DODGE HORNET 2023 Owners Manual

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY219
5. Locate the gear selector override access (at the right
rear corner of the gear selector assembly). Using a
small screwdriver or similar tool, push and hold the
override release lever down.

Gear Selector Override Access Location

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL (N) position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the gear selector boot.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Push and hold the button on the gear selector.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R) while gently pressing the accelerator.
NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE (R) can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for
more than two seconds, you must press the brake pedal
to engage DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R).
Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:Push the ESC OFF button (if necessary), to place the Elec -
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in the “Off” mode,
before rocking the vehicle
Úpage 156. Once the vehicle
has been freed, push the ESC OFF button again to restore
“ESC On” mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping when you
are stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel,
no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
 Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for
at least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
 When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE gear and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
 Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis -
sion shifting occurring).
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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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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY221
(Continued)
WITHOUT THE KEY FOB
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with
the ignition in the OFF mode. The only approved method of
towing without the key fob is with a flatbed truck. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with all
four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
TOW EYE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a tow eye that can be
used to move a disabled vehicle. When using a tow eye,
see the following precautions.

Tow Eye

Tow Eye Usage Precautions
Tow Eye Warning Label

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle using any other method can
cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage.
 Damage from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
The tow eye must only be used for roadside
emergencies. Use with an appropriate device in
accordance with highway code (a rigid bar or rope) to
maneuver the vehicle in preparation for transport via
a tow truck.
 The tow eye must not be used to move the vehicle off
the road or where there are obstacles.
 Do not use the tow eyes for tow truck hookup or
highway towing.
Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck vehicle Úpage 219.
 Damage to your vehicle may occur if these guidelines
are not followed.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow eyes.
Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains may break,
causing serious injury or death.
 Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye. Tow straps
may break or become disengaged, causing serious
injury or death.
 Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may cause
components to break resulting in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
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222IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Tow Eye Installation
The rear tow eye receptacle is located behind an access
door on the passenger’s side of the rear fascia/bumper.
To install the tow eye, open the access door using a small
screwdriver or similar tool. Thread the tow eye into the
receptacle, making sure it is fully tightened.
The tow eye must be securely seated to the attaching
bracket through the rear fascia/bumper. If the tow eye is
not securely seated to the attaching bracket, the vehicle
should not be moved.

Rear Tow Eye Access Door
Rear Tow Eye Installed

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
This feature is a communication network that takes effect
in the event of an impact
Úpage 184.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed under certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle
Úpage 187.

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223
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
towing, and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).An authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
an authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under Instrument Cluster
Display
Úpage 66.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), one year or 350 hours
of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours
of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:

Check engine oil level.
 Check windshield washer fluid level.
 Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irreg -
ular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
 Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill as needed.
 Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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224SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the required maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace the engine air cleaner filter if necessary.
Mileage Or Time Passed
(Whichever Comes First)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. XXX XXX X
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary. X XX XXX X
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the PTU fluid level. XXX

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE225
Inspect the rear differential fluid level. XXX
Inspect front accessory drive belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and replace if necessary. X
Replace engine air cleaner filter. XX XX X
Replace brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. XXX XXX X
Replace the cabin air filter. To be replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Replace spark plugs.
1X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. X
X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
1. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only; yearly intervals do not apply.
Mileage Or Time Passed
(Whichever Comes First)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
WARNING!
 You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
 Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance. This could cause an accident.
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226SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L ENGINE
1 — Engine Oil Fill 6 — Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap 8 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE227
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
 Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
 Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
 Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN
and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the engine
compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual washer fluid.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid, apply it to a cloth or towel, and wipe clean the
wiper blades; this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, and periodic
maintenance is not required.CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the engine oil will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents are
flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the washer
solution.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn
or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with large
amounts of water
Úpage 215.
 Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
 Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the posi -
tive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal
posts and free of corrosion.
 If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
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228SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high pressure
washer is not recommended.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control systems may
void your warranty and could result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
ENGINE OIL
Engine Oil Selection
For engine oil selection Úpage 269.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Approved Engine Oil
These symbols mean that the oil has been certified
by the API. The manufacturer only recommends
API trademark oils.
The API Starburst trademark certifies 0W-20,
0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils.
The API Donut trademark certifies 0W-40 and
5W-40 engine oil.
Synthetic Engine Oils
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils, only
use synthetic API approved engine oils.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the correct
API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
numbers should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the
addition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes)
to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service
station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be used for
replacement. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified filters
should be used. If a Mopar® Engine Oil Filter is
unavailable, only use filters that meet or exceed SAE/
USCAR-36 Filter Performance Requirments.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard all parts and
connections however, the pressures generated by high
pressure washers are such that complete protection
against water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Only do service work for which you have the
knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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