towing DODGE HORNET 2023 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING97
Display Warnings And Maintenance
LIMITED OPERATION WARNING
If a warning message appears in the instrument cluster
display indicating limited operation of the ACC system, a
fault or obstruction of the system’s radar or camera may
have occurred.
If an obstruction is detected, clean the area of the
windshield opposite the interior rearview mirror, where the
camera is located, as well as the area of the front fascia/
bumper where the sensor is located. Then check that the
message has disappeared.
When the conditions limiting the system function as been
corrected, normal operation will resume.
Should the fault persist, contact an authorized dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or
unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need
to intervene. The following are examples of these types of
situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
Towing a trailer is not recommended when using ACC.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging
in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance
to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and
out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system
may increase or decrease the vehicle speed for stability,
with no vehicle ahead detected. Once the vehicle is out of
the curve, the system will resume your original set speed.
This is a part of normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on hills.
ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane depending on
the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the
steepness of the hill.

ACC Hill Example

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STARTING AND OPERATING107
SIDE DISTANCE WARNING (SDW)
S
YSTEM
The Side Distance Warning system has the function of
detecting the presence of side obstacles near the vehicle
using the parking sensors located in the front and rear
fascias/bumpers.
Side Distance Warning Display
The Side Distance Warning screen will only be displayed if
this feature is enabled within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
The system warns the driver with an acoustic signal, and
when selected, with visual indications on the radio
touchscreen display.
NOTE:ParkSense will reduce the volume of the radio if on when
the system is sounding an audible tone.
Activation/Deactivation
The system can operate only after driving a short distance
and if the vehicle speed is between 0 and 8 mph (0 and
13 km/h) while in DRIVE or NEUTRAL, or 7 mph (11 km/h) in REVERSE. The system can be activated/deactivated via
the Settings menu of the Uconnect system. If the
ParkSense System is deactivated via the ParkSense
switch, then the Side Distance Warning system will
automatically be deactivated.

Side Distance Warning System Status

NOTE:
The vehicle needs to be driven approximately one car
length in order for the Side Distance Warning system to
activate.

Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia/bumper when the vehicle sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the
ball mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
 The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the
driver looks over his/her shoulder when using
ParkSense.
WARNING!
WARNING ALERTS
Distance
(in/cm) Less than
12 inches
(30 cm)12 – 23 inches
(30 – 60 cm)
Arcs-Left Red Arc Yellow Arc
Arcs-Right Red Arc Yellow Arc
Audible Alert
Chime Audible alert only when the vehicle
is on course for a collision
Radio Volume
Reduced Yes
Yes
1 — System Not Active
2 — System Active
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108STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Side Distance Warning Usage Precautions
Some conditions may influence the performance of the
Side Distance Warning system:
NOTE:
Ensure that the front and rear fascias/bumpers are
free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the
ParkSense system operating properly.
 Construction equipment, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of ParkSense.
 ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
 Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
 The presence of a tow hook without a trailer may inter -
fere with the correct operation of the parking sensors.
Before using the ParkSense system, it is recom -
mended to remove the removable tow hook ball
assembly and any attachments from the vehicle when
it is not used for towing operations. If you leave the tow
hook fitted when not towing a trailer, the tow hook
could be detected as an obstacle by the sensors.
Contact your authorized dealer to update the
ParkSense system operations.

PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED

The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is intended to
assist the driver during parallel, perpendicular, and
parallel park exit maneuvers by identifying a proper
parking space, providing audible/visual instructions, and
controlling the steering wheel. The ParkSense Active Park
Assist system is defined as “semi-automatic” since the
driver maintains control of the accelerator, gear selector
and brakes. Depending on the driver's parking maneuver
selection, the ParkSense Active Park Assist system is
capable of maneuvering a vehicle into a parallel or a
perpendicular parking space on either side (i.e., driver
side or passenger side), as well as exiting a parallel
parking space.
NOTE:
 The driver is always responsible for controlling the
vehicle, responsible for any surrounding objects, and
must intervene as required.
 The system is designed to assist the driver and not to
substitute the driver.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
 Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia/bumper when the vehicle sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the
ball mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time when
an obstacle is detected. It is recommended that
the driver looks over his/her shoulder when using
ParkSense.
CAUTION!

