2023 DODGE HORNET ECU

56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
WINDOW LOCKOUT SWITCH
The window lockout switch on the driver's door trim panel
allows you to disable the window controls on the rear
passenger doors. To disable the window controls, push
and release the window lockout switch (the indicator light
on the switch will turn on). To enable the window controls,
push and release the window lockout switch again
(the indicator light on the switch will turn off).

Window Lockout Switch

WIND BUFFETING
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open
or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear
windows open, open the front and rear windows together
to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the
sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof and power sunshade switches are
located between the sun visors on the overhead console.

Power Sunroof Switches

NOTE:

Operation of the sunroof is only possible with the
ignition in the ON/RUN position.
 You cannot have the sunshade closed when the
sunroof is open.
1 — Power Shade Open/Close Switch
2 — Front Panel Open/Close Switch
3 — Front Panel Vent Switch
WARNING!
Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Never leave the key
fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible
to children. Do not leave the ignition of a vehicle
equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ON/RUN
position. Occupants, particularly unattended chil -
dren, can become entrapped by the power sunroof
while operating the power sunroof switch. Such
entrapment may result in serious injury or death.
 In a collision, there is a greater risk of being thrown
from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also
be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your seat
belt properly and make sure all passengers are also
properly secured.
 Do not allow small children to operate the sunroof.
Never allow your fingers, other body parts, or any
object, to project through the sunroof opening. Injury
may result.
 Do not use the sunroof and its related parts for
supporting and/or grabbing purposes. Serious
personal injury may result to fingers and other body
parts as well as damage to the sunroof.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 56

64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks And Loops
The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be
used to secure loads safely when the vehicle is moving.

Cargo Tie-Down Loops

Cargo tie-down loops are located on the trim panels.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child seat
tether strap. In a sudden stop or accident, a tie-down
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
 To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in personal
injury, follow these guidelines for loading your vehicle:
Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits
described on the label attached to the left door or
left door center pillar.
 Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
 Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
 Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or accident.
WARNING!

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64

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.
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

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.
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 73

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL77
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Exterior Lights Failure Indicator Light
The telltale will illuminate to indicate a failure
on the following lights: Daytime Running Lights
(DRL)/parking lights/trailer turn signal
indicators (if present)/trailer lights (if present)/
side lights/turn signal indicators/low beam/reversing
light/brake lights/license plate lights.
The failure may be caused by a blown bulb or an
interruption of the electrical connection. For bulb
replacement
Úpage 246.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to warn you of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front of
you.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) OFF
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that
Forward Collision Warning is off.
Immobilizer Fail / VPS Electrical Alarm
Warning Light
This telltale will illuminate when the vehicle
security system has detected an attempt to
break into the vehicle.
NOTE:After cycling the ignition to the ON/RUN position, the
Vehicle Security Warning Light could illuminate if a
problem with the system is detected. This condition will
result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Active Speed Limiter SET Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Active Speed Limiter is on and set to a specific
speed
Úpage 90.
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Cruise Control is set to the desired speed
Úpage 92.
Hold’n Go Indicator Light —
If Equipped
Hold’n Go keeps your vehicle at a complete
stop without you having to keep your foot
on the brake pedal. Once engaged a green
HOLD indicator will appear in the Instrument
Cluster Display.
Automatic Low Beam Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator appears when the automatic low
beam headlights are on Úpage 40.
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding
exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn
signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is
moved down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL79

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
C
YBERSECURITY

Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information related to
the performance of your emissions controls. Authorized
service technicians may need to access this information to
assist with the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and
that the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this
test over. 2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the
ON position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
 The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.
 The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illu -
minated until you place the ignition in the off posi -
tion or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready and you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see an
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the previously mentioned test
routine may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal vehicle
operation you should have your vehicle serviced before
going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine running.
WARNING!
 ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your
vehicle.
 If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II
connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
 Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
 Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including
personal information.
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 79

