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

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

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

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).
Your 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 your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
622 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

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
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(2.0L, 2.4L engines only) if you frequently drive: onrough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads, onshort trips, in heavy city traffic during hot weather,or while towing a trailer, or if you use the vehicle forpolice, 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
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
626 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Headlights
Automatic............................237
Cleaning.............................600
Delay................................238
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.........243
Lights On Reminder.....................240
On With Wipers........................238
Passing..............................243
Switch...............................236
Time Delay............................238
Head Restraints..........................230
Heated Mirrors...........................124
Heater.................................390
Heater, Engine Block.......................416
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .243
Hill Start Assist...........................458
Hitches
Trailer Towing.........................513
Holder, Coin.............................293
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener)............275
Ignition
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Illuminated Entry..........................23
Courtesy Lights.........................23
Front Courtesy Overhead Console............23
Illuminated Entry........................23
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter.......23
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)....................17
Information Center, Vehicle..................321
Inside Rearview Mirror.....................121
Instrument Cluster........................305
Instrument Panel and Controls................304
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning...............601
Interior Appearance Care....................599
Interior Lights...........................244
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).............247
Introduction..............................4
648 INDEX

Steering
Column Controls.......................242
Column Lock..........................251
Tilt Column...........................251
Wheel, Heated.........................252
Wheel, Tilt............................251
Steering Wheel Audio Controls...............387
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .387
Storage................................609
Storage, Vehicle...........................404
Stuck, Freeing............................555
Sunglasses Storage........................274
Sun Roof...............................284
Sun Visor Extension.......................125
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag..........63
Sway Control, Trailer.......................457
System, Remote Starting.....................30
Tachometer..............................308
Telescoping Steering Column.................251
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........402
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant............310
Text Messaging...........................164
Tilt Steering Column.......................251
Time Delay, Headlight......................238
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........471
Tire Markings............................465
Tire Rotation.............................576
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4
Aging (Life of Tires).....................486
Air Pressure...........................476
Chains...............................488
Changing.............................539
Compact Spare.........................483
General Information.....................476
High Speed...........................479
Inflation Pressures.......................478
Jacking...............................53910
INDEX 657

Life of Tires...........................486
Load Capacity.........................471
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............491
Pressure Warning Light...................308
Quality Grading........................637
Radial...............................479
Replacement...........................487
Rotation..............................490
Safety...............................465
Sizes................................466
Snow Tires............................481
Spare Tire.............................540
Spinning.............................485
Tread Wear Indicators....................485
Tire Safety Information.....................465
Tire Service Kit...........................530
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................515
To Open Hood...........................234
Towing................................510
24-Hour Towing Assistance................150
Disabled Vehicle........................559
Guide...............................514
Recreational...........................523
Weight...............................514
Towing Assistance.........................150
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........523
Traction................................445
Traction Control..........................456
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................457
Trailer Towing...........................510
Cooling System Tips.....................522
Hitches..............................513
Minimum Requirements..................516
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................515
Wiring...............................520
Trailer Towing Guide.......................514
Trailer Weight............................514
658 INDEX