Diving into the world of Dodge Challengers reveals a treasure trove of features, some obvious, others delightfully hidden. As a fellow enthusiast and your guide from keyfobx.com, I’ve compiled a list of essential tips and tricks, focusing particularly on maximizing your Dodge Challenger key fob capabilities and exploring other functionalities you might not know about. Whether you’re a seasoned owner or just getting behind the wheel of this iconic muscle car, prepare to discover some game-changing insights that will elevate your driving experience.
Key Fob Essentials: Mastering Your Remote
Your Dodge Challenger key fob is more than just a key; it’s a gateway to convenience and control. Let’s start with a crucial trick every Challenger owner should know:
1. The Hidden Key Start: Bypassing Push Button Issues
Encountering a “key fob not detected” message or facing a push button start malfunction can be frustrating. But fear not, your key fob has a backup!
The push button start is removable. Gently pry it off by slipping a fingernail underneath and pulling towards you. Behind it, you’ll find a key slot. Insert your key fob and turn it to the right, just like a traditional key start, to start your Challenger. This clever feature ensures you’re never stranded by electronic glitches.
Exploring the EVIC: Unlocking Vehicle Information
For Challengers equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), a hidden “extended” mode unveils a wealth of data and customization options:
2. Unlocking Extended EVIC Mode
To access this extended mode, with your key in the ON position, press and hold both the COMPASS and MUSIC NOTE buttons on your steering wheel simultaneously for 7-10 seconds.
Once activated, you can cycle through various displays using the up/down arrow buttons on the left side of your steering wheel. This includes a large digital speedometer and other diagnostic information. Be cautious when navigating these menus, as changes should only be made if you understand their implications. To return to the standard EVIC display, simply press the COMPASS button again.
3. Customizing Your ECO Display (For MDS Equipped R/Ts)
For owners of R/T models with automatics (24J package) built after November 17, 2008, and featuring the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), you can personalize the Economy Mode (ECO) indicator.
Within the “extended” EVIC display, navigate to “Personal Settings” and then scroll down to “ECO Display.” Here, you can choose to turn the ECO notification ON or OFF. Note that this only controls the indicator light and does not disable the MDS itself. Some software versions even offer the option to change the ECO indicator icon to symbols like a leaf or globe.
Wiper and Signal Lever Mastery: Beyond the Basics
The signal and wiper lever offer more than just basic functions:
4. Single Wipe Functionality
For those light misty conditions, a gentle push IN on the signal/wiper lever (along its length) will activate a single wiper swipe without engaging the washer fluid. A handy way to clear a briefly obscured windshield.
5. Lane Change Assist: The Three-Flash Signal
For quick lane changes or merging, lightly tap the turn signal lever in either direction without fully latching it. The turn signals will flash three times and automatically stop, providing sufficient indication for maneuvers without prolonged signaling.
Odometer and Trip Functions: Tracking Your Journey
The trip odometer pin offers quick access to mileage and temperature information:
6. Cycling Through Odometer Displays
A momentary press of the stick pin button for the trip odometer will cycle the display through Total miles, Trip A, and Trip B. On models without the EVIC option, this cycle also includes the outside temperature display. Holding the button down for a second or two while Trip A or Trip B is displayed will reset that specific trip odometer to zero. (Functionality may vary slightly based on software version).
Headlight and High Beam Control: Illuminating the Road Ahead
Mastering your headlight controls enhances both visibility and communication on the road:
7. Momentary High Beams and Fog Lamp Integration
You’re likely familiar with pushing the turn signal lever forward to latch and activate the high beams. However, pulling the lever TOWARDS you in the low-beam position provides a momentary high-beam flash – perfect for signaling other drivers without fully engaging high beams. Importantly, pulling the lever does not deactivate your fog lamps, offering maximum forward illumination when needed. Conversely, engaging the locked high beams by pushing the lever forward will turn off the fog lamps.
Essential Maintenance and Convenience Tips
Beyond key fob tricks and controls, here are some practical tips to keep your Challenger running smoothly and enhance your ownership experience:
8. Oil Filter Removal Tip
Be warned, factory-installed oil filters are notoriously tight. Consider having your first oil change done professionally to avoid a struggle.
9. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) Activation
For enhanced daytime visibility, consider activating your Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). This feature illuminates your parking lamps (the orange ones) at a higher intensity when your headlights are off. Dealer activation via the StarScan module is required.
10. Fuel Cap Storage
A small hook inside the fuel door provides a dedicated spot to hang your fuel cap by its cord, preventing it from dangling against your car’s paint.
11. Disabling the Seat Belt Reminder Chime
If the persistent seat belt chime becomes bothersome (after the initial reminder), you can disable it. Follow these steps:
- Buckle the driver’s side seat belt with the ignition off (or in accessory).