82STARTING AND OPERATING
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Vehicles Equipped With Electronic Key
(Keyless Enter ’n Go™):
To shut off the engine with vehicle speed greater than
5 mph (8 km/h), you must push and hold the ignition or
push the ENGINE START/STOP button three times
consecutively within a few seconds. The engine will shut
down, and the ignition will be placed in the ON/RUN
position.
Turning off the car (placing the ignition from the ON/RUN
position to the OFF position), the power supply to the
accessories are maintained for a period of three minutes.
Opening the driver’s side door with the ignition in ON/RUN
will sound a short chime that reminds the driver to place
the ignition to OFF.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the window
switches remain active for up to 10 minutes.
Opening a front door will cancel this function.
After severe driving, idle the engine to allow the
temperature inside the engine compartment to cool
before shutting off the engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Úpage 269.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter
-
preted as a problem.
PARK BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB system that offers
simple operation, and some additional features that make
the parking brake more convenient and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the
vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is applied.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK. You can engage the parking brake in two ways:

Manually, by applying the EPB switch.
 Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature
in the Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect settings
Úpage 130.
The EPB switch is located in the center console.

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on the switch
momentarily. You may hear a sound from the back of the
vehicle while the parking brake engages. Once the parking
brake is fully engaged, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster and an indicator on the switch will
illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal while you
apply the parking brake, you may notice a small amount of
brake pedal movement. The parking brake can be applied
even when the ignition switch is OFF and can only be
released when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

84STARTING AND OPERATING
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB system, a
yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate. This may be
accompanied by the Brake Warning Light flashing. In this
event, urgent service of the EPB system is required. Do not
rely on the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake
The EPB can be programmed to be applied automatically
whenever the vehicle speed is below 1.9 mph (3 km/h)
and the transmission is placed in PARK. Auto Park Brake
is enabled and disabled by customer selection through the
Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
Any single Auto Park Brake application can be bypassed by
pushing the EPB switch to the release position while the
transmission is placed in PARK and the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the EPB system that will
engage the parking brake automatically if the vehicle is
left unsecured while the ignition switch is in ON/RUN. For automatic transmissions, the EPB will automatically
engage if all of the following conditions are met:

Vehicle speed is below 1.9 mph (3 km/h).
 There is no attempt to press the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal.
 The seat belt is unbuckled.
 The driver’s door is open.
 The vehicle is not in the PARK position.
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing the EPB
switch while the driver’s door is open and the brake pedal
is pressed. Once manually bypassed, SafeHold will be
enabled again once the vehicle reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h) or the ignition is turned to the OFF position and
back to ON/RUN again.
Hold ‘N Go— If Equipped
Hold ‘N Go is a comfort feature that allows the driver to
remove their foot from the brake pedal once the vehicle
has come to a stop. The vehicle must be held at a
standstill for a predetermined amount of time by hydraulic
braking. The EPB will then engage and continue to hold
the vehicle at a stop until the driver applies the accelerator
pedal. Hold ‘N Go is enabled and disabled by customer
selection through the customer programmable features
section of the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
The following conditions must be met for Hold ‘N Go to
activate:
 Driver’s door is closed
 Driver's seat belt is fastened
 Vehicle is at a standstill
 Forward gear is selected
 EPB is not applied
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer.
You should only make repairs for which you have the
knowledge and the right equipment. You should only enter
Brake Service Mode during brake service.
When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for
you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear
caliper bore. With the EPB system, this can only be done
after retracting the EPB actuator. The actuator retraction
can be done easily by entering Brake Service Mode
through the Uconnect Settings in your vehicle. This
menu-based system will guide you through the steps
necessary to retract the EPB actuator in order to perform
rear brake service.
Brake Service Mode has requirements that must be met in
order to be activated:
The vehicle must be at a standstill.
 The parking brake must be disabled.
 The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
 The EPB switch not activated.
 The vehicle ignition in the ON/RUN position.
 The brake pedal not pressed.
While in Service Mode, the EPB Warning Light will flash
continuously while the ignition switch is in ON/RUN.
NOTE:A dedicated message will appear in the instrument cluster
display if Brake Service Mode cannot be activated.
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged, or
repeated use of the parking brake to slow the vehicle,
may cause serious damage to the brake system.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84