2023 DODGE HORNET service

50GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, make sure the engine cooling system is
functioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Use of the Air
Recirculation mode during Winter months is not
recommended, because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
For information on maintaining the Climate Control system
when the vehicle is being stored for an extended period of
time, see
Úpage 261.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions, such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the air distribution box, they could plug the water
drains. In Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear
of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The Climate Control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact an authorized dealer to service your
cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
Operating Tips ChartINTERIOR STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT
STORAGE
Glove Compartment
The glove compartment is located on the passenger side
of the instrument panel.

Glove Compartment

To open the glove compartment, pull the release handle.
WEATHER CONTROL SETTINGS
Hot Weather And Vehicle
Interior Is Very Hot Set the mode control to
(Panel Mode),
(MAX A/C) on, and
blower on high. Roll down the windows for a minute to flush out the hot air. Adjust the controls as needed to achieve comfort.
Warm Weather Turn (A/C) on and set
the mode control to
(Panel Mode).
Cool Sunny Operate in (Bi-Level
Mode).
Cool & Humid Conditions Set the mode control to
(Mix Mode) and turn (A/C) on to keep
windows clear.
Cold Weather Set the mode control to
(Floor Mode). If
windshield fogging starts
to occur, move the control
to (Mix Mode).
WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with a glove compartment in
the open position. Driving with the glove compartment
open may result in injury in a collision.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE61
NOTE:
Before closing the liftgate, make sure to be in posses -
sion of the key fob because the liftgate may be locked.
 Use the interior door lock/unlock button on the door
panel or the key fob to lock and unlock the liftgate. The
manual door locks on the doors and the exterior door
lock cylinder will not lock and unlock the liftgate.
 The liftgate will either unlock along with the vehicle
doors, or it will need to be unlocked by pushing the
electronic liftgate release, depending on the selected
setting in the Uconnect system
Úpage 130.

 The power liftgate buttons will not operate if the vehicle
is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h).

 The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures
below −22°F (−30°C) or temperatures above 150°F
(65°C). Be sure to remove any buildup of snow or ice
from the liftgate before pushing any of the power lift -
gate switches.
 If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is
closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed or open position. After multiple
obstructions in the same cycle, the liftgate will auto -
matically stop and must be opened or closed manually.
 There are pinch sensors attached to the side of the lift -
gate. Light pressure anywhere along these strips will
cause the liftgate to return to the open position.
 The power liftgate must be in the full open position in
order for the rear liftgate close button, on the located
on the base of the liftgate, to operate. If the liftgate is
not fully open, push the liftgate button on the key fob to
fully open the liftgate and then push it again to close. 
If the electronic liftgate release handle is pushed a
second time while the power liftgate is opening, the
liftgate motor will disengage to allow manual operation.
 If your liftgate is power closing and you put the vehicle
in gear, the liftgate will continue to power close.
However, vehicle movement may result in the detec -
tion of an obstruction.
 Allow the power system to open the liftgate. Manually
pushing or pulling the liftgate may activate the liftgate
obstacle detection feature and stop the power opera -
tion or reverse its direction.
ADJUSTABLE POWER LIFTGATE HEIGHT
The maximum height that the liftgate will open can be
adjusted and saved so that the liftgate will only open to the
desired height. To set a desired height, proceed as follows:

1. Open the liftgate fully, then manually pull down on the liftgate to the desired height.

2. Push and hold the liftgate close button or the lock button, which are both located on the bottom of
the liftgate, for three seconds. The turn signals will
flash three times to indicate successful activation.
The liftgate is now programmed to open to the set
position.
To set the saved height setting to one of four preset
positions, select the desired setting in Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
Power Liftgate Malfunction Procedure:

1. In the event of a power malfunction to the liftgate, the liftgate can be released by accessing the service
release feature in the latch. This can be done using
a 3 mm diameter screwdriver.

2. From inside the gate, an eyelet can be seen. Place the screwdriver in the eyelet.
3. Rotate the screwdriver handle to actuate the lever and release the latch.
4. If liftgate is left open for an extended period of time, the liftgate may need to be closed manually to reset
power liftgate functionality.
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes.
Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating
the vehicle.
 If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
 During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.
 Personal injury or cargo damage may occur if caught
in the path of the liftgate. Make sure the liftgate path
is clear before activating the liftgate.
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62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED

Hands-Free Liftgate Activation Zone

To open or close the liftgate using hands-free activation,
use a straight in and out kicking motion under the vehicle
activation zone in the general location below the rear
license plate. Do not move your foot sideways or in a
sweeping motion or the sensors may not detect the
motion.
Move your foot under the fascia/bumper, simulating a
kick. When you have completed this movement, withdraw
your leg. To activate the liftgate, both sensors must detect
your leg. If it is closed, the Hands-Free Liftgate unlocks and opens
completely, and with another movement of the foot, it
stops. A further movement of the foot reverses the
direction and closes the liftgate completely, if you do not
stop it again.
If it is open, with a movement of the foot, the Hands-Free
Liftgate closes completely, and with another movement of
the foot, it stops. If the liftgate is stopped, another
movement of the foot will reverse the direction and open
it completely.
NOTE:

To conserve the battery charge, avoid performing this
operation repeatedly with the engine off.

 Opening or closing the Hands-Free Liftgate requires a
valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the door
handle. If a valid Passive Entry key fob is not within 5 ft
(1.5 m), the liftgate will not respond to any kicks.