- Turn the ignition to the ON position and wait for the initial seat belt reminder to finish (about 6 seconds).
- Unbuckle and buckle the driver’s side seat belt three or more times, ending with it buckled.
- Turn the ignition off (or to accessory). A single chime confirms successful programming, toggling the belt-minder feature.
This disables the repetitive chime but not the initial warning.
12. Hood Strut Upgrade
Tired of the hood prop rod? Mopar hood struts are an easy and worthwhile upgrade. Installation is typically under 5 minutes, as your Challenger already has pre-installed ball joints near the hood hinges. Ensure you install the correct strut on each side (marked right and left).
13. Sun Visor Flexibility
Your sun visor offers more adjustability than you might realize. Detach it from the headliner clip to swivel to the side window. Additionally, it slides outwards along its mounting shaft for extended positioning. A smaller, pull-out visor extension within the main visor provides further sun blockage near the rearview mirror.
14. Cruise Control and ESP Interaction
When the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) activates, it will automatically disengage your cruise control and you will lose your set speed.
15. Removable Console Tray Liners
The small trinket tray in front of the shifter and the rectangular slot liner to the left of the cup holders are removable for easy cleaning.
16. Cruise Control Downshifting on Hills
When using cruise control downhill, the transmission will downshift to help maintain your set speed.
17. Fastest NAV Destination Entry (Phone Number POIs)
For NAV-equipped Challengers, the quickest way to enter a Point of Interest (POI) as a destination is by using its phone number. Scroll down in the destination entry menu to find the phone number input option. The numeric keypad is faster than the full alpha keypad, and phone number entry avoids name or street list searches.
18. Compass Calibration in EVIC
In the EVIC’s extended mode, holding the Compass button for several seconds enters a diagnostic mode for the compass, allowing you to reset its calibration for magnetic declination.
19. Real-time Fuel Gauge and “Distance to Empty” Update While Fueling
With the key in the “ON” position during refueling, you can observe the fuel gauge rise and, in the standard EVIC “Distance to Empty” mode, watch the estimated range increase in real time.
20. Turn Signal Flasher Rate and Bulb Check
A faster-than-normal turn signal flashing rate indicates a bulb failure on that side of the vehicle.
21. Trunk Release and Transmission Position
The trunk cannot be opened via the dash button or key fob button unless the transmission is in PARK.
22. Digital Owner’s Manual Access
Need to consult your owner’s manual? Download it for free as a PDF from the Dodge website.
23. “Parade Mode” Daytime Brightness
For enhanced daytime visibility of your instrument panel when driving with parking lights or headlights, rotate the dash light dimmer control upwards to the first detent to activate “Parade Mode.” This brightens the odometer, EVIC, and radio displays.
24. EVIC Top Speed Recall
In the extended EVIC display, pressing the trip odometer stick pin button once will show your top speed recorded since the car was started. (Functionality may vary by software version).
25. Turn Signal Reminder Chime
If you leave your turn signal on for an extended period while driving, a chime will sound in sync with the blinker to remind you to turn it off.
26. Door Lock Inhibit with Open Door
The door lock switch on the armrest will not lock the doors if the door is open and the car is running, preventing accidental lockouts.
27. SRT8 ESP Partial Disable
For SRT8 models, pressing and holding the ESP button in PARK for 5-6 seconds will partially disable ESP (indicated by a beep and “bypassed” message). ESP will be re-enabled upon engine restart.
28. Complete ESP/Traction Control Disable (“Key Trick”)
For complete ESP and Traction Control deactivation, while moving above 15 mph, turn the key to the START position and hold it for a few seconds until chimes sound (the starter will not engage). This “key trick” fully disables ESP until the engine is turned off.
29. Remote Start Limitation with Check Engine Light
If your Challenger has push button start and the check engine light is on, remote start will function but only run for approximately 10 seconds before shutting off. You’ll then need to start the car manually using the key fob insertion method described earlier.
30. Adjustable Center Console Armrest
The center console armrest adjusts forwards and backwards. Give it a nudge forward to release and slide it to your preferred position. Note that moving it fully forward will cover one cup holder.
31. Resetting the “Oil Change Required” Message
To reset the “Oil Change Required” message in the EVIC:
- Turn the key to the “ON” position (engine off).
- Fully depress and release the gas pedal three times within 10 seconds.
- Some EVICs may display “Oil change reset” as confirmation.
- Turn the key to the OFF position.
A Word of Caution: Hand Placement and Airbag Safety
While not a trick, this is a crucial safety reminder: Avoid driving with your hand at the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel. In an airbag deployment, this hand position can lead to severe injuries to your hand, wrist, and face.
Your Challenger Tips and Tricks?
This compilation is just the beginning. What other Dodge Challenger tips and tricks have you discovered? Share your insights and help expand this resource for the Challenger community!
