2013 DODGE DART service indicator

WARNING!
•The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
•ESC also cannot prevent collisions resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent collisions.
•The capabilities of an ESC-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ONposition. It should go out with the engine running. The
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will flash
to indicate the system is actively correcting an undesir-
able vehicle condition. This includes Yaw control, traction
control, and trailer sway control. If the lamp remains
solid under normal driving conditions, your vehicle
should be serviced at an authorized dealer.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when the Traction Control System (TCS) or trailer
sway is active. If the “ESC Activation/ Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
424 STARTING AND OPERATING

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 443

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
520 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 521

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:•Check engine oil level.
•Check windshield washer fluid level.
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder as needed.
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
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S564 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 462
Oil (Engine) ................... 518,519,526
Car Washes ............................ 547
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............94,461
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 350
Cellular Phone ....................... 1 17,360
Chains, Tire ............................ 446
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 484
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 428
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............294,521
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 94
Checks, Safety ........................... 94
Child Restraint .................. 83,84,85,88,90
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............87,88
Child Safety Locks ........................ 35
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 458 Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 549
Climate Control ......................... 361
Clock ................................ 340
Clutch ............................... 542
Clutch Fluid ........................... 542
Coin Holder ........................... 268
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 360
Compact Disc (CD) Player ................. 350
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 440
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 303
Connector UCI .............................. 352
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 352
Conserving Fuel ........................ 320
Console, Floor .......................... 268
Console, Overhead ....................... 248
Contract, Service ........................ 575
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 560,561
584 INDEX

Bulb Replacement.................... 557
Daytime Running .................... 214
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...........216,217
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 423
Exterior ............................ 97
Fog ............................ 215,288
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 483
Headlight Switch ..................... 211
Headlights ...................... 21 1,557
Headlights On Reminder ............... 214
Headlights On With Wipers ..........212,222
High Beam ......................... 217
High Beam Indicator .................. 288
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 217
Illuminated Entry ..................... 23
Instrument Cluster .................... 211
Intensity Control ..................... 218
Interior ............................ 218
License ............................ 559 Lights On Reminder
.................. 214
Low Fuel ....................... 292,312
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 294
Oil Pressure ........................ 293
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 220
Passing ............................ 217
Reading ........................ 217,248
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 288
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 291
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 294
SmartBeams ........................ 213
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 291
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 284
Traction Control ..................... 423
Turn Signal ....................... 97,216
Vanity Mirror ....................... 109
Voltage ............................ 293
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 284
10
INDEX 591

Loading Vehicle...................... 464,466
Capacities .......................... 466
Tires .............................. 432
Locks ................................. 32
Auto Unlock ......................... 34
Automatic Door ...................... 34
Child Protection ...................... 35
Door .............................. 32
Power Door ......................... 33
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 87,88
Lubrication, Body ....................... 532
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 528
Maintenance Procedures ................... 523
Maintenance Schedule .................... 564
Maintenance, General ..................... 523
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 294,521
Manual Transaxle ........................ 379 Manual Transmission
.................. 384,546
Fluid Level Check .................... 546
Frequency of Fluid Change ............. 546
Lubricant Selection ................... 546
Shift Speeds ........................ 384
Manual, Service ......................... 577
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 542
Methanol ............................. 458
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 303
Mirrors ............................... 105
Automatic Dimming .................. 105
Electric Powered ..................... 108
Electric Remote ...................... 108
Exterior Folding ..................... 107
Heated ............................ 108
Outside ........................... 106
Rearview .......................... 105
Vanity ............................ 109
592 INDEX