 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature may be turned on or
off through the Uconnect system
Úpage 130.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature should be turned off
during jacking, tire changing, manual car wash, and
vehicle service. 
The Hands-Free Liftgate feature can be activated by
any metallic object making a similar in-and-out motion
under the rear fascia/bumper, such as cleaning using
a metal broom.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate will only operate when the
transmission is in PARK.
 If anything obstructs the Hands-Free Liftgate while it is
opening or closing, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed/open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.
 There are pinch sensors attached to the side of the lift -
gate opening. Light pressure anywhere along these
strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open posi -
tion.

 If the power liftgate encounters multiple obstructions
within the same cycle, the system will automatically stop.
If this occurs, the liftgate must be operated manually.

 The power liftgate will release, but not power open, in
temperatures below −12°F (−24°C). Be sure to
remove any buildup of snow or ice from the liftgate
before opening the liftgate.
 If the liftgate is left open for an extended period of time
(approximately one hour), the liftgate may need to be
closed manually to reset power liftgate functionality.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71
The battery was recently replaced and was not charged
completely.
 The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on
when the vehicle was parked.
 The battery was used for an extended period with the
engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12 Volts portable appliances like vacuum cleaners,
game consoles and similar devices.
What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
 Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
 Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)
 Check what may be plugged into power outlets
+12 Volts, 150W, USB ports
 Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
 Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
 Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed
(additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories,
audio systems, alarms) and review specifications if any
(load and Ignition Off Draw currents).
 Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving
time and parking time).
 The vehicle should have service performed if the
message is still present during consecutive trips and
the evaluation of the vehicle and driving pattern did not
help to identify the cause.WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/
or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are
indicative and precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the
information contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you
are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to
the information in this chapter in the event of a failure
indication. All active telltales will display first if applicable.
The system check menu may appear different based upon
equipment options and current vehicle status. Some
telltales are optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
fault with the air bag, and will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position. This
light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with
the air bag has been detected, it will stay on until the fault
is cleared. If the light is either not on during startup, stays
on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various brake
functions, including brake fluid level and
parking brake application. If the brake light
turns on it may indicate that the parking brake
is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is
a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has
been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake,
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity
in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering
maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The
vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
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72GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate
repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there may be a
malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical
system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Drowsy Driver Detected Warning Light —
If Equipped
Driver drowsiness detection helps to avoid
crashes caused by fatigue by advising drivers
to take a break in time. Once Drowsy Driver is
detected, A pop-up will display continuously
until the driver presses the Thumbwheel button to clear.
Once the pop-up message is cleared, it is stored until the
condition is no longer true.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS system Úpage 88.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
problem with the ETC system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light
will either stay on or flash depending on the
nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle
is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals
are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL73
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn of an
overheated engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this light will
illuminate and a single chime will sound.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service
Úpage 218.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
hood is left open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Liftgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
liftgate is open.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate low
engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle, shut off the engine as
soon as possible, and contact an authorized
dealer. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns
on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the driver or
passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the
ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN position
and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a
chime will sound and the light will turn on. When driving, if
the driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound
Úpage 168.
Transmission Fault Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will illuminate (together with a
message in the instrument cluster display and
a buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault.
Contact an authorized dealer if the message
remains after restarting the engine.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the Vehicle
Security system is arming, and then will flash
slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Auto Liftgate Fault Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal when
there is a fault detected with the Auto Liftgate.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. It is
recommended to call an authorized dealer for service if
your vehicle overheats
Úpage 233.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H”,
turn the engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.
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74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
This light illuminates when there is a fuel level
sensor failure. If this light illuminates, take it to
an authorized dealer and have them inspect it.
Active Speed Limiter Fault Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal when
there is a fault detected with the Active Speed
Limiter.
Blind Spot Detection Fault Warning Light
This light alerts the driver that there is a fault in
the Blind Spot Detection system.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long
as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required as soon as possible.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not
also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN position, have the brake system inspected
by an authorized dealer.
Drowsy Driver Detected System Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
Drowsy Driver Detected (DDD) system is not
operating correctly and requires service.
Please see an authorized dealer.
Electric Park Brake Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
Electric Park Brake is not functioning properly
and service is required. Contact an authorized
dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the
ESC system is Active. The ESC Indicator Light in
the instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, and
when ESC is activated. It should go out with the engine
running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this warning light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) 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 OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light
come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN position. 
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive.
 This light will come on when the vehicle is in an
ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the
ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC
system will be on, even if it was turned off previously.
Fuel Cutoff Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate after an
accident has occurred, and the system has
shut the fuel off.
Fuel Cutoff Failure Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will illuminate if there is a fuel cutoff
failure. If this light illuminates, take it to an
authorized dealer and have them inspect it.
Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
This light illuminates when there is a fuel level
sensor failure. If this light illuminates, take it to
an authorized dealer and have them inspect it.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL75
Lane Keep Assist Warning Light —
If Equipped
The Lane Keep Assist Warning Light will be
solid yellow when the vehicle is approaching a
lane marker. The warning light will flash when
the vehicle is crossing the lane marker.
Service Lane Keep Assist Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the Lane
Keep Assist system is not operating and
requires service. Please see an authorized
dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The Low Fuel Warning Light will turn on when
low fuel is detected in the fuel tank.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator (MIL)
Warning Light
The MIL is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the ignition switch from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly. Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most situations,
the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
Keyless Enter n’ Go™/Service Passive
Entry Warning Light
The telltale will illuminate in the event of
keyless system failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
fault in the Forward Collision Warning System.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
Úpage 162.
Service Stop/Start System Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start system is not functioning properly
and service is required. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light — If Equipped
The warning light switches on and a message is
displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is
lower than the recommended value and/or
that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not
be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned
previously, the display will show the indications
corresponding to each tire.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over
flammable substances such as dry plants, wood,
cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious
injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control
system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
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