tow DODGE DART 2015 PF / 1.G Workshop Manual

WARNING!(Continued)
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
518 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
•An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 519

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.1 — Female Pins4 — Park2 — Male Pin5 — Left Stop/Turn3—Ground6—RightStop/Turn
520 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
1—Battery5—Ground2—BackupLamps6—LeftStop/Turn3—RightStop/Turn7—RunningLamps4 — Electric Brakes
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 521

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the transmission
fluid and filter as specified for severe usage (police, fleet,
taxi, or frequent trailer towing). Refer to the#Maintenance
Schedule#for the proper maintenance intervals.
AutoStick®
When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose#4#if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose#3#or#2#if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving
at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary to avoid
extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear or
vehicle speed when grade and road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
522 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground
Manual Transmis-
sion
1.4L Turbo Engine
With Automatic
Transmission
(DDCT)
2.0L/2.4L Engine
With Automatic
Transmission
Flat TowNoneTransmission in
NEUTRAL
Transmission in
NEUTRAL
NOT AL-
LOWED
Dolly TowFrontNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT AL-
LOWED
RearNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT AL-
LOWED
On TrailerAllOKOKOK
NOTE:When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 523

NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
or a DDCT transmission (1.4L turbo engine) may be
recreationally towed (flat towed) at any legal highway
speed, for any distance, if the transmission is inNEU-
TRAL. For vehicles with DDCT transmission (1.4L turbo
automatic), refer to#Shift Lever Override#in#What to Do
in Emergencies#for instructions on shifting the transmis-
sion into NEUTRAL when the ignition is OFF. If the
ignition is left in the ACC position, it may be helpful to
disconnect the negative battery cable (and secure it away
from the battery post), to avoid draining the battery.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any 2.0L or 2.4L engine vehicle
equipped with an automatic transmission. Damage
to the drivetrain will result. If these vehicles re-
quire towing, make sure all the wheels are OFF the
ground.
•Do not dolly tow this vehicle. Use of a towing dolly
can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
524 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
!HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS...........527
!IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS............527
!WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS......................528
▫Torque Specifications..................528
!TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED.........530
▫Tire Service Kit Storage.................530
▫Tire Service Kit Components And Operation . .530
▫Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions..........531
▫Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit.........534
!JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING..........539
▫Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage —
If Equipped.........................540
▫Preparations For Jacking................542
▫Jacking And Changing A Tire.............543
▫Road Tire Installation...................548
!JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES...........551
▫Preparations For Jump-Start..............551
▫Jump-Starting Procedure................553
!FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE.............555
6

!SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE................556
!TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE...........559
▫2.0L / 2.4L Automatic Transmission.........560
▫Manual Transmission Or 1.4L Turbo Automatic
(DDCT) Transmission...................561
526 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the
vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough off the
road to avoid the danger of being hit when using
the Tire Service Kit.
•Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the vehicle
under the following circumstances:
– If the puncture in the tire tread is approximately
1/4” (6 mm) or larger.
– If the tire has any sidewall damage.
– If the tire has any damage from driving with
extremely low tire pressure.
– If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat
tire.
– If the wheel has any damage.
– If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or
the wheel.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Keep Tire Service Kit away from open flames or
heat source.
•A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants
of the vehicle. Always stow the Tire Service Kit in
the place provided. Failure to follow these warn-
ings can result in injuries that are serious or fatal to
you, your passengers, and others around you.
•Take care not to allow the contents of Tire Service
Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes, or clothing.
Tire Service Kit is harmful if inhaled, swallowed,
or absorbed through the skin. It causes skin, eye,
and respiratory irritation. Flush immediately with
plenty of water if there is any contact with eyes or
skin. Change clothing as soon as possible, if there
is any contact with clothing.
(Continued)
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 533