2023 DODGE HORNET esc

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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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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94STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, all ACC visualizations will not be
shown in the instrument cluster display.
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has
not been selected, the white ACC icon will illuminate above
dashes in place of a speed in the instrument cluster
display.
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push
the SET switch up or down briefly, then release. When the
ACC speed is set, the green ACC icon over the set speed
will illuminate in the instrument cluster display.
When the ACC menu screen is not being viewed in the
instrument cluster display, a green triangle will illuminate
on the speedometer at the location of the set speed.
NOTE:If the ACC system is canceled or paused, the triangle on
the speedometer will change to white, indicating the
saved set speed for when the RES button pushed.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 19 mph
(30 km/h).
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
When the brakes are applied
 When the parking brake is applied
 When the gear selector is in PARK, REVERSE or
NEUTRAL 
When the vehicle speed is below the minimum speed
range
 When the brakes are overheated
 When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
 When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 When there is a stationary vehicle in front of your
vehicle in close proximity
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Mode button located on the left side
of the steering wheel to activate ACC. Then proceed to
setting the desired speed as described in the next section.
NOTE:Active Speed Limiter will be unavailable while ACC is in
use.
To turn the system off, push and release the Mode button
again. At this time, the system will turn off and Active
Speed Limiter will be active.
The system will also turn off during any of the conditions
listed in “To Turn Off”
Úpage 95.
To Set A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push
the SET switch up or down briefly, then release. The
instrument cluster display will show the set speed.

If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is
below
19 mph
(30 km/h), the set speed will default to 19 mph (30 km/h).

If either system is set when the vehicle speed is above
19 mph (30 km/h), the set speed shall be the current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
 Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can cause
the vehicle to continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed.
 If you continue to accelerate beyond the set speed
while ACC is enabled, the system will not be controlling
the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. The vehicle speed will only be determined by
the position of the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have a collision. Always leave
the system off when you are not using it.
WARNING!
If the Active Speed Limiter is active, the system will not
react to vehicles ahead. In addition, the proximity
warning does not activate and no alarm will sound even
if you are too close to the vehicle ahead since neither
the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be sure to
maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. Always be aware which mode is
selected.

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STARTING AND OPERATING95
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel ACC:
The brake pedal is applied
 The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
 The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
 The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position
 The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates
 The vehicle parking brake is applied
 The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
 The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode
 The braking temperature exceeds normal range
(overheated)
 Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 Driver door is opened at low speeds
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed in memory
if:
The Mode button is pushed
 The ignition is placed in the OFF position
To Resume
If ACC was canceled, and there is a set speed in memory,
push the RES (resume) button and remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster display will
show the last set speed. Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h)
when ACC is active.
NOTE:ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle in
front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can adjust the speed by pushing
the SET switch upward or decrease the speed by pushing
the SET switch downward.
U.S. Speed (mph)

Pushing the SET switch upward or downward to the first
detent will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent movement of the switch to the first detent
will result in an adjustment of 1 mph.
 If the switch is pushed upward or downward briefly to
the second detent, the set speed will adjust in 5 mph
increments. The new set speed is reflected in the
instrument cluster display. 
If the switch is held upward or downward, the set speed
will continue to adjust until the switch is released.
Metric Speed (km/h)
 Pushing the SET switch upward or downward to the first
detent will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent movement of the switch to the first detent
will result in an adjustment of 1 km/h.

 If the switch is pushed upward or downward briefly to
the second detent, the set speed will adjust in 10 km/h
increments. The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display.

 If the switch is held upward or downward, the set speed
will continue to adjust until the switch is released.
NOTE:
When you override the set speed by pushing the SET
switch upward or downward, the new set speed will be
the current speed of the vehicle.
 When you use the SET switch to decelerate, if the
engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi -
ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will
automatically slow the vehicle.
 The ACC system maintains set speed when driving
uphill and downhill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may
occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This
is normal operation and necessary to maintain set
speed. When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds
normal range (overheated).
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if traffic and
road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is
too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road
conditions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or
decelerate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision and death
or serious personal injury.
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102STARTING AND OPERATING
TURNING ACTIVE DRIVING ASSIST ON
O
R OFF

Active Driving Assist On/Off Button

To enable the Active Driving Assist system, proceed as
follows:

1. Push the Active Driving Assist on/off button located
on the left side of the steering wheel. The steering
wheel image will display white in the instrument
cluster display until the system is engaged. If ACC
was previously disabled, pushing this button will
activate BOTH ACC and Active Driving Assist
systems.

2. If ACC was engaged before pushing the ADA on/off button, ACC will remain active and ADA will also
become engaged (once all other conditions are met). 3. If the Active Speed Limiter was active before pushing
the ADA on/off button, it will then disable and
activate ACC. Push the SET switch upward or
downward and release when the desired driving
speed is shown in the instrument cluster display.
4. If desired, adjust the ACC distance setting by pushing the Distance Setting button.
When all system conditions are met as described in
“System Engagement Conditions” in the next section, the
system will engage and the steering wheel image in the
display will change to green.

Active Driving Assist Engaged (Steering Wheel Green)

System Engagement Conditions
The following conditions must be met before the system
will engage:
 Active Driving Assist system is enabled
 Driver seat belt is buckled
 System detects visible lane markings
 Vehicle is traveling below 93 mph (150 km/h) 
Vehicle is centered in lane
 Turn signal is not activated
 Vehicle is not in a tight curve
 Driver has hands on steering wheel
 No fault warning lights for the ADA system are present
 No fault warning lights for the vehicle radar or camera
are present
NOTE:
The driver should always obey traffic laws and speed
limits. Never drive above applicable speed limit restric -
tions.
 The driver can override ADA at any time by braking,
accelerating, or steering the vehicle.
 For the system to detect the driver’s hands on the
steering wheel, the wheel must be gripped on the
outside. Gripping the inside areas of the steering wheel
will not satisfy the hands-on condition to engage the
system.

