2023 DODGE HORNET automatic transmission

90STARTING AND OPERATING
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in a forward gear, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed. The transmission will automatically re-engage
upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode:
 The transmission selector is moved out of DRIVE (D).
 To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
 HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
 HVAC system temperature or fan speed is manually
adjusted.
 Battery voltage drops too low.
 Stop/Start OFF switch is pressed.
 A Stop/Start system error occurs.
 Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold.
Conditions That Force An Application Of The Electric Park
Brake While In Autostop Mode:
 The driver’s door is open and brake pedal released.
 The driver’s door is open and the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled.
 The engine hood has been opened.
 A Stop/Start system error occurs.
If the Electric Park Brake (EPB) is applied with the engine
off, the engine may require a manual restart and the EPB
may require a manual release (press brake pedal and
press EPB switch)
Úpage 66.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located near the gear
shifter). The light on the switch will illuminate. The “STOP/
START OFF” message will appear in the instrument cluster
display and the Autostop mode will be disabled
Úpage 66.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to an ON
condition every time the ignition is turned off and back on.
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the switch
bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system, the
system will not shut down the engine. A “SERVICE STOP/
START SYSTEM” message and a yellow Stop/Start telltale
will appear in the instrument cluster display
Úpage 66.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message appears
in the instrument cluster display, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
ACTIVE SPEED LIMITER — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows you to program the maximum speed of
travel for your vehicle.
The Active Speed Limiter is turned on/off using the Mode
button located on the left side of the steering wheel.

Mode Button

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96STARTING AND OPERATING
TO ACCELERATE FOR PASSING
While the Cruise Control is set, press the accelerator to
pass as you would normally. When the pedal is released,
the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and down
hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it
may be preferable to drive without Cruise Control.
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set by
varying the distance setting between four bars (longest),
three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short).
Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC
calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead.
This distance setting will show in the instrument cluster
display.

Distance Settings

To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance
Setting Button and release. Each time the button is
pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).
Once the longest setting is reached, if the button is
pushed again it will be set to the shortest setting available.
If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same lane,
the system will then adjust vehicle speed automatically to
maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the
set speed.
 The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the
sensor. 
The distance setting is changed.
 The system disengages
Úpage 94.
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts that
its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the
set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” (or
similar warning message) will flash in the instrument
cluster display and a chime will sound while ACC continues
to apply its maximum braking force.
NOTE:The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster display is a
warning for the driver to take action and does not neces -
sarily mean that the Forward Collision Warning system is
applying the brakes autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged
and following a vehicle, the system will provide an
additional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist
in passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration is
triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and
will only be active when passing on the left hand side.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control
and have an accident. Do not use Cruise Control in
heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)

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122STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a swaying
trailer and automatically applies individual wheel brakes
and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the
trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are commonly used to tow small and medium
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A Weight-Distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a Weight-Distributing (load equalizing) Hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo (i.e., the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on
the Tire And Loading Information Placard Úpage 246.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight-Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
 Weight-Distributing systems may not be compatible
with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for
additional information.
Engine/Transmission GCWRMaximum GTWMaximum Trailer TW (See Note)
2.0L / 9 Speed Auto 6,503 lb (2,950 kg) 2,000 lb (907 kg) 154 lb (70 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

STARTING AND OPERATING125

Four-Pin Connector Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. For increased engine braking on steep
downhill grades, select the LOW range.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

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184SAFETY
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately
after deployment.
NOTE:Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all collisions.
This does not mean something is wrong with the air bag
system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions
and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags
deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction
rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet
or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact
with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally
heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed signifi -
cantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering,
see your doctor immediately.
 As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the
skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irrita -
tion, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc -
tions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.
If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not
be in place to protect you.
NOTE:
 Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.
 After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication network
remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending
on the nature of the event, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the
provided functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
 Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if equipped)
 Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power
 Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the inter -
vention of the Enhanced Accident Response System
 Unlock the power door locks Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these
other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident
Response System:

Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC Blower
Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
 Cut off battery power to the:
 Engine
 Electric Motor (if equipped)
 Electric power steering
 Brake booster
 Electric park brake
 Automatic transmission gear selector
 Horn
 Front wiperNOTE:After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to the
STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Carefully
check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment
and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the engine.
If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle elec -
trical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset the
system by following the procedure provided. If you have
any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint
Controller System serviced as well.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY215
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump starting can be dangerous if done improperly,
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow the
manufacturer’s operating instructions and precautions.
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START
The battery in your vehicle is located in the rear of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.

Positive (+) Battery Post

See the following steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic
transmission into PARK (P) and turn the ignition
to OFF.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories. 3. Pull upward and remove the protective cover over the
positive (+) battery post.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is frozen. It
could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other
booster source with a system voltage greater than
12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
 Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is ON. You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
 Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent
electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
 Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
7

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220IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing devices to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to fascia/
bumper or associated brackets. State and local laws
regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.
NOTE:
You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is
disabled before towing this vehicle to avoid inadvertent
Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake
feature is enabled or disabled via the customer
programmable features in the Uconnect Settings.
 Vehicles with a discharged battery, or total electrical
failure when the Electric Park Brake (EPB) is engaged,
will need a wheel dolly or jack to raise the rear wheels
off the ground when moving the vehicle onto a flatbed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode.
Note that the Safehold feature will engage the Electric
Park Brake whenever the driver's door is opened (if the
battery is connected, ignition is ON, transmission is not in
PARK, and brake pedal is released). If you are towing this
vehicle with the ignition in the ON/RUN mode, you must
manually disable the Electric Park Brake each time the
driver's door is opened by pressing the brake pedal and
then releasing the EPB.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, instructions on
shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK so that
the vehicle can be moved
Úpage 218.
TOWING CONDITION WHEELS OFF THE GROUND
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REAR
NOT ALLOWED
FRONT NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST METHOD
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
CAUTION!
 Do not use sling-type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
 When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
 Do not use a fascia/bumper mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face bar will
be damaged.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE233
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is
in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
 Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
 Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as during diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh engine coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the proper
maintenance intervals
Úpage 224.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Úpage 269.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than speci-
fied Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant,
may result in engine damage and may decrease corro -
sion protection. OAT engine coolant is different and
should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Tech -
nology (HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is introduced
into the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling
system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

 Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant
products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or
anti-rust products, as they may not be compatible with
the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
 Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
 When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon -
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF
mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
8

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