2014 DODGE DART clutch

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:Engagement of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited at very cold temperatures. Because the engine
speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting
into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. The torque
converter clutch will function normally once the trans-
mission is sufficiently warm.AUTOSTICK®
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This
system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, and many other situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the AutoStick® position (beside
the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and
rearward. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the shift lever
forward (-) triggers a downshift and rearward (+) an
upshift. The current gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster. In AutoStick® mode, the transmission will shift
up or down when the driver moves the shift lever
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 437

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 occurs while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive 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 trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for severe usage
(police, fleet, taxi, or frequent trailer towing). Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule
for the proper maintenance in-
tervals.
AutoStick®
When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the
highest 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.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 513

NOTE:1.4L Turbo automatic transmission vehicles can-
not be rocked in this manner, because the transmission
will not allow shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE while
the wheels are turning.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle. NOTE:
Press the ESC off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “partial off” mode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the ESC off
switch again to restore ESC on mode.CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
548 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Shift Lever Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission
out of PARK for loading onto a flatbed truck.
Manual Transmission
•The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
• Manual transmission vehicles can also be flat towed
(all four wheels on the ground) with the transmission
in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition
is related to the clutch, transmission or driveline.
Additional damage to the drivetrain could result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe engine, transmission,
or drivetrain damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 553

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as thebrake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
584 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall clutch
system performance. Improper brake fluids may dam-
age the clutch system resulting in loss of clutch func-
tion and the ability to shift the transmission.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality, and will require more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section for
fluid specifications.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
586 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityMaxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F05 40 Amp Orange –Transmission Control Module #1
F06 30 Amp Green –Body Control Module #3
F07 40 Amp Orange –EBL RLY Coil, Blower Motor RLY Coil
F09 –5 Amp Tan Radiator Fan
F10 –10 Amp Red ORC
F11 –20 Amp Yellow Run/Start, Engine Control Module
F14 –15 Amp Blue Transmission Control Module #2
F15 –15 Amp Blue Transmission Control Module #3
F16 –15 Amp Blue Engine Control Module, Ignition Coils
F17 –15 Amp Blue Brake System Module
F18 –20 Amp Yellow Engine Control Module
F19 –10 Amp Red A/C Compressor Clutch
F20 –30 Amp Green Rear Defroster (EBL)
F21 –20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
F22 –10 Amp Red Occupant Restraint Controller
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 599

Clock................................. .367
Clutch .................................584
Clutch Fluid ............................ .584
Coin Holder ............................ .292
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............389
Compact Disc (CD) Player ...................379
Compact Spare Tire ........................475
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .328
Connector UCI................................ .380
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........380
Console, Floor .......................... .292
Console, Overhead ........................272
Contract, Service ..........................625
Coolant (Antifreeze) .......................608
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........581
Cooling System .......................... .578
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............580
Coolant Level ..........................578 Disposal of Used Coolant
.................582
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................578
Inspection ............................582
Points to Remember .....................582
Pressure Cap ..........................581
Radiator Cap ..........................581
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............579
Corrosion Protection .......................589
Cruise Light ............................ .320
Cupholders ............................ .290
Customer Assistance .......................623
Data Recorder, Event .......................83
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights .............244
Daytime Running Lights ....................239
Dealer Service ............................563
Deck Lid, Emergency Release .................47
Deck Lid, Power Release .....................45
Defr oster

, Rear Window .....................300
10
INDEX 635