2023 DODGE HORNET warning

156SAFETY
(Continued)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability of the
vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for
oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract these
conditions. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
 Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer
or understeer condition. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light located in
the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light also flashes when the TCS 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.
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving conditions.
Alternate ESC modes should only be used for specific
reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions
and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel
lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel
lift or rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

WARNING!

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro -
planing. ESC also cannot prevent accidents resulting
from loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabil -
ities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
 Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain
your vehicle, may change the handling characteris -
tics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect the
performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance that
reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING!

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SAFETY157
Full Off
To enter the “Full Off” mode, push the Sport Mode button
and then hold the ESC OFF button for two seconds while
the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After two
seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC OFF Indicator Light
will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF” message will display in
the instrument cluster. To turn ESC on again, momentarily
push the ESC OFF button.ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON mode. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (km) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
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 Traction Control System (TCS) 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.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
customer has elected to have the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) in a reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and the
ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each
time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
 Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN posi -
tion, the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off
previously.
 The ESC system will 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.
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) —
If Equipped
The ESS activates the hazard lights at a faster than normal
speed when heavy brake pressure is applied. ESS will only
activate when the speed is above 31 mph (50 km/h). The
ESS operates independently of other lamps, and will turn
on and off automatically. This indicates to others that the
vehicle is stopping quickly.
NOTE:
A warning light will illuminate within the instrument
cluster to inform the driver that the ESS feature has
been activated.
 When towing a trailer, ESS will also activate the rear
indicator lights of the trailer.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque reduc -
tion and stability features are disabled. Therefore,
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver,
the ESC system will not engage to assist in main -
taining stability. ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.
 With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an
emergency evasive maneuver, the ESC system
will not engage to assist in maintaining stability.
ESC “Full Off” mode is only intended for off-highway
or off-road use.
 The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions.
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158SAFETY
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a complete stop
while on an incline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake
pressure for a short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill as
normal.
The following conditions must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
The feature must be enabled.
 The vehicle must be stopped.
 The parking brake must be off.
 The driver’s door must be closed.
 The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
 The gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
 HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears.
The system will not activate if the transmission is in
PARK or NEUTRAL.
Rain Brake Support (RBS)
RBS may improve braking performance in wet conditions.
It will periodically apply a small amount of brake pressure
to remove any water buildup on the front brake rotors.
It functions when the windshield wipers are in LO or
HI speed. When Rain Brake Support is active, there is
no notification to the driver and no driver interaction
is required.
Ready Alert Braking (RAB)
RAB may reduce the time required to reach full braking
during emergency braking situations. It anticipates when
an emergency braking situation may occur by monitoring
how fast the throttle is released by the driver. The
Electronic Brake Controller (EBC) system will prepare
the brake system for a panic stop.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin for each of the
driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may apply
brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce
vehicle power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD) functions similarly to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will
allow more vehicle torque to be applied to the wheel that
is not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS and
ESC are in reduced modes.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) will not activate and slight rolling may occur, such
as on minor hills or with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer. HSA is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people, and
objects, and most importantly brake operation to
ensure safe operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always required
while driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a collision
or serious personal injury.

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SAFETY159
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The BSM system uses two radar sensors, located inside
the rear fascia/bumper, to detect highway licensable
vehicles (automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) that
enter the blind spot zones from the rear/front/side of
the vehicle.

Rear Detection Zones

When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light will
momentarily illuminate in both outside rearview mirrors to
let the driver know that the system is operational. The
BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle is in any
forward gear and enters standby mode when the vehicle is
in PARK. The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
width, 12 ft (3.8 m), on both sides of the vehicle.
The zone length starts at the outside mirror and extends
approximately 10 ft (3 m) beyond the rear fascia/bumper
of the vehicle. The BSM system 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
detection zones.
 The BSM system will automatically disable when a
trailer is detected. If the attached trailer is not
detected, the system detection zone DOES NOT
change. 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. It may be necessary to deactivate the
BSM system manually to avoid misdetection
Úpage 130. The BSM system can become blocked if snow, ice, mud, or
other road contaminations accumulate on the rear fascia/
bumper where the radar sensors are located. The system
may also detect blockage if the vehicle is operated in
areas with extremely low radar returns such as a desert or
parallel to a large elevation drop. If blockage is detected,
a “Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, Sensor Blocked”
message will display in the cluster, both mirror lights will
illuminate, and BSM and RCP alerts will not occur. This is
normal operation. The system will automatically recover
and resume function when the condition clears or when
an ignition cycle occurs. To minimize system blockage, do
not block the area of the rear fascia/bumper where the
radar sensors are located with foreign objects (bumper
stickers, bicycle racks, etc.) and keep it clear of road
contaminations.

