2021 Dodge Charger Owners Manual - CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED

NOTE:

• Do not place the gear selector in NEUTRAL when Cruise Control is activated. Doing so will disengage the system.
• In order to ensure proper operation, the Cruise Control system has been designed to shut down if multiple speed control functions are operated at the same time. If this occurs, the Cruise Control system can be reactivated by pushing the Cruise Control on/off button and resetting the desired vehicle set speed.

To Activate

Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise Control. “CRUISE CONTROL READY” will appear in the instrument cluster display to indicate the Cruise Control is on. To turn the system off, push the on/off button a second time. “CRUISE CONTROL OFF” will appear in the instrument cluster display to indicate the Cruise Control is off. The system should be turned off when not in use.

To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Cruise Control on. When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push and release the SET (+) or SET (-) button. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed. Once a speed has been set, a message “CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear indicating the set speed. A cruise indicator lamp, along with set speed will also appear and stay on in the instrument cluster when the speed is set.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed

When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.

U.S. Speed (mph)

• Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to adjust until the button is released, then the new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed(km/h)

• Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to adjust until the button is released, then the new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

Using Cruise Control On Hills

The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the vehicle set speed.

The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive without Cruise Control.

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button, or normal brake pressure will deactivate the Cruise Control system without erasing the set speed from memory.

The following conditions will also deactivate the Cruise Control without erasing the set speed from memory:

• Vehicle parking brake is applied
• Stability event occurs
• Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
• Engine overspeed occurs

Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in the OFF position erases the set speed from memory.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF EQUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling on highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety system and not designed to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function performs differently

ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged in light to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need to reset your Cruise Control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you.

NOTE:

• If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will apply limited braking or acceleration (not to exceed the original set speed) auto- matically to maintain a preset following distance, while matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
• Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica- tions to the vehicle will affect the perfor- mance of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning systems.
• Fixed Speed Cruise Control alone (an ACC distance not set) will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be aware of the mode selected page 341.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation

The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

• CANC/Cancel
• Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
• Distance Setting Decrease
• SET (+)/Accel
• RES/Resume
• SET (-)/Decel
• Distance Setting Increase

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu

The instrument cluster display will show the current ACC system settings. The information it displays depends on ACC system status.

Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button until one of the following appears in the instrument cluster display:

Adaptive Cruise Control Off

When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has not been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Set

When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed, the display will read “ACC SET.”

When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the instrument cluster display.

The ACC screen may display once again if any of the following ACC activity occurs:

• System Cancel
• Driver Override
• System Off
• ACC Proximity Warning
• ACC Unavailable Warning

The instrument cluster display will return to the last display selected after five seconds of no ACC display activity.

Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph (32 km/h).

When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”

When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

NOTE:

You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:

• When the brakes are applied
• When the parking brake is applied
• When the transmission is in PARK, REVERSE or NEUTRAL
• When the vehicle speed is below the minimum speed range
• When the brakes are overheated
• When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
• When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
• When there is a stationary vehicle in front of your vehicle in close proximity

To Activate/Deactivate

Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”

To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the system will turn off and the instrument cluster displays “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

To Set A Desired Speed

When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button and release. The instrument cluster display will show the set speed.

NOTE:

Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without an ACC distance set. To change between the different modes, push the ACC on/off button which turns the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise Control off. Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button will result in turning on (changing to) Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode.

If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed will default to 20 mph (20 km/h).

NOTE:

Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below 20 mph (32 km/h).

If either system is set when the vehicle speed is above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current speed of the vehicle.

NOTE:

• Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the instrument cluster display.
• If you continue to accelerate beyond the set speed while an ACC distance is also set, the system will not be controlling the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will only be determined by the position of the accelerator pedal.

To Cancel

The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed Speed Cruise Control systems:

• The brake pedal is applied
• The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control System (ESC/TCS) activates
• The vehicle parking brake is applied
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (overheated)

The following conditions will only cancel the ACC system:

• Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
• Driver door is opened at low speeds

The system will turn off and erase the set speed in memory if:

• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is pushed
• The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button is pushed
• The ignition is placed in the OFF position

To Resume

If there is a set speed in memory, push the RES (resume) button and remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster display will show the last set speed.

Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed Cruise Control is being used.

Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h) when ACC is active.

NOTE:

• While in ACC mode, when the vehicle comes to a complete stop longer than two seconds, the system will cancel. The driver will have to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at a standstill.
• ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle in front of your vehicle in close proximity.

To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed

After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.

U.S. Speed (mph)

• Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to adjust in 5 mph incre- ments until the button is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instrument cluster display.

Metric Speed (km/h)

• Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to adjust in 10 km/h increments until the button is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instrument cluster display.

NOTE:

When you override and push the SET (+) button or SET (-) button, the new set speed will be the current speed of the vehicle.

When An ACC Distance Is Also Set:

• When you use the SET (-) button to decel- erate, if the engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to reach the set speed, the brake system will automatically slow the vehicle.
• The ACC system applies the brake down to a full stop when following the vehicle in front. If your vehicle follows the vehicle in front to a standstill, your vehicle will release the brakes two seconds after coming to a full stop.
• The ACC system maintains set speed when driving uphill and downhill. However, a slight speed change on moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This is normal operation and necessary to main- tain set speed. When driving uphill and down- hill, the ACC system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds normal range (over- heated).

