DODGE HORNET 2023 Repair Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE59
CLOSING THE HOOD
To close the hood, pull downward in a continuous motion
until the crossover point, where the gas props no longer
hold the hood open, has been reached.
NOTE:Make sure the hood is completely closed and not only
fastened by the locking device by trying to open it. If it is
not perfectly closed, do not try to press the hood down, but
open it and repeat the procedure.
LIFTGATE
UNLOCK/OPEN THE LIFTGATE
The liftgate may be released in one of several ways:
Key fob liftgate button (if equipped with power liftgate)
 Liftgate electronic release button
 Liftgate button on headlight switch (if equipped)
 Hands-Free Liftgate (if equipped)

Headlight Switch Liftgate Button

The key fob will release the liftgate when the liftgate is
unlocked or locked. The electronic release button requires
the liftgate to be unlocked.

Liftgate Entry

To Unlock The Liftgate
Use the key fob or the interior door unlock button on the
door panel to unlock the liftgate.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your
vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open
when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower hood to approximately 12 inches (30 cm)
and drop the hood to close. Make sure hood is fully
closed for both latches. Never drive vehicle unless hood
is fully closed, with both latches engaged.
1 — Passive Entry Lock Button
2 — Liftgate Electronic Release Button
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the
liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle.
2

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 59

60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
LOCK/CLOSE THE LIFTGATE
There are several different ways to close the liftgate:
Manually (grab the liftgate closing handle and pull in a
downward motion)
 Key fob
 Hands-free (if equipped)
 Liftgate close or lock button (if equipped) on the liftgate
door (only visible when the liftgate is open)
NOTE:Before closing the liftgate, make sure to be in possession
of the key fob because the liftgate may be locked.

Liftgate Buttons (If Equipped)

To Lock The Liftgate
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
liftgate, pushing the Passive Entry button located to the
left of the electronic liftgate release button, will lock the
vehicle only.
Use the key fob or the interior door lock button on the door
panel to lock the liftgate. The manual door locks on the
doors will not lock the liftgate.

Liftgate Entry

POWER LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED
The power liftgate may be opened by pushing
the liftgate button on the key fob. Push the
liftgate button on the key fob twice within
five seconds to open or close the power liftgate.
You can also open the liftgate by pushing the electronic
liftgate release handle
Úpage 23.
When you push the liftgate button on the key fob or press
the electronic liftgate release handle:
 When the liftgate is fully closed, the liftgate will open.
 When the liftgate is fully open, the liftgate will close.
 When the liftgate is moving, the liftgate will reverse.
If the liftgate is fully open, the liftgate can be closed by
pushing the liftgate button located on the base of the
liftgate. If the liftgate is in motion, pushing the button
again will reverse the liftgate.
When the liftgate button on the key fob is pushed two
times, the turn signals will flash twice to signal that the
liftgate is opening or closing, and an audible chime can be
heard (if enabled in the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130).
The key fob and the overhead console switch will open the
liftgate when the liftgate is locked. The outside handle
requires the liftgate to be unlocked. If the vehicle is
equipped with Passive Entry, and a valid Passive Entry key
fob is within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the liftgate, pulling the outside
handle will unlock and open the liftgate.
1 — Liftgate Close Button
2 — Liftgate Lock Button1 — Passive Entry Lock Button
2 — Liftgate Electronic Release Button

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 60

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE61
NOTE:
Before closing the liftgate, make sure to be in posses -
sion of the key fob because the liftgate may be locked.
 Use the interior door lock/unlock button on the door
panel or the key fob to lock and unlock the liftgate. The
manual door locks on the doors and the exterior door
lock cylinder will not lock and unlock the liftgate.
 The liftgate will either unlock along with the vehicle
doors, or it will need to be unlocked by pushing the
electronic liftgate release, depending on the selected
setting in the Uconnect system
Úpage 130.

 The power liftgate buttons will not operate if the vehicle
is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h).

