2013 DODGE DART towing

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 479

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 483
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 483
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 484
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage ........ 485
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 486
▫ Jacking And Changing A Tire ............ 487
▫ Road Tire Installation ................. 492
 TIREFIT Kit — If Equipped .............. 495
▫ TIREFIT Storage ..................... 495 ▫
TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation . . . 496
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions ............. 497
▫ Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT ............ 500
 Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 505
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 506
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 507
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 509
 Shift Lever Override ................... 511
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 513
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
NOTE:This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Towing Condition WheelsOFF The GroundAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWEDTrans in NEUTRAL
Dolly Tow Rear
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission vehicles can be towed with the
front wheels elevated, or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheels OFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 513

Manual Transmission
•
Manual transmission vehicles can be flat towed (all
four wheels on the ground) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL.
•Manual transmission vehicles can also be towed with
the front wheels elevated, or on a flatbed truck (all
four wheelsOFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition is
related to a clutch, transmission or driveline compo-
nent. Damage to the drivetrain could result.
All Transmissions
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position. If the key fob is unavailable, or the battery is discharged,
see “Shift Lever Override” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for instructions on shifting the automatic transmis-
sion out of PARK for towing.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling-type equipment when towing.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
514 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
536 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality. Using a transmission
fluid other than the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid will require more frequent fluid changes. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Routine fluid level checks are not required. However, if
you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
fluid level checked. Operation with an improper fluid
level can greatly reduce the life of your transmission.
Transmission Fluid Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is used for
frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi, etc., change the
fluid as indicated in the Maintenance Schedule. Refer to
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 545

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