Radar Sensor Location (Driver Side Shown)

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160SAFETY
The BSM system will provide a visual alert in the
appropriate side view mirror based on a detected object
when enabled. If the turn signal is then activated, and it
corresponds to an alert present on that side of the vehicle,
an audible chime will also be sounded when chimes are
enabled. In addition to the audible alert the radio (if on)
will also be muted during the chime event
Úpage 162.

Warning Light Location

As part of the Lane Keep Assist system, if the vehicle
begins to drift into an adjacent lane that has an active LED
indication, the LED will flash if steering torque is provided
to guide the vehicle back to the center of the lane
Úpage 113. The BSM system monitors the detection zone from three
different entry points (side, rear, front) while driving to see
if an alert is necessary. The BSM system will issue an alert
during these types of zone entries.
Entering From The Side
Vehicles that move into your adjacent lanes from either
side of the vehicle.

Side Monitoring

Entering From The Rear
Vehicles that come up from behind your vehicle on either
side and enter the rear detection zone with a relative
speed of less than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Rear Monitoring

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SAFETY161
Overtaking Traffic
If you pass another vehicle slowly with a relative speed
less than 10 mph (16 km/h), the warning light will be
illuminated. If the difference in speed between the two
vehicles is greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), the warning light may not illuminate.

Overtaking/Approaching
Overtaking/Passing

The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert on
stationary objects such as guardrails, posts, walls, foliage,
berms, etc. However, occasionally the system may alert on
such objects. This is normal operation and your vehicle
does not require service.
The BSM system will not alert you of objects that are
traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle in
adjacent lanes
Úpage 275.

Opposing Traffic

Rear Cross Path (RCP)
RCP is intended to aid the driver when backing out of
parking spaces where their vision of oncoming vehicles
may be blocked. Proceed slowly and cautiously out of the
parking space until the rear end of the vehicle is exposed.
The RCP system will then have a clear view of the cross
traffic and if an oncoming vehicle is detected, alert the
driver.

RCP Detection Zones

RCP monitors the rear detection zones on both sides of
the vehicle, for objects that are moving toward the side of
the vehicle with a minimum speed of approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h), to objects moving a maximum of approximately
20 mph (32 km/h), such as in parking lot situations.When RCP is on and the vehicle is in REVERSE (R), the
driver is alerted using both the visual and audible alarms,
including reducing the radio volume anytime the system is
enabled regardless of the chime setting.WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid to help
detect objects in the blind spot zones. The BSM system
is not designed to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or
animals. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the BSM
system, always check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance
over your shoulder, and use your turn signal before
changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.
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162SAFETY
NOTE:In a parking lot situation, oncoming vehicles can be
blocked by vehicles parked on either side. If the sensors
are blocked by other structures or vehicles, the system will
not be able to alert the driver.
Blind Spot Modes
Blind Spot Alert has three selectable modes of operation
that are available in the Uconnect system.
Blind Spot Alert Lights Only (Default Setting)
When operating in Lights Only mode, the BSM system will
provide a visual alert in the appropriate side view mirror
based on a detected object. However, when the system is
operating in Rear Cross Path (RCP) mode, the system will
respond with both visual and audible alerts when a
detected object is present. Whenever an audible alert is
requested, the radio is muted for the duration of the
chime. Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime
When operating in Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime mode,
the BSM system will provide a visual alert in the
appropriate side view mirror based on a detected object.
If the turn signal is then activated, and it corresponds to
an alert present on that side of the vehicle, an audible
chime will also be sounded. Whenever a turn signal and
detected object are present on the same side at the same
time, both the visual and audible alerts will be issued. In
addition to the audible alert the radio (if on) will also be
muted.
When the system is in RCP, the system shall respond with
both visual and audible alerts when a detected object is
present. Whenever an audible alert is requested, the radio
volume is reduced. Turn/hazard signal status is ignored;
the RCP state always requests the chime.
Blind Spot Alert Off
When the BSM system is turned off, there will be no visual
or audible alerts from either the BSM or RCP systems.NOTE:The BSM system will store the current operating mode
when the vehicle is shut off. Each time the vehicle is
started the previously stored mode will be recalled and
used.
Blocked Sensor
If the system detects degraded performance due to
contamination or foreign objects, a message will warn you
of a blocked sensor and the warning indicators in side
view mirrors will be illuminated. The warning indicators will
remain illuminated until blockage clearing conditions are
met. First clear the fascia/bumper area around the sensors of the blockage. After removing the blockage,
reset the system by cycling the ignition from ON to OFF and
then back ON.
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
W
ITH MITIGATION — IF EQUIPPED
FCW with Mitigation provides the driver with audible
warnings, visual warnings (within the instrument cluster
display), and may apply a brake jerk to warn the driver
when it detects a potential frontal collision. The warnings
and limited braking are intended to provide the driver with
enough time to react, avoid or mitigate the potential
collision.
NOTE:FCW monitors the information from the forward looking
sensors/cameras as well as the Electronic Brake
Controller (EBC), to calculate the probability of a forward
collision. When the system determines that a forward
collision is probable, the driver will be provided with
audible and visual warnings and may provide a brake jerk
warning.
If the driver does not take action based upon these
progressive warnings, then the system will provide a
limited level of active braking to help slow the vehicle and
mitigate the potential forward collision. If the driver reacts
to the warnings by braking and the system determines
that the driver intends to avoid the collision by braking but
has not applied sufficient brake force, the system will
compensate and provide additional brake force as
required.
WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a backup aid
system. It is intended to be used to help a driver detect
an oncoming vehicle in a parking lot situation. Drivers
must be careful when backing up, even when using
RCP. Always check carefully behind your vehicle, look
behind you, and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots
before backing up. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.

