autostick

威 is

engaged.

• Transmission shifting will be more sharper when

Autostick

威 is engaged.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.

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WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:

1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.

2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.

3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.

4. Keep tires properly inflated.

5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

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CAUTION!

• Due to lower ground clearance, driving your ve-

hicle up steep driveways, approach ramps or near
parking blocks may cause vehicle damage to the
front fascia and ground effects.

• Driving through snow more than 4 inches

(100 mm) deep may cause vehicle damage to the
front fascia and ground effects.

Flowing/Rising Water

WARNING!

Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off).
Flowing water can wear away the road or path’s
surface and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper
water. Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.

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CAUTION!

• Always check the depth of the standing water

before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.

• Determine the condition of the road or the path

that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving

through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.

CAUTION!

• Driving through standing water may cause dam-

age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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