towing DODGE DART 2015 PF / 1.G Owner's Guide

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

!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

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
NOTE:This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition WheelsOFF The
Ground
2.0L / 2.4L AUTO-
MATIC TRANS-
MISSION
MANUAL TRANS-
MISSION
1.4L TURBO AU-
TOMATIC (DDCT)
TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDTransmission in
NEUTRAL
Transmission in
NEUTRAL
Dolly TowRearNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
FrontNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
FlatbedALLOKBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
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.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 559

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.
•The manufacturer does not recommend towing this
vehicle using a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may
occur.
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.
2.0L / 2.4L Automatic Transmission
This vehicle must be towed with all four wheels OFF
the ground using a flatbed.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any 2.0L or 2.4L vehicle equipped
with an automatic transmission. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If these vehicles require
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.
560 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 Or 1.4L Turbo Automatic
(DDCT) Transmission
•The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
•Manual transmission and 1.4L turbo automatic (DDCT)
transmission vehicles can also be flat towed (all four
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL. For vehicles with DDCT transmission (1.4L turbo
automatic), refer to#Shift Lever Override#in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission into NEU-
TRAL 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 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.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 561

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
a#clicking#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
568 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.
584 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 595

Mileage Or Time Passed (Whichever Comes
First)20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Replace the spark plugs (2.0L and 2.4L Engine).**X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first.XX
Change the transmission fluid (manual, or 1.4Lturbo automatic) if using your vehicle for any of thefollowing: trailer towing, heavy loading, taxi, police,delivery service (commercial service), off-road, des-ert operation or more than 50% of your driving is atsustained speeds during hot weather, above 90°F(32°C).
XX X
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 625