towing DODGE DART 2016 PF / 1.G Owner's Guide

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.
Vehicle Recovery Tow Points
Your vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Recovery Points
that can be used to recover a disabled vehicle, located on
the underbody of the vehicle.
NOTE:
•Ensure that the towing service tow hooks are properly
seated and secured in the attachment points.
• This recovery tow feature should be used by a trained
professional only. •
Use approved receptacle location to free the disabled
vehicle from its environment.
Front Of Vehicle Recovery Points
564 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Recovery feature:
•Is to be used by a professional ONLY.
• Is used only to provide recovery of the vehicle.
• Is NOT to be used to recover secondary vehicle.
• Is NOT to be used for transporting the vehicle over
the road, i.e. “Flat Towing”.
Recovery load should:
• Be applied at constant speed.
• Be applied parallel to the center line of the length
of the vehicle.
• Not be an abrupt acceleration.
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.
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.
2.0L / 2.4L Automatic Transmission
This vehicle must be towed with all four wheels OFF
the ground using a flatbed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 565

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.
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 wheels OFFthe 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 NEUTRAL. For vehicles with DDCT transmission
(1.4L turbo automatic), refer to Shift Lever Override
in this section 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.
566 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 567

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. Push the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
574 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 damage:
• 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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 591

checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
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 checked 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 601

Mileage Or Time Passed (Whichever ComesFirst)
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: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
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 (1.4L Turbo Engine).** XX X X X
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
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 631

Tamper Alert...........................22
Vehicle Security Alarm ....................20
Alarm, Panic .......................... .22, 26
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..................20, 310
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................20
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........592, 622, 623
Capacities ........................... .622
Disposal ............................. .595
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................456
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................322
Appearance Care ........................ .602
Assistance Towing ........................ .149
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .459
Auto Down Power Windows ..................44
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................121
Automatic Door Locks ....................35, 36
Automatic Headlights ..................... .235
Automatic High Beams .....................236 Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
..........406
Automatic Transmission .................425, 599
Adding Fluid ......................... .600
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................601
Fluid Level Check ...................... .600
Fluid Type ........................ .599, 625
Gear Ranges ...................... .430, 440
Special Additives ...................... .600
Autostick .............................. .446
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................36
Auto Up Power Windows ....................45
Battery ............................ .312, 583
Charging System Light ...................312
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Belts, Seat ...............................110
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio
Device After Pairing .....................174
10
INDEX 647

DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .449
Electrical Power Outlets .....................282
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................294
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................123
Electronic Brake Control System ...............456
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................456
Traction Control System ...................462
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........250
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............463
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........314
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . .266, 329
Emergency Brake ........................ .451
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................48
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................559
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................531 Jacking
.............................. .544
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Overheating .......................... .531
Towing ............................. .563
Emergency Trunk Release ....................48
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........575
Engine ............................. .572, 573
Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Block Heater ......................... .420
Break-In Recommendations ................107
Checking Oil Level ..................... .578
Compartment ......................... .571
Cooling ............................. .591
Exhaust Gas Caution .................109, 509
Fuel Requirements ..................... .504
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Oil .......................... .578, 622, 623
Oil Filler Cap ................572, 573, 580, 581
Oil Filter ............................ .581
10
INDEX 651