2013 DODGE DART air conditioning

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.NOTE:
•Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
•Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be totally
filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
374 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not 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 it
until you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase the engine idle
speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
478 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 529

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.
530 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the coolant bottle overflow hoses are
not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 541

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE: When the vehicle has not been started or driven
for at least 35 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is
required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Lights Bulb Type
Dome Lamp ........................... W5W
Overhead Console Lamp .................. W5W
Exterior Lights Bulb Type
Low Beam/High Beam (Bi-Halogen Headlamp) . . HIR2
Low Beam/High Beam (Bi-Xenon Headlamp) .... D3S
Front Park/Turn Signal Lamp ...........7442NALL
Sidemarker Lamp ........................ 194
Front Fog Lamp ......................... H11
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) ..... LED
(Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp ............ LED
(Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
Backup Lamp .......................... 7440
License Lamp ........................... 168
556 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 415
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 538
Adding Fuel ........................... 462
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 534
Additives, Fuel ......................... 460
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 527
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 529
Air Conditioning ........................ 361
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 361
Air Conditioning Filter .................374,530
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............529,530
Air Conditioning System .............361,372,529
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 437
Airbag .............................. 60,77
Airbag Deployment ....................... 79
Airbag Light ..................... 67,81,95,291
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 80
Airbag, Side ........................ 63,65,77
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........64,65,77Alarm (Security Alarm)
.................... 21
Alarm Light ........................... 291
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 21
Alarm, Panic ............................ 26
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 415
Anti-Lock Warning Light .............294,415,417
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 21
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........537,560,561
Capacities .......................... 560
Disposal ........................... 540
Appearance Care ........................ 546
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 21
Assist, Hill Start ........................ 420
Assistance Towing ....................... 131
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 42
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 34
Auto Up Power Windows .................. 43
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ 105
582 INDEX

Temperature Gauge................... 286
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 78
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 458
Event Data Recorder ...................... 82
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 94,461
Exhaust System ....................... 94,534
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 107
Exterior Lighting ........................ 211
Exterior Lights .......................... 97
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 292
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 527
Air Conditioning .................. 374,530
Automatic Transmission ................ 545
Engine Oil ....................... 527,561
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 217 Flashers
Hazard Warning ..................... 483
Turn Signal .................... 97,216,286
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 484
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 382
Floor Console .......................... 268
Fluid Capacities ......................... 560
Fluid Leaks ............................. 97
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 545
Fluid, Brake ........................... 562
Fluids ................................ 561
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 561
Fog Lights .......................... 215,288
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 207
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 509
Fuel .............................. 457,561
Additives .......................... 460
Capacity ........................... 560
10
INDEX 587