2014 DODGE DART towing

Certain conditions, such as poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several of your
typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
EquippedThis light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the
light turns off.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319

•Autostick Unavailable Service Required
• Automatic Unavailable Use Autostick Service Req.
• Transmission Getting Hot Press Brake
• Trans. Hot Stop Safely Shift to Park Wait to Cool
• Transmission Cool Ready to Drive
• Service Transmission
• Service Shifter
• Engage Park Brake to Prevent Rolling
• Transmission Too Cold Idle With Engine On
• Washer Fluid Low
The Reconfigurable Telltales section is divided into the
white telltales area on the right, amber telltales in the
middle, and red telltales on the left.EVIC Amber Telltales
This area will show reconfigurable amber caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
• Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.5 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
• Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale — If
Equipped
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 337

•Charging System Telltale
This telltale shows the status of the electrical
charging system. If the telltale stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-
essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at
idle). If the charging system telltale remains on, it means
that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See
an authorized dealer.
• If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”. •
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Telltale
This telltale informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If the
telltale comes on while driving, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized dealer.
•
If a problem is detected, the telltale will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The telltale should turn off.
• If the telltale remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the
telltale is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required. You may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall
and your vehicle may require towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 339

▫Materials Added To Fuel ................495
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................495
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............496
 ADDING FUEL ........................497
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............497
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................500
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............500
 TRAILER TOWING .....................502
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............502▫
Trailer Hitch Classification ...............505
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings) .................506
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............506
▫ Towing Requirements ..................507
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .513
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................515
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .515
408 STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
424 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
third, and fourth gears, direct fifth gear and overdrive
sixth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift
control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
434 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an excessively
swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once the exces-
sively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC is function-
ing, the “ESC Light” will flash, the engine power will be
reduced, and you will feel the brake being applied to
individual wheels in an attempt to stop the trailer from
swaying.
NOTE:The TSC is disabled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
• TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Refer to ”Vehicle
Loading” and “Trailer Towing” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
• Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain
the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short
period of time after the driver takes their foot off of the
brake pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle
during this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The
system will release brake pressure in proportion to the
amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in
the intended direction of travel.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 451

HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 3% (manual transmission), 3.5%
(automated manual transmission), or 8% grade or
greater (automatic transmission) hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears when
the activation criteria have been met. The system will not
activate if the vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a loaded
vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system
will not activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle or object.
Always remember the driver is responsible for brak-
ing the vehicle.
Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 453