2016 DODGE DART tow

Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting And Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting And Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting And Operating” for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
522 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 523

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 525

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

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................561
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........563
▫ 2.0L / 2.4L Automatic Transmission .........565▫
Manual Transmission Or 1.4L Turbo Automatic
(DDCT) Transmission ...................566
530 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the
vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough off the
road to avoid the danger of being hit when using
the Tire Service Kit.
• Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the vehicle
under the following circumstances:
– If the puncture in the tire tread is approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or larger.
– If the tire has any sidewall damage.
– If the tire has any damage from driving with extremely low tire pressure.
– If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat tire.
– If the wheel has any damage.
– If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or the wheel.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Keep Tire Service Kit away from open flames or
heat source.
• A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants
of the vehicle. Always stow the Tire Service Kit in
the place provided. Failure to follow these warn-
ings can result in injuries that are serious or fatal to
you, your passengers, and others around you.
• Take care not to allow the contents of Tire Service
Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes, or clothing.
Tire Service Kit sealant is harmful if inhaled,
swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. It causes
skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Flush immedi-
ately with plenty of water if there is any contact
with eyes or skin. Change clothing as soon as
possible, if there is any contact with clothing.
(Continued)
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 537