2009 Dodge Charger Owner Manual - Page 276

274 STARTING AND OPERATING • Shift lever position • Accelerator position • Vehicle speed The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, dependent 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. Transmission engagement may be delayed up to 10 seconds after restart if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first. • 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 precision 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 depressed 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.