2023 DODGE HORNET tow

STARTING AND OPERATING81
Keyless Enter ’n Go™ — With Driver’s Foot Off The Brake
Pedal (In PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The Keyless Enter ’n Go™ feature operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three positions, OFF, ON/RUN, and
START. To change the ignition switch positions without
starting the vehicle and use the accessories follow, these
steps starting with the ignition switch in the OFF position:

1. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to
change the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition switch to the OFF position.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle has not
been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the
battery to ensure a full battery charge during the
crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition in the START position and release it when the engine starts. For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™
ignition systems, press and hold the brake pedal
while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. 3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, place
the ignition in the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds
to allow the starter to cool, then repeat the “Extended
Park Starting” procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat
the procedure.
AFTER STARTING — WARMING UP THE
E
NGINE
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, and has not experienced an
Extended Park condition as identified in “Extended Park
Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there.
Crank the engine for no more than 10 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Leave the ignition key in the ON/RUN position, release the
accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait
10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 215.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING83
(Continued)
NOTE:The EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 60 seconds in either the released or
applied position. The light will extinguish upon releasing
the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the parking
brake will automatically engage whenever the
transmission is placed into PARK. If your foot is on the
brake pedal, you may notice a small amount of brake
pedal movement while the parking brake is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when the
ignition switch is ON/RUN, the transmission is in DRIVE or
REVERSE, the driver’s seat belt is buckled, and an attempt
is made to drive away.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch
must be in the ON/RUN position. Put your foot on the
brake pedal, then push the EPB switch down momentarily.
You may hear a sound from the back of the car while the
parking brake disengages. You may also notice a small
amount of movement in the brake pedal. Once the parking
brake is fully disengaged, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster and the LED indicator on the switch will
extinguish.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to
engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
maintain upward pressure on the EPB switch for as long as
engagement is desired. The Brake Warning Light will
illuminate, and a continuous chime will sound. The rear
stop lamps will also be illuminated automatically while the
vehicle remains in motion.
To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, release the switch. If the vehicle is brought to a
complete stop using the parking brake, when the vehicle
reaches approximately 3 mph, (5 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
WARNING!
Do not rely on the parking brake to operate effec -
tively if the rear brakes have been immersed in water
or mud.
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave
the ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter ’n Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
4

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 83

86STARTING AND OPERATING
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK (P) before
the ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps
the driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system maintains
lock of the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is
in the OFF position.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK (P) unless the brakes
are applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the
ignition must be in the ON/RUN position (whether the
engine is running or not), and the brake pedal must be
pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL (N) into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster.
To select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK (P) (or NEUTRAL (N), when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE (D)
range for normal driving.
NOTE:
 The transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred
miles (kilometers).
 In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects REVERSE (R) while driving forward), the
position indicator will blink continuously until the
selector is returned to the proper position, or the
requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
The 9-speed transmission has been developed to meet
the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles.
Software and calibration are refined to optimize the
customer’s driving experience and fuel economy. By
design, some vehicle and driveline combinations utilize
NINTH gear only in very specific driving situations and
conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

Gear Selector

Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of
PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe -
cially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

STARTING AND OPERATING87
When exiting the vehicle, always:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
NOTE:Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the vehicle is
parked on a steep slope.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the
gear selector, and firmly move the selector all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.
 Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or
expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light may illuminate,
and the transmission may operate differently until the
transmission cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and/or transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature
improves warm-up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch (and shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear),
are inhibited until the engine and/or transmission is
warm. Normal operation will resume once the
temperature(s) have risen to a suitable level.
TRANSMISSION LIMP HOME MODE
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL
(N). The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
CAUTION!

Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN posi -
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
 DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition
to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that
limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing
Úpage 126.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 220.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING93
(Continued)
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need
to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a
forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle
directly ahead of you to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:

If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will
apply limited braking or accelerate (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.
 Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning system.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the left side of the steering wheel operate
the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System
Status
The instrument cluster display will show the current ACC
system settings. The information it displays depends on
ACC system status.
Push the Mode button to enable the ACC system.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience
system. It is not a substitute for active driver involve -
ment. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and,
most importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision and death or serious personal injury.
 The ACC system:
 Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehi -
cles, and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped
vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
 Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi -
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.
 Does not always fully recognize complex driving
conditions, which can result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
You should turn the ACC system off:
 When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,
heavy traffic, and complex driving situations
(i.e., in highway construction zones).
 When entering a turn lane or highway off-ramp; when
driving on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered,
slippery, or have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
 When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
 When circumstances do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — RES/Resume Button
2 — SET (+/-) Switch
3 — Mode Button
4 — CANC/Cancel Button
5 — Distance Setting Button
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING97
Display Warnings And Maintenance
LIMITED OPERATION WARNING
If a warning message appears in the instrument cluster
display indicating limited operation of the ACC system, a
fault or obstruction of the system’s radar or camera may
have occurred.
If an obstruction is detected, clean the area of the
windshield opposite the interior rearview mirror, where the
camera is located, as well as the area of the front fascia/
bumper where the sensor is located. Then check that the
message has disappeared.
When the conditions limiting the system function as been
corrected, normal operation will resume.
Should the fault persist, contact an authorized dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or
unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need
to intervene. The following are examples of these types of
situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
Towing a trailer is not recommended when using ACC.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging
in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance
to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and
out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system
may increase or decrease the vehicle speed for stability,
with no vehicle ahead detected. Once the vehicle is out of
the curve, the system will resume your original set speed.
This is a part of normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on hills.
ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane depending on
the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the
steepness of the hill.

