2013 DODGE DART tow

25. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer. 26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several of your
typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require towing.
294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the
light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295

•Trans. Hot Stop Safely Shift to Park Wait to Cool
•Transmission Cool Ready to Drive
•Service Transmission
•Service Shifter
•Engage Park Brake to Prevent Rolling
•Transmission Too cold Idle with Engine On
•Washer Fluid Low
The Reconfigurable Telltales section is divided into the
white telltales area on the right, amber telltales in the
middle, and red telltales on the left.
EVIC Amber Telltales
This area will show reconfigurable amber caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
•Low Fuel Telltale When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.5 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
•Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale – If
Equipped This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
312 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Charging System TelltaleThis telltale shows the status of the electrical
charging system. If the telltale stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-
essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at
idle). If the charging system telltale remains on, it means
that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See
an authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Telltale This telltale informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If the
telltale comes on while driving, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized dealer. If a problem is detected, the telltale will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The telltale should turn off.
If the telltale remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the telltale
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service
is required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.•Engine Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this telltale will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
314 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser located in front of the radiator for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
4. Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A light
will illuminate when the Air Conditioning system is
engaged. Rotating the dial left into the blue area of the
scale indicates cooler temperatures, while rotating right
into the red area indicates warmer temperatures.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
•MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation
buttons at the same time.
•ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature
and select only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor modes.
5. Mode Control (Air Direction)
Rotate this control to choose from several patterns of air
distribution. You can select either a primary mode as
identified by the symbols on the control, or a blend of
two of these modes. The closer the setting is to a
particular symbol, the more air distribution you receive
from that mode.
•Panel Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 363

▫Reformulated Gasoline ................ 458
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 458
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 459
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 460
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 460
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 460
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 461
 Adding Fuel ......................... 462
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 462
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 464
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 465
Trailer Towing ........................ 467
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 467
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 469
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 470
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 470
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 472
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 477
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 479
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ 479
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
Shift Lever
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
To maximize fuel economy, the Dual Dry Clutch auto-
matic transmission uses a geartrain arrangement similar
to a manual transmission. Therefore, you should become
familiar with some of the normal operational character-
istics of the DDCT:
•During low-speed driving conditions in first gear,
vehicle momentum changes may feel exaggerated in
response to changes in accelerator pedal position. This
behavior is normal and is similar to vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission.
394 STARTING AND OPERATING