2013 DODGE DART tow

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

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

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
6

WARNING! (Continued)
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is
on a jack.
•The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only. The jack should not be used to
lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm level surface only.
Avoid ice or slippery areas.
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage
The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an access
cover in the trunk. Follow these steps to access the jack
and spare tire.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
Opening The Access Panel
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 485

3. Remove the fastener securing the jack and spare tire.
4. Remove the scissors jack and wheel bolt wrench from
the spare wheel as an assembly. Turn the jack screw to the
left to loosen the wheel bolt wrench, and remove the
wrench from the jack assembly.
5. Remove the spare tire.WARNING!
•A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare
tire in the places provided.
•Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or slippery
areas.
Jack and Spare Tire Fastener
486 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:
•For vehicles so equipped, do not attempt to install a
center cap or wheel cover on the compact spare.
•Refer to “Compact Spare Tire” and to “Limited-Use
Spare” under “Tires—General Information” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for additional warnings, cautions,
and information about the spare tire, its use, and
operation.
8. Install the wheel bolts with the threaded end of the
wheel bolt toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the wheel
bolts.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the wheel bolts fully until the vehicle
has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.Mounting Spare Tire6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 491

10. Finish tightening the wheel bolts. Push down on the
wrench while at the end of the handle for increased
leverage. Tighten the wheel bolts in a star pattern until
each wheel bolt has been tightened twice. The correct
tightness of each wheel bolt is 95 ft/lb. (128 N·m). If in
doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.
11. Stow the jack, tools and flat tire. Install the jack with
the base facing the front of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.WARNING!
•A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare
tire in the places provided.
•Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately.
Road Tire Installation
Vehicles Equipped With Wheel Covers
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. To ease the installation process for steel wheels with
wheel covers, install two wheel bolts on the wheel which
are on each side of the valve stem. Install the wheel bolts
with the threaded end of the bolt toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the wheel bolts.
492 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

3. Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with the
valve stem on the wheel. Install the cover by hand,
snapping the cover over the two wheel bolts. Do not use
a hammer or excessive force to install the cover.
4. Install the remaining wheel bolts with the threaded
end of the wheel bolt toward the wheel. Lightly tighten
the wheel bolts.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the wheel bolts fully until the vehicle
has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
Tire And Wheel Cover Or Center Cap
1 — Valve Stem 4 — Wheel Cover
2 — Valve Notch 5 — Road Wheel
3 — Wheel bolt
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 493