2015 DODGE DART service indicator

Yaw control, traction control, and trailer sway control. If
the lamp remains solid under normal driving conditions,
your vehicle should be serviced at an authorized dealer.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when the Traction Control System (TCS) or trailer
sway is active. If the “ESC Activation/ Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESC system may make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
ESC Off Indicator Light
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off.
In some cases, when accelerating from stop on steep
grades, it may be beneficial to turn off ESC. Once the
grade ascent is complete, ESC can be turned on again.
464 STARTING AND OPERATING

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16” (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
•Distance driven
•Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
486 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a#clicking#sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
568 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do
not crank or start the engine.
NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
•Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
622 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Passing..............................243
Reading..............................243
Seat Belt Reminder......................312
Security Alarm.........................315
Service...............................611
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .318
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............308
Traction Control........................464
Turn Signal............................114
Vanity Mirror..........................125
Voltage..............................317
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......308
Loading Vehicle..........................508
Capacities............................509
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..471
Locks..................................34
Automatic Door.........................36
Auto Unlock...........................36
Child Protection.........................37
Door.................................34
Power Door............................35
Lubrication, Body.........................580
Lug Nuts...............................528
Maintenance Free Battery....................576
Maintenance Procedures....................571
Maintenance Schedule......................622
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......318
Manual, Service..........................636
Manual Transmission......................417
Fluid Level Check.......................595
Frequency of Fluid Change................595
Lubricant Selection......................595
Shift Speeds...........................418
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................591
Methanol...............................501
Mini-Trip Computer.......................326
Mirrors................................12110
INDEX 651

Security Alarm
Arm The System........................20
Rearming The System.....................20
Security Alarm..........................20
Tamper Alert...........................22
Selection of Oil...........................573
SENTRY KEY®
FCC General Information..................19
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)....................17
Sentry Key Programming....................19
Sentry Key Replacement.....................18
Service Assistance.........................631
Service Contract..........................633
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . .318
Service Manuals..........................636
Setting the Clock..........................367
Shifting
Manual Transmission....................417
Shift Lever Override.......................556
Short Message Service (SMS).................164
Shoulder Belts............................52
Side View Mirror Adjustment.................122
Signals, Turn.............................114
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)...................488
Snow Tires..............................481
Spare Tire...............................483
Spark Plugs.............................616
Specifications
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..573
Speed Control (Cruise Control)................253
Speedometer.............................314
Starting.................................30
Automatic Transmission..................412
Engine Fails to Start.....................415
Manual Transmission.....................411
Remote...............................30
Starting Procedures........................411
656 INDEX

Life of Tires...........................486
Load Capacity.........................471
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............491
Pressure Warning Light...................308
Quality Grading........................637
Radial...............................479
Replacement...........................487
Rotation..............................490
Safety...............................465
Sizes................................466
Snow Tires............................481
Spare Tire.............................540
Spinning.............................485
Tread Wear Indicators....................485
Tire Safety Information.....................465
Tire Service Kit...........................530
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................515
To Open Hood...........................234
Towing................................510
24-Hour Towing Assistance................150
Disabled Vehicle........................559
Guide...............................514
Recreational...........................523
Weight...............................514
Towing Assistance.........................150
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........523
Traction................................445
Traction Control..........................456
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................457
Trailer Towing...........................510
Cooling System Tips.....................522
Hitches..............................513
Minimum Requirements..................516
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................515
Wiring...............................520
Trailer Towing Guide.......................514
Trailer Weight............................514
658 INDEX