2013 DODGE DART Transmission 6 speed

PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Parking Brake
412 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
1.4L Turbo Engine
Trailer towing is not recommended.
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt. (SeeNote)
2.0L and 2.4L Auto/
Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m)
1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo
and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire
Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the GTW
on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the
wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely
from side-to-side which will cause loss of con-
trol of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
470 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting or changes in engine speed occur
while in this range, use the AutoStickshift control to
select a lower gear ratio.
NOTE: Using a lower gear ratio while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading 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 transmission fluid and filter as specified
for
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. Refer to
the Maintenance Schedule for the proper maintenance
intervals.
AutoStick
When using the AutoStick shift control, select the high-
est gear that allows for adequate performance and avoids
frequent downshifts. For example, choose 4if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose 3or2 if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at high
RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed when
grade or road conditions allow.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 477

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

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission AutomaticTransmission
Flat Tow None
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOKOK
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
may be recreationally towed (flat towed) at any legal
highway speed, for any distance, if the manual trans-
mission is in NEUTRAL position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 479

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a
second time to turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 483

Mileage Or Time Passed
(Whichever Comes First) 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 130,000 140,000 150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers: 32,000 48,000 64,000 80,000 96,000 112,000 128,000 144,000 160,000 176,000 192,000 208,000 224,000 240,000
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change the transmission fluid
(manual or automatic 1.4L
turbo engine only) if using
your vehicle for any of the
following: trailer towing, heavy
loading, taxi, police, delivery
service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or
more than 50% of your driving
is at sustained speeds during
hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C). XXX
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 567

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