2013 DODGE DART trailer

WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 475

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 477

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

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

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

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

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
Change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter (2.0L,
2.4L engines only) if you fre-
quently drive: on rough or un-
paved roads, on mountain
roads, on short trips, in heavy
city traffic during hot weather,
or while towing a trailer, or if
you use the vehicle for police,
taxi, or in a commercial fleet. XX
Inspect and replace PCV
valve if necessary. X
Replace the timing belt (1.4L
Turbo Engine). X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
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S568 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 409
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 483
Head Restraints ......................... 205
Head Rests ............................ 205
Headlights ............................ 557
Automatic ......................... 212
Cleaning ........................... 550
Delay ............................. 212
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 217
Lights On Reminder .................. 214
On With Wipers ................... 212,222
Passing ............................ 217
Switch ............................ 211
Time Delay ......................... 212
Heated Mirrors ......................... 108
Heated Seats ........................... 202
Heater ............................... 361 Heater, Engine Block
..................... 383
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 217
Hill Start Assist ......................... 420
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 469
Holder, Coin ........................... 268
Holder, Cup ........................... 265
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 249
Ignition Key ............................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 23
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 19
Infant Restraint ........................ 83,84
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 297
Inside Rearview Mirror ................... 105
Instrument Cluster .................... 281,284
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 280
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 551
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INDEX 589