towing DODGE HORNET 2023 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING127
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or
using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. This vehicle may be
towed on flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four wheels
are OFF the ground.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Information in this section will aid in safe controlled
launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be
observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
 Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
 Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
 Keep tires properly inflated.
 Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the ground
can cause severe transmission and/or power transfer
unit damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow,
wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
4

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127

SAFETY157
Full Off
To enter the “Full Off” mode, push the Sport Mode button
and then hold the ESC OFF button for two seconds while
the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After two
seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC OFF Indicator Light
will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF” message will display in
the instrument cluster. To turn ESC on again, momentarily
push the ESC OFF button.ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON mode. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (km) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light starts to
flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system
becomes active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light also flashes when Traction Control System (TCS) is
active. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
customer has elected to have the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) in a reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and the
ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each
time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
 Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN posi -
tion, the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off
previously.
 The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) —
If Equipped
The ESS activates the hazard lights at a faster than normal
speed when heavy brake pressure is applied. ESS will only
activate when the speed is above 31 mph (50 km/h). The
ESS operates independently of other lamps, and will turn
on and off automatically. This indicates to others that the
vehicle is stopping quickly.
NOTE:
A warning light will illuminate within the instrument
cluster to inform the driver that the ESS feature has
been activated.
 When towing a trailer, ESS will also activate the rear
indicator lights of the trailer.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque reduc -
tion and stability features are disabled. Therefore,
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver,
the ESC system will not engage to assist in main -
taining stability. ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.
 With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an
emergency evasive maneuver, the ESC system
will not engage to assist in maintaining stability.
ESC “Full Off” mode is only intended for off-highway
or off-road use.
 The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions.
6

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

220IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
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 equipment
manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing devices to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to fascia/
bumper or associated brackets. State and local laws
regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.
NOTE:
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.
 Vehicles with a discharged battery, or total electrical
failure when the Electric Park Brake (EPB) is engaged,
will need a wheel dolly or jack to raise the rear wheels
off the ground when moving the vehicle onto a flatbed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode.
Note that the Safehold feature will engage the Electric
Park Brake whenever the driver's door is opened (if the
battery is connected, ignition is ON, transmission is not in
PARK, and brake pedal is released). If you are towing this
vehicle with the ignition in the ON/RUN mode, you must
manually disable the Electric Park Brake each time the
driver's door is opened by pressing the brake pedal and
then releasing the EPB.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, instructions on
shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK so that
the vehicle can be moved
Úpage 218.
TOWING CONDITION WHEELS OFF THE GROUND
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REAR
NOT ALLOWED
FRONT NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST METHOD
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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.
 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
 Do not use a fascia/bumper mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face bar will
be damaged.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 220

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY221
(Continued)
WITHOUT THE KEY FOB
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with
the ignition in the OFF mode. The only approved method of
towing without the key fob is with a flatbed truck. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with all
four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
TOW EYE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a tow eye that can be
used to move a disabled vehicle. When using a tow eye,
see the following precautions.

Tow Eye

Tow Eye Usage Precautions
Tow Eye Warning Label

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle using any other method can
cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage.
 Damage from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
The tow eye must only be used for roadside
emergencies. Use with an appropriate device in
accordance with highway code (a rigid bar or rope) to
maneuver the vehicle in preparation for transport via
a tow truck.
 The tow eye must not be used to move the vehicle off
the road or where there are obstacles.
 Do not use the tow eyes for tow truck hookup or
highway towing.
Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck vehicle Úpage 219.
 Damage to your vehicle may occur if these guidelines
are not followed.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow eyes.
Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains may break,
causing serious injury or death.
 Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye. Tow straps
may break or become disengaged, causing serious
injury or death.
 Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may cause
components to break resulting in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
7

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 221

223
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
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 in the instrument cluster.
This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
towing, and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).An 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
an authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under Instrument Cluster
Display
Úpage 66.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), one year or 350 hours
of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours
of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:

Check engine oil level.
 Check windshield washer fluid level.
 Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irreg -
ular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
 Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill as needed.
 Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 223

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.
8

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 233

244SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Rear Cargo Fuse/Relay Distribution Unit —
If Equipped
To access the fuses, remove the access door from the left
rear panel in the rear cargo area.

Rear Fuse Access Door Location

The fuses may be contained in two units. Fuse Holder
No. 1 is located closest to the rear of the vehicle and
Fuse Holder No. 2 (If equipped with trailer towing) is
located closest to the front of the vehicle.

Rear Cargo Fuse Cavity Example

1 — Fuse Holder No. 1
2 — Fuse Holder No. 2

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 244

252SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs. (4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will
be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg
(635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following
table shows examples on how to calculate total load,
cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle
with varying seating configurations and number and
size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes
only and may not be accurate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle.
 For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 252

258SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a
spare tire Úpage 211.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire designated
for temporary emergency use
Úpage 124.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel
equivalent in look and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for
your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation
pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only.
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire description on the
Tire And Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment
tire should be repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare tire.
Do not install more than one compact spare tire and wheel
on the vehicle at any given time.
Full-Size Spare — If Equipped
The Full-Size spare is for temporary emergency use only.
This tire may look like the originally equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. This spare
tire may have limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use Full-Size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the same as
your original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the original
equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
only. This tire is identified by a label located on the limited
use spare wheel. This label contains the driving limitations
for this spare. This tire may look like the original equipped
tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Since it is not the same as your original
equipment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment
tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not drive
more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire
needs to be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result
in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. With this tire, do not drive more than the
speed listed on the limited use spare wheel. Keep
inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on your
Tire And Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s side
door. Replace (or repair) the original equipment tire at
the first opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle.
Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 258

266TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
First tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each
nut/bolt has been tightened to 14.7 ft-lb (20 N·m). Then
repeat the operation until each lug nut/bolt has been
tightened to 88.5 ft-lb (120 N·m). Ensure that the socket is
fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it halfway).

Torque Pattern

After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly tightened.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
While operating on gasoline with the required octane
number, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is
not a cause for concern. However, if the engine is
heard making a heavy knocking sound, see a dealer
immediately. Use of gasoline with a lower than
recommended octane number can cause engine failure
and may void or not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
2.0L ENGINE
This engine is designed to meet all emissions
requirements, and provide satisfactory fuel
economy and performance, when using
high-quality unleaded regular gasoline
having an octane rating of 87, as specified by the
(R+M)/2 method. The use of 91 or higher octane premium
gasoline will allow these engines to operate to optimal
performance. This increase in performance is most
noticeable in hot weather or under heavy load conditions
such as while towing.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner-burning gasoline referred to as “reformulated
gasoline”. Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates
and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions
and improve air quality. The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended.
Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide
improved performance and durability of engine and fuel
system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline containing more
than 15% ethanol (E-15) or gasoline containing methanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result
in personal injury.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing methanol, or
gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15).
Use of these blends may result in starting and
drivability problems, damage critical fuel system
components, cause emissions to exceed the applicable
standard, and/or cause the Malfunction Indicator Light
to illuminate. Please observe pump labels as they
should clearly communicate if a fuel contains greater
than 15% ethanol (E-15).

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 266