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SAFETY163
If a Forward Collision Warning with Mitigation event begins
at a speed below 39 mph (62 km/h), the system may
provide the maximum braking possible to mitigate the
potential forward collision. If the Forward Collision
Warning with Mitigation event stops the vehicle
completely, the system will hold the vehicle at standstill for
two seconds and then release the brakes.

FCW Message

When the system determines a collision with the vehicle in
front of you is no longer probable, the warning message
will be deactivated
Úpage 275.
NOTE:
 The minimum speed for FCW activation is 3mph
(5 km/h).
 The FCW alerts may be triggered on objects other than
vehicles such as guardrails or sign posts based on the
course prediction. This is expected and is a part of
normal FCW activation and functionality. 
It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To prevent such
misuse of the system, after four Active Braking events
within a key cycle, the Active Braking portion of FCW will
be deactivated until the next key cycle.
 The FCW system is intended for on-road use only. If the
vehicle is taken off-road, the FCW system should be
deactivated to prevent unnecessary warnings to the
surroundings.
 The FCW system can become temporarily inoperative
due to heavy rain, sun rays, snow, ice, mud, or other
road contaminations accumulate on the front fascia/
bumper where the camera is located. If blockage is
detected, a “FCW Unavailability Due To Camera Blind -
ness” message will display in the cluster and FCW will
not function as intended. If a second occurance
happens within the same key cycle, a FCW telltail light
will illuminate only. This is normal operation. The
system will automatically recover and resume function
when the condition clears.
FCW Settings
The Forward Collision menu setting is located in the
Uconnect Settings Úpage 130.
NOTE:The default status of FCW is “Full On,” this allows the
system to provide warning and autonomous braking in the
event of a potential frontal collision.
Changing the FCW status to “Only Warning” prevents the
system from providing autonomous braking, or additional
brake support if the driver is not braking adequately in the
event of a potential frontal collision.
Changing the FCW status to “Off” deactivates the system,
so no warning or autonomous braking will be available in
case of a possible collision.
NOTE:The FCW system state is kept in memory from one ignition
cycle to the next. If the system is turned off, it will remain
off when the vehicle is restarted.
Changing FCW Sensitivity And Operating
Status
The FCW Sensitivity and Active Braking status are
programmable through the Uconnect system
Úpage 130.
The default sensitivity of FCW is the “Medium” setting and
the system status is “Warning & Braking”. This allows the
system to warn the driver of a possible collision with the
vehicle in front using audible/visual warnings and it
applies autonomous braking.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not intended to
avoid a collision on its own, nor can FCW detect every
type of potential collision. The driver has the
responsibility to avoid a collision by controlling the
vehicle via braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.
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