2016 DODGE DART engine

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers. NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-
installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be con-
sidered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the
“Tire nd Loading Information Placard” in “Tire Safety
Information” for the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 519

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to the brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
(Continued)
520 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 525

AutoStick
When using the AutoStick shift control, select the highest
gear that allows for adequate performance and avoids
frequent downshifts. For example, choose4if 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.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed. •
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
526 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground Manual Transmis-
sion 1.4L Turbo Engine
With Automatic Transmission (DDCT) 2.0L/2.4L Engine
With Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NoneTransmission in
NEUTRAL Transmission in
NEUTRAL NOT AL-
LOWED
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT AL-
LOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT AL-
LOWED
On Trailer AllOK OKOK
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 527

CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any 2.0L or 2.4L engine vehicle
equipped with an automatic transmission. Damage
to the drivetrain will result. If these vehicles re-
quire towing, make sure all the wheels are OFF the
ground.
• Do not dolly tow this vehicle. Use of a towing dolly
can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
528 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...........531
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............531
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .532
▫ Torque Specifications ..................532
 TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED .........534
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage .................534
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And Operation . .534
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .........535
▫ Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit ........538
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ..........544
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage — If
Equipped .......................... .544
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................546
▫ Jacking And Changing A Tire .............547
▫ Road Tire Installation ...................553
 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ...........555
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............556
▫ Jump Starting Procedure ................557
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............559
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the 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.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 531