2013 DODGE DART User Guide

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
RATINGS)
NOTE:
Trailer towing is not recommended for the 1.4L turbo engine.
Engine/
Transmission Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
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 Operat-
ing” for further information.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the GroundManual Transmission Automatic Trans-
mission
Flat Tow None• Transmission in
NEUTRAL NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK
OK
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 transmission is in the
NEUTRAL position.
UTILITY
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian Resi-dents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and your loca- tion, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we will
contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continu-
ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you
drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni- toring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLAC-
ARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NOTE:
AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
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• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate whenthe system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction
exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS mal-
function telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is 32°F
(0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant.
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BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake
System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally
and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest authorized dealer immediately and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance,
an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
• Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Due” message will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds after a single
chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval
may fluctuate, dependent upon your personal driving style
• Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position or cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position if equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go™. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the MENU
button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled main-
tenance) refer to the following procedure.
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Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not startthe engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
3. Cycle the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
• Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by takingthe appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase 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 to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Vehicles with base cluster
• Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads H (hot), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on H (hot), turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
Vehicles with premium cluster
• Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range
200–230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C) or greater and you hear
a chime, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
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.
3. Remove the fastener securing the jack and spare tire.
4. Remove the scissors jack and wheel boltwrench from the spare wheel as an as-
sembly. Turn the jack screw to the left to
loosen the wheel bolt wrench, and re-
move the wrench from the jack assembly.
5. Remove the spare tire.
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