2014 DODGE DART trailer

The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
on both sides of the vehicle (12 ft or 3.8 m). The zone
starts at the outside rear view mirror and extends ap-
proximately 23 ft (7 m) to the rear of the vehicle. The BSMsystem monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the driver of
vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
•
The BSM system does NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the de-
tection zones.
• The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT change if
your vehicle is towing a trailer. Therefore, visually
verify the adjacent lane is clear for both your vehicle
and trailer before making a lane change. If the trailer or
other object (i.e., bicycle, sports equipment) extends
beyond the side of your vehicle, this may result in the
BSM warning light remaining illuminated the entire
time the vehicle is in a forward gear.
BSM Warning Light
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125

Cleaning The ParkSense® System
Clean the ParkSense® sensors with water, car wash soap
and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not
scratch or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the sensors.
ParkSense® System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
•
Ensure that the outer surface and the underside of the
rear bumper is clean and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or
other obstruction to keep the ParkSense® system operat-
ing properly.
•Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense®.
• When you turn ParkSense® off, the EVIC will display
“PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF.” Furthermore, once you
turn ParkSense® off, it remains off until you turn it on
again, even if you cycle the ignition key. •
When you move the shift lever to the REVERSE
position and ParkSense® is turned off, the EVIC will
display the “PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF” message for
as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
•
Clean the ParkSense® sensors regularly, taking care not to
scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be covered
with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do so
can result in the system not working properly. The
ParkSense® system might not detect an obstacle behind
the fascia/bumper, or it could provide a false indication
that an obstacle is behind the fascia/bumper.
• Ensure the ParkSense® system is OFF if objects such as
bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc., are placed within
12 in (30 cm) from the rear fascia/ bumper. Failure to
do so can result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message to be displayed in
the EVIC.
268 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Turn Signal IndicatorsThe arrow will flash with the exterior turn
signal when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on, a
continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” 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 the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
310 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
4
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 337

▫Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
(2.0L And 2.4L Engine Only — 6F24) ........430
 AUTOSTICK® ........................ .437
▫ Operation .......................... .437
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........439
▫ Acceleration ........................ .439
▫ Traction ............................440
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............440
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................440
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................441
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .442
 POWER STEERING .....................445 
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .446
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............446
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............449
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............449
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........450
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............451
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................451
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........455
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............458
▫ Tire Markings ........................458
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........461
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........463
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........464
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫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

Shifting
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
You should always use first gear when starting from a
standing position.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
All Engines Engine Speeds 2 to 3 3 to 44 to 5 5 to 6
Accel. 24 (39)34 (55)47 (76) 56 (90)
Cruise 19 (31)27 (43)37 (60) 41 (66)
Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to
avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 415