service indicator DODGE DART 2014 PF / 1.G User Guide

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 478 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
560 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 561

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure 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
engine is shut off. Do not check oil level before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight. Checking engine oil level
when the engine is cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone which depicts the MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the full
end of the indicator range.
564 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR® engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
Tires
Checking For Tire Wear
Once a month, check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
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 imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
• 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.
(Continued)
568 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first. Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
•
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.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and brake
master cylinder as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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S614 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Alarm...............................316
Anti-Lock ............................ .318
Automatic Headlights ....................236
Brake Warning ........................ .313
Bulb Replacement .......................604
Cruise ...............................320
Daytime Running .......................239
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .................240
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....457
Exterior ..............................111
Fog ................................ .239
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................519
Headlights ............................235
Headlights On Reminder ..................239
Headlights On With Wipers ................236
Headlight Switch .......................235
High Beam ............................241
High Beam Indicator .....................312
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............241Illuminated Entry
........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .235
Intensity Control ........................243
Interior ............................. .242
License ............................. .607
Lights On Reminder .....................239
Low Fuel ............................ .316
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........318
Oil Pressure .......................... .318
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ...........244
Passing ............................. .241
Reading ............................. .242
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .312
Security Alarm ........................ .316
Service ...............................604
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .318
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............308
T raction

Control ........................457
Turn Signal ............................111
642 INDEX

Vanity Mirror..........................123
Voltage ............................. .317
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......308
Loading Vehicle ..........................500
Capacities ............................502
Tires ............................... .464
Locks ..................................32
Automatic Door .........................34
Auto Unlock ...........................34
Child Protection .........................35
Door .................................32
Power Door ............................33
Lubrication, Body ........................ .574
Lug Nuts ...............................520
Maintenance Free Battery ....................568
Maintenance Procedures ....................563
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .614
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......318Manual, Service
..........................628
Manual Transmission ..................... .414
Fluid Level Check .......................588
Frequency of Fluid Change ................588
Lubricant Selection ..................... .588
Shift Speeds .......................... .415
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................584
Methanol ...............................493
Mini-Trip Computer .......................328
Mirrors ................................119
Automatic Dimming .....................119
Electric Powered ........................122
Electric Remote ........................ .122
Exterior Folding ........................121
Heated ...............................122
Outside ............................. .120
Rearview .............................119
Vanity ...............................123
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
10
INDEX 643

Service Assistance........................ .623
Service Contract ..........................625
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . .318
Service Manuals ..........................628
Setting the Clock ..........................367
Shifting Manual Transmission ....................414
Shift Lever Override .......................549
Short Message Service (SMS) .................162
Shoulder Belts ............................51
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage ................56
Side Airbag ..............................79
Side View Mirror Adjustment .................120
Signals, Turn .............................111
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ...................481
Snow Tires ............................. .473
Spare Tire ...............................475
Specifications Oil..................................565 Speed Control (Cruise Control)
................252
Speedometer ............................ .314
Starting .................................28
Automatic Transmission ..................410
Engine Fails to Start .....................413
Manual Transmission ....................409
Remote ...............................28
Starting Procedures ........................409
Steering Column Controls .......................240
Column Lock ..........................249
Tilt Column .......................... .249
Wheel, Heated ........................ .250
Wheel, Tilt ............................249
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ...............387
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .387
Storage ............................... .294
Storage, Vehicle .......................... .403
Stuck, Freeing ............................547
648 INDEX

Snow Tires............................473
Spare Tire ............................ .532
Spinning ............................ .477
Tread Wear Indicators ....................478
Tire Safety Information .....................458
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................506
To Open Hood .......................... .232
Towing ............................... .502
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................147
Disabled Vehicle ........................551
Guide ...............................506
Recreational .......................... .515
Weight ...............................506
Towing Assistance ........................ .147
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........515
Traction ............................... .439
Traction Control ..........................449
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................451
Trailer Towing .......................... .502Cooling System Tips
.....................514
Hitches ............................. .505
Minimum Requirements ..................507
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................506
Wiring ...............................511
Trailer Towing Guide .......................506
Trailer Weight ............................506
Transmission Automatic ............................417
Filter ............................... .588
Maintenance .......................... .586
Manual ............................. .414
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .27
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .274
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .27
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........24
Transporting Pets ........................ .106
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .478
Trip Odometer .......................... .316
650 INDEX