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STARTING AND OPERATING111
Once the vehicle is in position, you will be instructed to
stop the vehicle’s movement and remove your hands from
the steering wheel. When the vehicle comes to a standstill
(your hands still removed from the steering wheel), you will
be instructed to place the gear selector into the REVERSE
position.

Shift To Reverse — Parallel Parking Space
Shift To Reverse — Perpendicular Parking Space

The system may then instruct the driver to wait for steering
to complete before then instructing to check the vehicle’s
surroundings, and move backward.
Several more gear shifts (DRIVE and REVERSE) while
keeping hands off of the steering wheel will be instructed
to the driver while checking the vehicle’s surroundings
before completing the parking maneuver.
When the vehicle is in the parking position, the maneuver
is complete and the driver will be instructed to check the
vehicle's parking position, then shift the vehicle into PARK.
The message “Active ParkSense Complete - Check Parking
Position” will be displayed momentarily.
NOTE:
 It is the driver's responsibility to use the brake and stop
the vehicle. The driver should check their surroundings
and be prepared to stop the vehicle either when
instructed to, or when driver intervention is required.
 It is the driver’s responsibility to use the brake and
accelerator during the semi-automatic parking
maneuver.
 When the system instructs the driver to remove their
hands from the steering wheel, the driver should check
their surroundings and begin to back up slowly.
 The system will cancel the maneuver if the vehicle
speed exceeds 5 mph (7 km/h) during active steering
guidance into the parking space. The system will
provide a warning to the driver at 3 mph (5 km/h) that
tells them to slow down. The driver is then responsible
for completing the maneuver if the system is canceled. 
If the system is canceled during the maneuver for any
reason, the driver must take control of the vehicle.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when performing parallel or
perpendicular parking maneuvers even when using
the ParkSense Active Park Assist system. Always
check carefully behind and in front of your vehicle,
look behind and in front of you, and be sure to check
for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstruc -
tions, and blind spots before backing up and moving
forward. You are responsible for safety and must
continue to pay attention to your surroundings.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
 Before using the ParkSense Active Park Assist
system, it is strongly recommended that the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly be disconnected from
the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for towing.
Failure to do so can result in injury or damage to vehi -
cles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be much
closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia/bumper
when the vehicle sounds the continuous tone. Also,
the sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly, depending on its size and shape,
giving a false indication that an obstacle is behind
the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING121
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then
be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or
rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is within
the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR
Úpage 120.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or
temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and
ready for operation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully
loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the
trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR
Úpage 120.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by
the trailer. You must consider this as part of the load on
your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
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122STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical 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.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a swaying
trailer and automatically applies individual wheel brakes
and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the
trailer sway.
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 vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are commonly used to tow small and medium
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A Weight-Distributing 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 directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a Weight-Distributing (load equalizing) Hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo (i.e., the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on
the Tire And Loading Information Placard Úpage 246.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight-Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
 Weight-Distributing systems may not be compatible
with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for
additional information.
Engine/Transmission GCWRMaximum GTWMaximum Trailer TW (See Note)
2.0L / 9 Speed Auto 6,503 lb (2,950 kg) 2,000 lb (907 kg) 154 lb (70 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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STARTING AND OPERATING123
(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
The trailer tongue weight.
 The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle.
 The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire And Loading Information
Placard located on the driver’s door pillar for the
maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in Scheduled Servicing
and the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 223. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
 Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
 Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo
that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over -
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, chassis structure or tires.
 Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
 Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or
"chock" the trailer wheels.
 GCWR must not be exceeded.
 Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded :
 GVWR
 GTW
 GAWR
 Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
WARNING!
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124STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
 Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing
while using a full size spare tire.
 Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
 Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures
before trailer usage.
 Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer.
 Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
 For further information
Úpage 246.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
 An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required. 
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
1,543 lb (700 kg).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory-approved trailer harness and
connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connectors) before launching a boat into water.
 Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

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STARTING AND OPERATING125

Four-Pin Connector Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. For increased engine braking on steep
downhill grades, select the LOW range.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
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126STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
 You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake feature is enabled
or disabled via the Customer Programmable Features in the Uconnect Settings.
Towing Condition Wheels Off The Ground All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REAR
NOT ALLOWED
FRONT NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK

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