towing DODGE DART 2014 PF / 1.G Owner's Guide

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
NOTE:This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Towing Condition WheelsOFF The Ground AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED Trans in NEUTRAL
Dolly Tow RearNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLOKOK
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 equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 551

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.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission vehicles must be towed with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
• 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.
552 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Shift Lever Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission
out of PARK for loading onto a flatbed truck.
Manual Transmission
•The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
• Manual transmission vehicles can also be flat towed
(all four wheels on the ground) with the transmission
in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition
is related to the clutch, transmission or driveline.
Additional damage to the drivetrain could result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe engine, transmission,
or drivetrain damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 553

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

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 577

Fluid and Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is used for
frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi, etc., change the
fluid as indicated in the Maintenance Schedule. In addi-
tion, change the fluid (and filter, if equipped) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
The transmission is designed to be fill for life. The oil
does not need to be check unless there is an oil leak.
Should the transmission be leaking oil, the transmission
should be serviced to correct the condition.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.
NOTE:If contaminated with water, the fluid should be
changed immediately.
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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: 2345678 9101112131415
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
Replace the spark plugs (2.0L and 2.4L Engine).** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. XX
Change the transmission fluid (manual, or 1.4L
turbo automatic) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: trailer towing, heavy loading, taxi, police,
delivery service (commercial service), off-road, des-
ert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at
sustained speeds during hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C). XX X
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 617

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: 2345678 9101112131415
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
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter
(2.0L, 2.4L engines only) if you frequently drive: on
rough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads, on
short trips, in heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or while towing a trailer, or if you use the vehicle for
police, taxi, or in a commercial fleet. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
Replace the timing belt (1.4L Turbo Engine). X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
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S618 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Uconnect® Settings........................25
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................446
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............580
Adding Fuel ............................ .497
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .575
Additives, Fuel .......................... .495
Airbag ..................................61
Airbag Deployment ........................80
Airbag Light .............................68
Airbag Maintenance ........................82
Airbag, Side ..............................65
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................65
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .567
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................569
Air Conditioning ..........................390
Air Conditioning Controls ...................390
Air Conditioning Filter .....................404
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................569
Air Conditioning System ....................390 Air Pressure, Tires
........................ .470
Alarm Arm The System ........................20
Disarm The System .......................21
Rearming The System .....................20
Tamper Alert ...........................22
Vehicle Security Alarm ....................20
Alarm Light ............................ .316
Alarm, Panic .............................23
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................20
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................20
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................579
Capacities ............................608
Disposal ............................. .582
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................446
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................318
Appearance Care ........................ .589
Assistance Towing ........................ .147
632 INDEX

Hazard Warning Flasher..................519
Jacking ...............................532
Jump Starting ..........................543
Overheating .......................... .519
Towing ............................. .551
Emergency Trunk Release ....................47
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........561
Engine .................................558
Air Cleaner .......................... .567
Block Heater ..........................414
Break-In Recommendations ................106
Checking Oil Level ..................... .564
Compartment ..........................557
Cooling ............................. .578
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................108
Fuel Requirements ..................... .492
Jump Starting ..........................543
Oil..................................564
Oil Filler Cap ..........................558 Oil Selection
.......................... .565
Overheating .......................... .519
Temperature Gauge ..................... .310
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............80
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .493
Event Data Recorder ........................83
Exhaust Gas Caution .......................108
Exhaust System .......................... .108
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................121
Exterior Lighting ..........................235
Exterior Lights ...........................111
Filler Location Fuel ........................316
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .567
Air Conditioning .......................404
Automatic Transmission ..................588
Engine Oil ............................567
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INDEX 637