Setting The Following Distance In ACC

The specified following distance for ACC can be set by varying the distance setting between four bars (longest), three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short). Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance setting appears in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Settings

• Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
• Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
• Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
• Short Distance Setting (One Bar)

To increase the distance setting, push the Distance Setting Increase button and release. Each time the button is pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).

To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance Setting Decrease button and release.

Each time the button is pushed, the distance setting decreases by one bar (shorter).

If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same lane, the instrument cluster display will show the ACC Set With Target Detected Indicator Light, and the system will adjust the vehicle speed automatically to maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.

The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:

• The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
• The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the sensor.
• The distance setting is changed.
• The system disengages page 109.

The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however, the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if necessary.

NOTE:

The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system applies the brakes.

A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE” will flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking capacity.

NOTE:

The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster display is a warning for the driver to take action and does not necessarily mean that the Forward Collision Warning system is applying the brakes autonomously.

Overtake Aid

When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged and following a vehicle, the system will provide an additional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist in passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration is triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and will only be active when passing on the left hand side.

ACC Operation At Stop

In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a standstill while following the vehicle in front, if the vehicle in front starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion without the need for any driver action.

If the vehicle in front does not start moving within two seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, the ACC with Stop system will cancel and the brakes will release. A cancel message will display on the instrument cluster display and produce a warning chime. Driver intervention will be required at this moment.

While ACC with Stop is holding your vehicle at a standstill, if the driver seat belt is unbuckled or the driver door is opened, the ACC with Stop system will cancel and the brakes will release. A cancel message will display on the instrument cluster display and produce a warning chime. Driver intervention will be required at this moment.

“Wipe Front Radar Sensor In Front Of Vehicle” Warning

The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” warning will display and a chime will sound when conditions temporarily limit system performance.

This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in snow or heavy rain. The ACC system may also become temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt or ice. In these cases, the instrument cluster display will display the above message and the system will deactivate.

This message can sometimes be displayed while driving in highly reflective areas (i.e. ice and snow, or tunnels with reflective tiles). The ACC system will recover after the vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when the radar is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this warning may temporarily occur.

NOTE:

If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” warning is active, Fixed Speed Cruise Control is still available.

If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should examine the sensor. It may require cleaning or removal of an obstruction. The sensor is located in the center of the vehicle behind the lower grille.

To keep the ACC System operating properly, it is important to note the following maintenance items:

• Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully wipe the sensor lens with a soft cloth. Be cautious not to damage the sensor lens.
• Do not remove any screws from the sensor. Doing so could cause an ACC system malfunction or failure and require a sensor realignment.
• If the sensor or front end of the vehicle is damaged due to a collision, see an autho- rized dealer for service.
• Do not attach or install any accessories near the sensor, including transparent material or aftermarket grilles. Doing so could cause an ACC system failure or malfunction.

When the condition that deactivated the system is no longer present, the system will return to the “Adaptive Cruise Control Off” state and will resume function by simply reactivating it.

NOTE:

• If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the radar sensor realigned at an autho- rized dealer.
• Installing a snow plow, front-end protector, an aftermarket grille or modifying the grille is not recommended. Doing so may block the sensor and inhibit ACC/FCW operation.

“Clean Front Windshield” Warning

The “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” warning will display and a chime will sound when conditions temporarily limit system performance. This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in snow or heavy rain and fog. The ACC system may also become temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt, or ice on windshield and fog on the inside of glass.

In these cases, the instrument cluster display will display “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” and the system will have degraded performance.

This message can sometimes be displayed while driving in adverse weather conditions. The ACC/FCW system will recover after the vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when the camera is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this warning may temporarily occur.

If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should examine the windshield and the camera located on the back side of the inside rearview mirror. They may require cleaning or removal of an obstruction.

When the condition that created limited functionality is no longer present, the system will return to full functionality.

If the “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the windshield and forward facing camera inspected at an authorized dealer.

Service ACC/FCW Warning

If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster displays “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required” or “Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service Required”, there may be an internal system fault or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable under normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try activating ACC again later, following an ignition cycle. If the problem persists, see an authorized dealer.

In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need to intervene. The following are examples of these types of situations:

Towing A Trailer

Towing a trailer is not recommended when using ACC.

Offset Driving

ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

Turns And Bends

When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system may decrease the vehicle speed and acceleration for stability reasons, with no vehicle in front detected. Once the vehicle is out of the curve the system will resume your original set speed. This is a part of normal ACC system functionality.

On tight turns ACC performance may be limited. The driver must maintain control of the vehicle, remain alert, and be ready to apply the brakes if needed.

Turn Or Bend Example

Using ACC On Hills

When driving on hills, ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane. Depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the steepness of the hills, ACC performance may be limited.

The driver must maintain control of the vehicle, remain alert, and be ready to apply the brakes if needed.

ACC Hill Example

Lane Changing

ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane in which you are traveling. In the lane changing example below, ACC has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes and it may not detect the vehicle until it's too late for the ACC system to take action. ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the lane-changing vehicle. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.

Lane Changing Example

Narrow Vehicles

Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of the lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they have moved fully into the lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.

Narrow Vehicle Example

Stationary Objects And Vehicles

ACC does not react to stationary objects and stationary vehicles. For example, ACC will not react in situations where the vehicle you are following exits your lane and the vehicle ahead is stopped in your lane. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.

Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle Example