 The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures
below −22°F (−30°C) or temperatures above 150°F
(65°C). Be sure to remove any buildup of snow or ice
from the liftgate before pushing any of the power lift -
gate switches.
 If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is
closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed or open position. After multiple
obstructions in the same cycle, the liftgate will auto -
matically stop and must be opened or closed manually.
 There are pinch sensors attached to the side of the lift -
gate. Light pressure anywhere along these strips will
cause the liftgate to return to the open position.
 The power liftgate must be in the full open position in
order for the rear liftgate close button, on the located
on the base of the liftgate, to operate. If the liftgate is
not fully open, push the liftgate button on the key fob to
fully open the liftgate and then push it again to close. 
If the electronic liftgate release handle is pushed a
second time while the power liftgate is opening, the
liftgate motor will disengage to allow manual operation.
 If your liftgate is power closing and you put the vehicle
in gear, the liftgate will continue to power close.
However, vehicle movement may result in the detec -
tion of an obstruction.
 Allow the power system to open the liftgate. Manually
pushing or pulling the liftgate may activate the liftgate
obstacle detection feature and stop the power opera -
tion or reverse its direction.
ADJUSTABLE POWER LIFTGATE HEIGHT
The maximum height that the liftgate will open can be
adjusted and saved so that the liftgate will only open to the
desired height. To set a desired height, proceed as follows:

1. Open the liftgate fully, then manually pull down on the liftgate to the desired height.

2. Push and hold the liftgate close button or the lock button, which are both located on the bottom of
the liftgate, for three seconds. The turn signals will
flash three times to indicate successful activation.
The liftgate is now programmed to open to the set
position.
To set the saved height setting to one of four preset
positions, select the desired setting in Uconnect Settings
Úpage 130.
Power Liftgate Malfunction Procedure:

1. In the event of a power malfunction to the liftgate, the liftgate can be released by accessing the service
release feature in the latch. This can be done using
a 3 mm diameter screwdriver.

2. From inside the gate, an eyelet can be seen. Place the screwdriver in the eyelet.
3. Rotate the screwdriver handle to actuate the lever and release the latch.
4. If liftgate is left open for an extended period of time, the liftgate may need to be closed manually to reset
power liftgate functionality.
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes.
Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating
the vehicle.
 If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
 During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.
 Personal injury or cargo damage may occur if caught
in the path of the liftgate. Make sure the liftgate path
is clear before activating the liftgate.
2

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 61

62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED

Hands-Free Liftgate Activation Zone

To open or close the liftgate using hands-free activation,
use a straight in and out kicking motion under the vehicle
activation zone in the general location below the rear
license plate. Do not move your foot sideways or in a
sweeping motion or the sensors may not detect the
motion.
Move your foot under the fascia/bumper, simulating a
kick. When you have completed this movement, withdraw
your leg. To activate the liftgate, both sensors must detect
your leg. If it is closed, the Hands-Free Liftgate unlocks and opens
completely, and with another movement of the foot, it
stops. A further movement of the foot reverses the
direction and closes the liftgate completely, if you do not
stop it again.
If it is open, with a movement of the foot, the Hands-Free
Liftgate closes completely, and with another movement of
the foot, it stops. If the liftgate is stopped, another
movement of the foot will reverse the direction and open
it completely.
NOTE:

To conserve the battery charge, avoid performing this
operation repeatedly with the engine off.

 Opening or closing the Hands-Free Liftgate requires a
valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the door
handle. If a valid Passive Entry key fob is not within 5 ft
(1.5 m), the liftgate will not respond to any kicks.

 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature may be turned on or
off through the Uconnect system
Úpage 130.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature should be turned off
during jacking, tire changing, manual car wash, and
vehicle service. 
The Hands-Free Liftgate feature can be activated by
any metallic object making a similar in-and-out motion
under the rear fascia/bumper, such as cleaning using
a metal broom.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate will only operate when the
transmission is in PARK.
 If anything obstructs the Hands-Free Liftgate while it is
opening or closing, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed/open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.
 There are pinch sensors attached to the side of the lift -
gate opening. Light pressure anywhere along these
strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open posi -
tion.

