steering DODGE DART 2015 PF / 1.G Workshop Manual

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically
used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight
to the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s direc-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control and thereby en-
hancing towing safety. The addition of a friction/
hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by
traffic and crosswinds, contributing positively to tow
vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a
weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom-
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be
required depending on Vehicle and Trailer
configuration/loading to comply with GAWR require-
ments.
512 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough without engine operation,
the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to
degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or 2nd Gear
and REVERSE (with manual transmission) while gently
pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accel-
erator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the en-
gine.
NOTE:1.4L Turbo automatic transmission vehicles can-
not be rocked in this manner, because the transmission
will not allow shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE while
the wheels are turning.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine 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.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 555

CAUTION!(Continued)
•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.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
(Continued)
572 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.).
FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
injury, fire and/or property damage.
•Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition
is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
•If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
•If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Interior Fuses
The interior fuses are located on the drivers side under
the instrument panel.
602 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge FuseMini FuseDescription
F1–20 Amp Yellow Front Heated Seats – If Equipped
F2–20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel – If
Equipped
F3–10 Amp Red Park Assist Module, Rear Camera, Left and
Right Blind Spot Sensor, Compass – If
Equipped
F4–15 Amp Blue Instrument Cluster
F5–10 Amp Red HVAC, Humidity Sensor, In-Car Temperature
Sensor, Inside Mirror Assembly
F18–15 Amp Blue Radio
F20–10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module, Switch
Bank
F21–10 Amp Red Diagnostic Port
F22–10 Amp Red Universal Garage Door Opener, EOM
F23–20 Amp Yellow Sunroof
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 603

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