Do Not Grip Inside Of Steering Wheel

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STARTING AND OPERATING103
System Deactivation
The system will be deactivated in any of the following
situations:
If the system has detected driver inattentiveness, and
has gone through all escalation warnings after hands
are no longer detected on the steering wheel
 If the vehicle is driving in constant traffic
 If lane markings are no longer detected
 If the brake pedal is pressed or ACC system is deacti -
vated
 If the Active Driving Assist on/off button is pushed
again (ADA will turn off)
 If a turn signal is used (unless a target is in the blind
spot zone on the same side the turn signal is being
applied)
 If the driver applies enough input to the steering wheel
 If the driver’s seat belt is released
 If the vehicle speed exceeds 93 mph (150 km/h)
 If the Active Driving Assist on/off button is pushed
again (ADA will turn off)
 If the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
becomes active and is providing warnings/braking
 If there is glare from the sun on the vehicle’s camera
 If the vehicle is driving on tight curves 
If the camera has decreased visibility due to rain,
snow, etc.
 If the driver quickly applies the accelerator pedal
NOTE:
Pushing the Active Driving Assist on/off button or deac -
tivating ACC will turn the system off. All other deactiva -
tion conditions will place the system back into the
“enabled” state with the steering wheel indicator
displayed in white until all engagement conditions are
met again.
 When the system is deactivated, the system status
indicator lights will turn off, the LaneSense system will
return to its previous state, and ACC will disable.
INDICATIONS ON THE DISPLAY
The Active Driving Assist system status can always be
viewed in the instrument cluster display, and status
changes are shown by changes in color of the system’s
indicator lights.
As the system detects driver inattentiveness as previously
described
Úpage 101, the system status indicator lights
will change from green, to yellow, to red. The following
indicators will change in color as warnings to the driver
escalate:
 Active Driving Assist Indicator (steering wheel icon in
the instrument cluster display)
 Glow effect of the instrument cluster display
If driver attention is not returned, the system will
deactivate. Active Driving Assist Indicators Are Off

ADA is not turned on/enabled by the driver.
Active Driving Assist Indicators Are White
 ADA is turned on/enabled by the driver, but the system
is not actively steering and providing speed control for
the vehicle.
Active Driving Assist Indicators Are Green
 The system detects driver is attentive and is actively
steering and providing speed control for the vehicle.
Active Driving Assist Indicators Are Yellow
 Driver inattentiveness has been detected, warning the
driver to place hands on the steering wheel.
Active Driving Assist Indicators Are Red
 Driver inattentiveness is still being detected, or driver
take-over is being requested, warning the driver to
place hands on the steering wheel. This warning is also
issued when the system has detected a tight curve and
is warning the driver to take control.NOTE:The driver MUST replace hands on the steering wheel and
take control of the vehicle when the system is deactivated.
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104STARTING AND OPERATING
MINIMUM RISK MANEUVER
When the vehicle begins the hands-off steering wheel
warning escalation, previously described, the system will
initiate the Minimum Risk Maneuver for bringing the
vehicle to a stop.
After 23 seconds from the initial absence of the hands on
the steering wheel, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system will apply a brake jerk to warn the driver to take
vehicle control. If, after another 3 seconds the driver does
not take the control of the vehicle, the system will apply a
second brake jerk.
If the absence of hands on the steering wheel persists, the
system will apply automatic braking to bring the vehicle to
the stop and activate the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.
After the vehicle is stopped, the system will unlock the
doors (if previously locked).
NOTE:If the driver takes control of the vehicle during the
Minimum Risk Maneuver by placing hands on the steering
wheel or pressing the accelerator, the system Minimum
Risk Maneuver will be canceled, and the ADA system will
resume normal function.
SYSTEM STATUS
Along with changes in the system’s indicator lights (green,
yellow, and red), the system can also issue several
accompanying warnings intended to provide the driver
with enough time to react, avoid or mitigate a potential
collision.
Two haptic brake jerk warnings will be issued (red
warning light is being issued).
 A steering wheel vibration warning (if enabled) will
occur if the vehicle crosses a lane marker, for example,
when driving on a tight curve. The steering wheel vibra -
tion feature can be turned on or off within the Uconnect
system
Úpage 130.
SYSTEM OPERATION/LIMITATIONS
The Active Driving Assist system DOES NOT:
 Warn or prevent collisions with other vehicles
 Steer your vehicle around stopped vehicles, slower
vehicles, construction equipment, pedestrians, or
animals
 Respond to traffic lights or stop signs
 Merge onto highways or exit off ramps
 Turn your vehicle
 Change lanes
 React to cross traffic
NOTE:Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a core component of ADA.
For ACC system limitations, see Úpage 92.
The Active Driving Assist system may have limited or
reduced functionality when one of the following conditions
occur:
 The vehicle’s radar sensors and/or forward facing
camera is damaged, covered, misaligned, or
obstructed (e.g. by mud, ice, snow, etc.)
 If the suspension alignment is not correct, if the vehicle
is modified (e.g. lifting or lowering the suspension,
installing different sized wheels or tires)
 Driving near highway toll booths
NOTE:If damage to the windshield occurs, have the windshield
replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING!
The DDD system is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of the responsibility of driving the
vehicle. If you experience fatigue while driving, pull over
safely for a break without waiting for the DDD warnings.
Only return to the road when you are in the right
physical and mental condition to prevent endangering
yourself and other drivers.

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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.

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