2023 DODGE HORNET uconnect

60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
LOCK/CLOSE THE LIFTGATE
There are several different ways to close the liftgate:
Manually (grab the liftgate closing handle and pull in a
downward motion)
 Key fob
 Hands-free (if equipped)
 Liftgate close or lock button (if equipped) on the liftgate
door (only visible when the liftgate is open)
NOTE:Before closing the liftgate, make sure to be in possession
of the key fob because the liftgate may be locked.

Liftgate Buttons (If Equipped)

To Lock The Liftgate
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
liftgate, pushing the Passive Entry button located to the
left of the electronic liftgate release button, will lock the
vehicle only.
Use the key fob or the interior door lock button on the door
panel to lock the liftgate. The manual door locks on the
doors will not lock the liftgate.

Liftgate Entry

POWER LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED
The power liftgate may be opened by pushing
the liftgate button on the key fob. Push the
liftgate button on the key fob twice within
five seconds to open or close the power liftgate.
You can also open the liftgate by pushing the electronic
liftgate release handle
Úpage 23.
When you push the liftgate button on the key fob or press
the electronic liftgate release handle:
 When the liftgate is fully closed, the liftgate will open.
 When the liftgate is fully open, the liftgate will close.
 When the liftgate is moving, the liftgate will reverse.
If the liftgate is fully open, the liftgate can be closed by
pushing the liftgate button located on the base of the
liftgate. If the liftgate is in motion, pushing the button
again will reverse the liftgate.
When the liftgate button on the key fob is pushed two
times, the turn signals will flash twice to signal that the
liftgate is opening or closing, and an audible chime can be
heard (if enabled in the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130).
The key fob and the overhead console switch will open the
liftgate when the liftgate is locked. The outside handle
requires the liftgate to be unlocked. If the vehicle is
equipped with Passive Entry, and a valid Passive Entry key
fob is within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the liftgate, pulling the outside
handle will unlock and open the liftgate.
1 — Liftgate Close Button
2 — Liftgate Lock Button1 — Passive Entry Lock Button
2 — Liftgate Electronic Release Button

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 60

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 61

62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED

Hands-Free Liftgate Activation Zone

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

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

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

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

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

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 62

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE63
NOTE:Allow the power system to open the liftgate. Manually
pushing or pulling the liftgate may activate the liftgate
obstacle detection feature and stop the power operation
or reverse its direction.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Removable Rear Shelf — If Equipped
To remove the rear shelf, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the two rods that support the shelf at the
eyelets.

Disconnect Rear Shelf Support Links

2. Through an opened rear door, lift the part of the rear shelf closest to the rear seats. 3. Clear the pins placed outside of the shelf, and then
remove the rear shelf pulling it upwards and out
through the rear doors.

Remove Rear Shelf Pin

4. The rear shelf can be stored in the cargo area, or behind the front seat backs.

Rear Shelf Removal Label

WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes.
Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating
the vehicle.
 If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
 During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.
 Personal injury or cargo damage may occur if caught
in the path of the liftgate. Make sure the liftgate path
is clear before activating the liftgate.
CAUTION!
The Hands-Free Liftgate can be turned off manually in
the Uconnect system to avoid unintentional activation.
2

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 63

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

STARTING AND OPERATING91
NOTE:
The Mode button also activates the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system. Pushing the Mode button will
switch between activating the Active Speed Limiter or
the Adaptive Cruise Control systems. They cannot be
active at the same time.
 The Active Speed Limiter can be set while the vehicle is
in motion, or with the gear selector in the PARK posi -
tion.
ACTIVATION
To activate the feature, push the Mode button located on
the left side of the steering wheel. A white indicator light in
the instrument cluster display to signal that Active Speed
Limiter has been enabled.
After the Active Speed Limiter system is enabled, activate
the system by setting the speed limit of the vehicle by
pushing the SET switch upward or downward.
Pushing the SET switch upward or downward to the first
detent, and releasing, will result in a 1 mph (1 km/h)
speed adjustment. Each subsequent movement of the
switch to the first detent will result in an adjustment of
1 mph (1 km/h).
If the switch is pushed upward or downward briefly to
the second detent, the set speed will adjust in 5 mph
(10 km/h) 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.
NOTE:

