DODGE HORNET 2023 Owners Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE229
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 224.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality Mopar® certified filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement
Follow the recommended maintenance intervals as shown
in the Maintenance Plan in this section.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. Loosen the fasteners from the engine air cleaner filter cover using a suitable tool.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover

2. Lift the engine air cleaner filter cover to access the engine air cleaner filter by rotating at the hinge and
pulling the cover away from the engine.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from the housing assembly.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing if significant dirt or debris is
present before replacing the engine air cleaner filter.

1. Install the engine air cleaner filter into the housing assembly with the engine air cleaner filter
inspection surface facing downward.

2. Tighten engine air cleaner filter cover fasteners using a suitable tool.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Fasteners
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the engine air cleaner filter cover lid
screws or damage may result.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located in your owner’s
information kit, for further warranty information.
 The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
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230SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a — If Equipped
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a Hydrofluo -
rocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-friendly substance. It is
recommended that air conditioning service be performed
by an authorized dealer or other service facilities using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only the manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil and refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-1234yf
R-1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a Hydrofluo-
roolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly substance with
a low global-warming potential. It is recommended that air
conditioning service be performed by an authorized dealer
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only the manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter
See an authorized dealer for service.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically with a lithium-based grease, such
as Mopar® Spray White Lube to ensure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release
mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and
lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Autumn and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar® Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield and rear window periodically with a sponge or
soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove
accumulations of salt, waxes, or road film, and help
reduce streaking and smearing.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield or rear window.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield or rear window. Make sure that they are not
frozen to the glass before turning them on to avoid
damaging the blade. Keep the wiper blade out of contact
with petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on
geographical area and frequency of use. If chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots are present, clean the
wiper blades or replace as necessary.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE231
Service Position Strategy
The Service Position Strategy places the wiper blades in a
position that allows them to be easily changed.
To enable the Service Position Strategy, the wipers must
be in the park position before placing the ignition in the
OFF position. The Service Position Strategy must be
activated within two minutes after the ignition is placed in
the OFF position. To correctly activate the Service Position
command, move the wiper lever upward for at least half a
second. At every valid activation of the Service Position
command, the wiper blades are activated for 250 ms. The
Service Position command can be repeated several times
to bring the blades into the desired position, up to a
maximum of three times. After three subsequent
activations the strategy is disabled. Function Deactivation And Reset:

The ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
 There are three subsequent activations.
 The two minute timer has expired after turning the
ignition OFF.
NOTE:When turning the ignition ON, the blades go into the
park position.
Front Wiper Blade Removal/Installation

1. Lift the front wiper arm upward to raise the wiper
blade off of the windshield.

2. Push the release button on the arm of the wiper blade. 3. Push the wiper blade up and remove it.

Wiper Arm And Blade

4. Install the wiper blade and firmly push the wiper
blade until it snaps into place.
CAUTION!
Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the
glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may
be damaged.
1 — Wiper Blade
2 — Release Button
3 — Wiper Arm
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232SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Rear Wiper Blade Removal/Installation

1. Lift the rear wiper arm pivot cap away from the glass.

Wiper Pivot Cap

2. Remove the nut and remove the wiper arm from
the vehicle.

Wiper Pivot Cap In Unlocked Position

3. Install a new wiper arm, securely tighten the nut and put the cap back in place.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, have
the exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil changes. Replace as required.
1 — Wiper Arm Pivot Cap
1 — Wiper Arm
2 — Wiper Arm Nut
WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you
Úpage 199.
 A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn, such materials might be
grass or leaves, and those items that come into
contact with your exhaust system. Do not park or
operate your vehicle in areas where your exhaust
system can contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective -
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
 Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE233
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to ensure 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 specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is
in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
 Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
 Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as during diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh engine coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the proper
maintenance intervals
Úpage 224.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Úpage 269.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than speci-
fied Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant,
may result in engine damage and may decrease corro -
sion protection. OAT engine coolant is different and
should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Tech -
nology (HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is introduced
into the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling
system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

 Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant
products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or
anti-rust products, as they may not be compatible with
the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
 Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
 When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon -
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF
mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
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234SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not recom -
mended.
 Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact an
authorized dealer.
Adding Coolant

Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine coolant
(OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows extended
maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can
be used up to 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
before replacement. To prevent reducing this extended
maintenance period, it is important to use the same engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) throughout
the life of your vehicle.

Please review these recommendations for using OAT
engine coolant that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032. When adding
engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032.
 Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are anticipated.
Please contact an authorized dealer for assistance.
 Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
 Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system, please contact an
authorized dealer.
 Mixing engine coolant types is not recommended and
can result in cooling system damage. If HOAT and OAT
coolant are mixed in an emergency, have an authorized
dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant expansion bottle/
recovery tank (if equipped). The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a
regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in
open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
WARNING!

Do not open a hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over -
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
 Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci -
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE235
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine off and cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the
“MIN” and “MAX” marks.
As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Engine Coolant Level — 2.0L
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be within the OK range between the
ADD and FULL range on the dipstick.

1. Remove the cap with level dipstick from the engine
coolant bottle.

2. Clean off the coolant from the dipstick.
3. Rest the cap on the opening of the coolant bottle without tightening the cap.
4. Remove the cap with dipstick and check the coolant level on the dipstick.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant freeze point or
replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As
long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of the manufacturer Material Standard
MS.90032 should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilometers
of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter
the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.

Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
 Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant needs
to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
 If frequent engine coolant additions are required, the
cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
 Maintain engine coolant concentration at a minimum
of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
 Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
 Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
 Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
WARNING!
Do not open a hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over -
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
 Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci -
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
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236SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 224.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
Brake Warning Light is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid
level up to the requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to
fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be
checked when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer recommended brake fluid
Úpage 269.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
I
F EQUIPPED
Special Additives
It is strongly recommended against using any special
additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do
not add any fluid additives to the transmission. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required; therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer immediately to
have the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the
brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
WARNING!
 Use only the manufacturer recommended brake fluid Úpage 269. Using the wrong type of brake fluid can
severely damage your brake system and/or impair its
performance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
 To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in an open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause
it to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
 Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE237
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life
of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life.
Use only the manufacturer specified transmission fluid
Úpage 269. It is important to maintain the transmission
fluid at the correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against excessive
current.
When a device does not work, you must check the fuse
element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.
Also, please be aware that using power outlets for
extended periods of time with the engine off may result in
vehicle battery discharge.

Blade Fuses

CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturer
recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. For fluid specifications
Úpage 269.
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. Do not
place a fuse inside a circuit breaker cavity or vice
versa. Failure to use proper fuses may result in
serious personal 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, transmission system) or steering
system blows, contact an authorized dealer.
1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse element
3 — Blade Fuse with a bad/not functional fuse element
(blown fuse)
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238SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Power Distribution Center/Fuses And Relays
The Front Power Distribution Center is located in the engine compartment. This module contains fuses and relays. Fuse cavity locations are printed on the inside of the power distribution
center cover.
Underhood Power Distribution Location
CAUTION!
When installing the power distribution center cover, it is important to ensure the cover is properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may allow water to get into the power
distribution center and possibly result in an electrical system failure.

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