2009 Dodge Charger Owner Manual - Page 355

2009 Dodge Charger Manual

Page 355 highlights

STARTING AND OPERATING 353 Towing Tips Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic. Towing Tips - Automatic Transmission The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the "3" range should be selected. NOTE: Using the "3" range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also provide better engine braking. If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation, then change the automatic transmission fluid and filter according to the interval specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing" in the Maintenance Schedule. Towing Tips - Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped) − Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads. − When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed. − Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency. Towing Tips - Autostick௡ (If Equipped) − By using the Autostick௡ modes and selecting a specific gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range should be selected that allows for adequate performance. For example, choose "4" if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose "3" or "2" if needed to maintain the desired speed. 5

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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
“3” range should be selected.
NOTE:
Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the Maintenance Schedule.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Autostick
±
(If Equipped)
²
By using the Autostick
±
modes and selecting a specific
gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The
highest gear range should be selected that allows for
adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING
353
5