Once the speed as been set, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster display will change to green.
 If Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or the Active Speed
Limiter is active when the ignition is placed in the
OFF position, it will remain activated when the vehicle
is started again.
 ACC will be unavailable while the Active Speed Limiter
is in use.
EXCEEDING THE SET SPEED
By fully pressing the accelerator pedal, the programmed
maximum speed can be exceeded while the device is
active.
In the event that the Active Speed Limiter set value is
exceeded manually with a driver acceleration, an audible
chime will sound. The indicator light will flash rapidly, and
a message will appear in the instrument cluster display.
The feature will remain disabled until the vehicle speed
drops below the set Active Speed Limiter value, where it
will reactivate automatically.
NOTE:While driving at a higher speed than previously set, the set
limit can be updated by pushing the SET switch upward or
downward to the new desired speed.
DEACTIVATION
To turn off Active Speed Limiter, push the Mode button
again. The indicator light in the instrument cluster display
will no longer be illuminated to confirm that the feature
has been turned off, and Adaptive Cruise Control will be
active.
The Active Speed Limiter can be deactivated by pressing
the CANC button. In this case, the system is not completely
turned off, and the driver can reactivate the Active Speed
Limiter by pressing the RES button to the previously set
speed.
INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST (ISA) —
IF EQUIPPED
The Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system
combines the Active Speed Limiter and
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) systems to
automatically adjust the maximum speed of
the vehicle based on detected speed limit signs.
When the ISA system is activated, the maximum speed of
the vehicle will be adjusted according to the detected
traffic signs depending on the Sign Capture Mode selected
within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
4

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 91

92STARTING AND OPERATING
ACTIVATION

To activate the feature, make sure the Traffic Sign
Recognition (TSR), and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems
are both enabled within Uconnect Settings

Ú
page 130, then
activate the Active Speed Limiter system by pushing the Mode
button located on the left of the steering wheel.

The white ISA indicator light in the instrument cluster
display will illuminate to signal that the system has been
enabled, but not yet detected a speed limit sign.
NOTE:Adaptive Cruise Control will be unavailable while the
ISA system is in use.
SIGN CAPTURE MODES
The way in which the ISA system sets a new maximum
vehicle speed depends on the Sign Capture Mode set
within the Uconnect system. When a new maximum speed
limit is set, the ISA indicator light in the instrument cluster
display will change from white to green.
Confirmation Mode
When Confirmation Mode is selected, and the Traffic Sign
Recognition (TSR) system detects a new speed limit sign,
the driver will confirm this new speed by pushing the
SET switch upward briefly, then releasing. This
confirmation of the new speed must be done within
five seconds of a newly detect speed limit sign being
shown in the instrument cluster display. Automatic Mode
When Automatic Mode is selected, the ISA system will
automatically adjust the maximum vehicle speed when
the TSR system detects a new speed limit sign. The new
speed is shown in the instrument cluster display.
The driver can reject this new speed by pushing the SET
switch upward briefly, then releasing within five seconds
of the new speed limit sign being detected and the speed
being adjusted.
NOTE:If a newly detected speed limit sign indicates a speed
higher or lower than the current maximum speed limit of
the Active Speed Limiter system, a message along with an
up arrow or a down arrow will appear in the instrument
cluster display to alert the driver.
EXCEEDING THE SET SPEED
By fully pressing the accelerator pedal, the maximum set
speed of the vehicle can be exceeded while the system is
active.
When the maximum set speed is exceeded, the green
indicator light on the instrument cluster display will blink
until the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle
speed drops below the previously set maximum vehicle
speed. The ISA system will then resume normal operation.
DEACTIVATION
The ISA system will deactivate in the following situations:

When the Mode button is pushed again
 When the TSR system is deactivated
 When the TSR system cannot detect/display any speed
limit
 When the TSR system detects the end of the speed
limit zone
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Your vehicle is equipped with the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system. ACC will adjust the vehicle speed up to the
preset speed to maintain a distance with the vehicle
ahead.
NOTE:If Active Speed Limiter is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control
will be unavailable, and vice versa.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92