 If the power liftgate encounters multiple obstructions
within the same cycle, the system will automatically stop.
If this occurs, the liftgate must be operated manually.

 The power liftgate will release, but not power open, in
temperatures below −12°F (−24°C). Be sure to
remove any buildup of snow or ice from the liftgate
before opening the liftgate.
 If the liftgate is left open for an extended period of time
(approximately one hour), the liftgate may need to be
closed manually to reset power liftgate functionality.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 62

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE63
NOTE:Allow the power system to open the liftgate. Manually
pushing or pulling the liftgate may activate the liftgate
obstacle detection feature and stop the power operation
or reverse its direction.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Removable Rear Shelf — If Equipped
To remove the rear shelf, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the two rods that support the shelf at the
eyelets.

Disconnect Rear Shelf Support Links

2. Through an opened rear door, lift the part of the rear shelf closest to the rear seats. 3. Clear the pins placed outside of the shelf, and then
remove the rear shelf pulling it upwards and out
through the rear doors.

Remove Rear Shelf Pin

4. The rear shelf can be stored in the cargo area, or behind the front seat backs.

Rear Shelf Removal Label

WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes.
Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating
the vehicle.
 If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
 During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.
 Personal injury or cargo damage may occur if caught
in the path of the liftgate. Make sure the liftgate path
is clear before activating the liftgate.
CAUTION!
The Hands-Free Liftgate can be turned off manually in
the Uconnect system to avoid unintentional activation.
2

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 63

64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks And Loops
The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be
used to secure loads safely when the vehicle is moving.

Cargo Tie-Down Loops

Cargo tie-down loops are located on the trim panels.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child seat
tether strap. In a sudden stop or accident, a tie-down
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
 To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in personal
injury, follow these guidelines for loading your vehicle:
Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits
described on the label attached to the left door or
left door center pillar.
 Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
 Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
 Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or accident.
WARNING!

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64

65
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 65

66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
Use this QR code to access your digital
experience.

1. Speedometer

Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Instrument Cluster Display When the appropriate condi -
tions exist, this display shows
the instrument cluster display messages.
 The display always shows one of the main menu
items after ignition is placed on.
3. Tachometer Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM x 1000).
4. Fuel Gauge The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the Keyless Push Button Ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located.
 Push the center-rear edge of the fuel filler door
and release to open. 5. Oil Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine oil tempera -
ture. Any reading within the normal range indi -
cates that the engine is operating satisfactorily.
NOTE:The Instrument Cluster Warning Indicators will illuminate
briefly for a bulb check when the ignition is first cycled.
Depending on your vehicle trim, your instrument cluster
display may vary.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle may be equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver. With
the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/closing of a door will
activate the display for viewing, and display the total miles,
or kilometers, in the odometer. Your instrument cluster
display is designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using the driver
interactive display located on the instrument panel, your
instrument cluster display can show you how systems are
working and give you warnings when they aren’t. The
steering wheel mounted controls allow you to scroll
through and enter the main menus and submenus. You
can access the specific information you want and make
selections and adjustments.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
L
OCATION AND CONTROLS
The instrument cluster display features a driver interactive
display that is located in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:Depending on your vehicle trim, your instrument cluster
display may vary.

Instrument Cluster Display And Controls Location

1 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL67
The systems allow the driver to select information by
pushing the following buttons mounted on the steering
wheel:

Instrument Cluster Display Control Thumbwheel

Thumbwheel
Use the Thumbwheel on the right side of the steering
wheel to scroll through the menu options and
submenus in the Instrument Cluster Display.
 Thumbwheel Button
Press the Thumbwheel Button to select the highlighted
menu option. Main Screen Configuration — If Equipped
To customize the instrument cluster further, you are able
to select up to five tiles to display information based on
your needs.

