2016 DODGE DART check engine

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze).
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the “MAX” and “MIN” lines marked on the bottle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 595

As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. •
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
•
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
596 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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 the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 597

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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your
authorized dealer immediately to have the fluid level
600 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change engine oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 629

Tamper Alert...........................22
Vehicle Security Alarm ....................20
Alarm, Panic .......................... .22, 26
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..................20, 310
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................20
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........592, 622, 623
Capacities ........................... .622
Disposal ............................. .595
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................456
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................322
Appearance Care ........................ .602
Assistance Towing ........................ .149
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .459
Auto Down Power Windows ..................44
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................121
Automatic Door Locks ....................35, 36
Automatic Headlights ..................... .235
Automatic High Beams .....................236 Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
..........406
Automatic Transmission .................425, 599
Adding Fluid ......................... .600
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................601
Fluid Level Check ...................... .600
Fluid Type ........................ .599, 625
Gear Ranges ...................... .430, 440
Special Additives ...................... .600
Autostick .............................. .446
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................36
Auto Up Power Windows ....................45
Battery ............................ .312, 583
Charging System Light ...................312
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Belts, Seat ...............................110
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio
Device After Pairing .....................174
10
INDEX 647

Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the Uconnect
Phone And Mobile Phone.................189
Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone . .170
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................587
B-Pillar Location ......................... .476
Brake Assist System ...................... .459
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............456
Brake Fluid ............................ .625
Brake, Parking .......................... .451
Brakes ................................ .454
Brake System ........................ .454, 597
Master Cylinder ....................... .597
Warning Light ........................ .308
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................428
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................241
Bulb Replacement ..................... .616, 618
Bulbs, Light ..........................113,616
Camera, Rear ........................... .266Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
......622, 623
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .622
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .509
Oil (Engine) .................572, 573, 580, 581
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................595
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............109, 509
Cargo Area Features ...................... .291
Cargo Compartment ...................... .291
Car Washes ............................ .602
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...................383
Cellular Phone .......................... .135
Chains, Tire ............................ .493
Change Oil Indicator ...................338, 353
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .544
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .471
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .575
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............108
Checks, Safety .......................... .108
648 INDEX

DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .449
Electrical Power Outlets .....................282
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................294
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................123
Electronic Brake Control System ...............456
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................456
Traction Control System ...................462
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........250
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............463
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........314
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . .266, 329
Emergency Brake ........................ .451
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................48
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................559
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................531 Jacking
.............................. .544
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Overheating .......................... .531
Towing ............................. .563
Emergency Trunk Release ....................48
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........575
Engine ............................. .572, 573
Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Block Heater ......................... .420
Break-In Recommendations ................107
Checking Oil Level ..................... .578
Compartment ......................... .571
Cooling ............................. .591
Exhaust Gas Caution .................109, 509
Fuel Requirements ..................... .504
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Oil .......................... .578, 622, 623
Oil Filler Cap ................572, 573, 580, 581
Oil Filter ............................ .581
10
INDEX 651