ACC Hill Example

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106STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
ENABLING AND DISABLING PARKSENSE
ParkSense can be enabled and disabled with
the ParkSense switch, located in front of the
center console, to the rear of the gear selector.
When the ParkSense switch is pushed to disable the
system, the LED in the switch will illuminate, and the
display will read “Parksense Off” when the vehicle is
shifted into DRIVE or REVERSE.
NOTE:The ParkSense switch LED will be off when the system is
active.
The ParkSense switch LED will also be illuminated when
ParkSense requires service. If the ParkSense switch is
pushed, and requires service, the ParkSense switch LED
will blink momentarily, and then the LED will be on.
SERVICE THE PARKSENSE PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM
During vehicle start up, when the ParkSense System has
detected a faulted condition, the instrument cluster will
display a warning message associated with the detected
fault.
If "Sensor Lock" appears in the instrument cluster display,
make sure the outer surface and the underside of the rear
fascia/bumper and/or front fascia/bumper is clean and
clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstructions and then
cycle the ignition. If the message continues to appear, see
an authorized dealer.
If the "System Not Available" message appears in the
instrument cluster display, see an authorized dealer.
CLEANING THE PARKSENSE SYSTEM
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash soap
and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not
scratch or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you could damage
the sensors.
PARKSENSE SYSTEM USAGE
P
RECAUTIONS
 Ensure that the front and rear fascias/bumpers are
free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the Park -
Sense system operating properly.
 Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense.
 When you turn ParkSense off, the display will read
“Parksense Off” when the vehicle is shifted into DRIVE
or REVERSE. Furthermore, once you turn ParkSense
off, it remains off until you turn it on again, even if you
cycle the ignition.
 ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
 Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper. 
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system off if objects such as bicycle carriers, etc. are
attached to the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do so
can result in the system misinterpreting a close object
as a sensor problem, causing the “System Not Avail -
able” message to be displayed in the instrument
cluster display.
NOTE:If any objects are attached to the fascia/bumper within a
6.5 ft (2 m) field of view, they will interfere and cause false
alerts and possibly blockage.
 There may be a delay in the object detection rate if the
object is moving.
 The rear sensors are automatically deactivated when
the trailer’s electric plug is inserted in the vehicle’s tow
socket. The front sensors (if equipped) will stay active
and can provide acoustic and visual warnings. The rear
sensors are automatically reactivated when the
trailer's cable plug is removed.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 106

STARTING AND OPERATING107
SIDE DISTANCE WARNING (SDW)
S
YSTEM
The Side Distance Warning system has the function of
detecting the presence of side obstacles near the vehicle
using the parking sensors located in the front and rear
fascias/bumpers.
Side Distance Warning Display
The Side Distance Warning screen will only be displayed if
this feature is enabled within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
The system warns the driver with an acoustic signal, and
when selected, with visual indications on the radio
touchscreen display.
NOTE:ParkSense will reduce the volume of the radio if on when
the system is sounding an audible tone.
Activation/Deactivation
The system can operate only after driving a short distance
and if the vehicle speed is between 0 and 8 mph (0 and
13 km/h) while in DRIVE or NEUTRAL, or 7 mph (11 km/h) in REVERSE. The system can be activated/deactivated via
the Settings menu of the Uconnect system. If the
ParkSense System is deactivated via the ParkSense
switch, then the Side Distance Warning system will
automatically be deactivated.

Side Distance Warning System Status

NOTE:
The vehicle needs to be driven approximately one car
length in order for the Side Distance Warning system to
activate.

Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia/bumper when the vehicle sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the
ball mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
 The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the
driver looks over his/her shoulder when using
ParkSense.
WARNING!
WARNING ALERTS
Distance
(in/cm) Less than
12 inches
(30 cm)12 – 23 inches
(30 – 60 cm)
Arcs-Left Red Arc Yellow Arc
Arcs-Right Red Arc Yellow Arc
Audible Alert
Chime Audible alert only when the vehicle
is on course for a collision
Radio Volume
Reduced Yes
Yes
1 — System Not Active
2 — System Active
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