Press the Main Screen menu button for the Main
Screen display

Main Screen Menu Button

 Navigate up or down to highlight desired Tile
 Press Thumbwheel to select the tile and navigate to the
selected submenu and press Thumbwheel again to
add your selection to your tile view
 The Main Screen options are Speedometer, Naviga -
tion, Phone, Performance, Driver Assist, and Stored
Messages. The instrument cluster display is located in the center
portion of the cluster and consist of multiple sections:

Main Screen — The inner ring of the display will illumi -
nate in gray under normal conditions, yellow for
noncritical warnings, red for critical warnings, and
white for on demand information.
 Submenu Dots — Whenever there are submenus avail -
able, the position within the submenus is shown here.
 Reconfigurable Telltales/Information
 Gear Selector Status (PRND)
 Driver Interactive Display (Compass, Temp, Range to
Empty, Trip A, Trip B, Average Fuel Economy, Current
Fuel Economy, Tire Pressure, and Time)
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Status — If Equipped
The instrument cluster display will normally display the
main menu or the screens of a selected feature of the
main menu. The main display area also displays pop-up
messages that consist of approximately 60 possible
warning or information messages. These pop-up
messages fall into several categories:
 Five Second Stored Messages
When the appropriate conditions occur, this type of
message takes control of the main display area for five
seconds and then returns to the previous screen. Most
of the messages of this type are then stored (as long as
the condition that activated it remains active) and can
be reviewed from the “Messages” main menu item.
Examples of this message type are “Right Front Turn
Signal Lamp Out” and “Low Tire Pressure.”
3

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 67

68GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Unstored Messages
This message type is displayed indefinitely or until the
condition that activated the message is cleared. Exam -
ples of this message type are “Turn Signal On” (if a turn
signal is left on) and “Lights On” (if driver leaves the
vehicle with the lights on).
 Unstored Messages Until RUN
These messages deal primarily with the Remote Start
feature. This message type is displayed until the igni -
tion is in the RUN state. Examples of this message type
are “Remote Start Canceled - Door Ajar” and
“Press Brake Pedal and Push Button to Start.”
 Five Second Unstored Messages
When the appropriate conditions occur, this type of
message takes control of the main display area for
five seconds and then returns to the previous screen.
An example of this message type is “Automatic High
Beams On.”
OIL CHANGE RESET
Use this QR code to access your digital
experience.
 Your vehicle is equipped with an
engine oil change indicator system.
A message will display in the instru -
ment cluster display for five
seconds to indicate the next sched -
uled oil change interval is due. The
engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based,
which means the engine oil change interval may fluc -
tuate, dependent upon your personal driving style. 
Unless reset, this message will continue to display
each time the ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN position.
To reset the oil change indicator after performing the
scheduled maintenance, refer to the following procedure:

1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within ten seconds.
3. Cycle the ignition to the OFF position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you start the
vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If
necessary, repeat this procedure.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Due” message will
display in the instrument cluster display for five seconds
after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent upon
your personal driving style.
GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR (GSI) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The GSI system is enabled on vehicles with a manual
transmission, or when a vehicle with an automatic
transmission is in manual shift mode. The GSI provides
the driver with a visual indication when the recommended gear shift point has been reached. This indication notifies
the driver that changing gear will allow a reduction in fuel
consumption. When the up shift indicator is shown on the
instrument cluster display, the GSI is advising the driver to
engage a higher gear. When the down shift indicator is
shown on the display, the GSI is advising the driver to
engage a lower gear.
The GSI remains illuminated until the driver changes
gears, or the driving conditions return to a situation where
changing gear is not required to improve fuel
consumption.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY MENU
I
TEMS
The instrument cluster display can be used to view the
main menu items for several features. Use the up and
down arrow buttons to scroll through the driver
interactive display menu options until the desired menu is
reached.
NOTE:The instrument cluster display menu items display in the
center of the instrument cluster. Menu items may vary
depending on your vehicle features.
Main Menu
Use the Thumbwheel to scroll Up and Down through the
Menu options. Press the Thumbwheel to enter and exit the
highlighted menu option.
NOTE:These Menu options may vary based on your vehicles trim
level.

23_GG_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 68