Dodge Dart (2016 year). Manual

WARNING! (Continued)

Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF (key removal) position. The Key Fob can only be
removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF position, and the transmission is locked in
PARK whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK/OFF
position.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

Key Fob in the ignition switch to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped but the Key Fob cannot be removed until
you obtain service.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the ignition must be turned to the ON/
RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (1.4L Turbo
Engine Only — DDCT)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock Sys-
tem” in this section). To drive, press the lock button on
the front of the shift lever and move the shift lever from
PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.

This transmission is programmed to prevent shifting
from REVERSE to DRIVE or DRIVE to REVERSE, if
vehicle speed is above 6 mph (10 km/h). This safety
feature helps protect your transmission from damage.

The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/-) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information). Toggling the shift lever rearward (+) or
forward (-) while in the AutoStick position (beside the
DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.

NOTE:

If the shift lever cannot be moved to the PARK,

REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed for-
ward) it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the
transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the shift lever to the right (into
the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE,
and NEUTRAL.

STARTING AND OPERATING

429

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the park-
ing brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the

Shift Lever

430

STARTING AND OPERATING

curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before leaving the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL

if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the Key Fob.
When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key re-
moval) position, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

431

WARNING! (Continued)

• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle and lock the vehicle. If equipped
with Keyless Enter-N-Go, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in “OFF” mode, remove
the Key Fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition in a vehicle equipped with

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN posi-
tion. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.

432

STARTING AND OPERATING

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, press the lock button on the

shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift
into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be

started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.

STARTING AND OPERATING

433

To maximize fuel economy, the Dual Dry Clutch trans-
mission uses a geartrain arrangement similar to a manual
transmission. Therefore, you should become familiar
with some of the normal operational characteristics of
this transmission:

• During low-speed driving conditions in first gear,

vehicle momentum changes may feel exaggerated in
response to changes in accelerator pedal position. This
behavior is normal and is similar to vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission.

• At low speeds you may hear mechanical noises similar

to a manual transmission as the transmission changes
gears. These noises are normal and will not damage
the transmission.

• Very aggressive driving may result in some clutch

odor similar to a manual transmission. An active
warning message will display in the Instrument Clus-
ter if cool down actions are needed.

• When stopped on an incline, always use the brakes to

hold the vehicle in place. On steep inclines, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the car in position
when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator
pedal is not applied after a short time, the car will roll
back. Either reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle) or
press the accelerator to climb the hill.

• Before and after the engine is started, you may hear a

hydraulic pump for a short period of time. This noise
is normal and will not damage the transmission.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the AutoStick shift control (refer to
“AutoStick” in this section for further information) to
select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

434

STARTING AND OPERATING

During extremely cold temperatures, the transmission
will not operate if the oil temperature is -22°F (-30°C) or
below. Allow the engine to idle briefly with the transmis-
sion in PARK in order to warm the fluid. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.

Instrument Cluster Messages

Messages will be displayed in the instrument cluster to
alert the driver when certain unusual conditions occur.
These messages are described below.

MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION

GEAR NOT AVAILABLE

In AutoStick mode, the gear selected by the driver is not available due to

a fault condition. See your authorized dealer for diagnosis and service.

SHIFT NOT ALLOWED

The gear position requested by the driver is currently blocked. This oc-

curs if: REVERSE is requested while moving (at 6 mph [10 km/h] or

faster), if DRIVE is requested while moving backwards (at 6 mph

[10 km/h] or faster), or if (in AutoStick mode) a DOWNSHIFT is re-

quested while in 1st gear, 3rd gear or higher is requested at a stop, or a

requested shift would cause engine lugging or overspeed. Make sure the

vehicle is stopped before engaging DRIVE or REVERSE.

STARTING AND OPERATING

435

MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION

SHIFT TO NEUTRAL – THEN

D or R

The transmission has shifted itself into NEUTRAL (due to a fault condi-

tion, or overheat due to excessive idling when stopped in DRIVE with

the brakes released), but the shift lever remains in gear. Shift into NEU-

TRAL and then back into gear for continued driving. If the transmission

will not re-engage, see your authorized dealer.

AUTOSTICK NOT AVAILABLE

AutoStick mode is unavailable due to a shift lever fault. See your autho-

rized dealer for diagnosis and service.

AUTOMATIC MODE NOT

AVAILABLE

The transmission is unable to shift itself automatically, due to a fault con-

dition. Use the AutoStick mode to shift the transmission manually. See

your authorized dealer for diagnosis and service.

REDUCE GEAR CHANGES

The transmission pump is overheating. In AutoStick mode, try to drive in

one specific gear as much as possible, avoiding frequent gear changes. In

DRIVE, the transmission will automatically modify its shift schedule to

reduce the number of shifts.

436

STARTING AND OPERATING

MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION

TRANS. GETTING HOT PRESS

BRAKE

The transmission driving clutch is overheating, usually due to repeated

launches in stop-and-go traffic. Pull over and allow the transmission to

cool in NEUTRAL until “TRANS. COOL READY TO DRIVE” is dis-

played.

TRANS. HOT STOP SAFELY

SHIFT TO P

The transmission driving clutch has overheated. Pull over, shift the trans-

mission into PARK, and allow the vehicle to cool until “TRANS. COOL

READY TO DRIVE” is displayed.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION

A transmission fault has been detected. See your authorized dealer for

diagnosis and service.

SERVICE SHIFTER

A shift lever fault has been detected. See your authorized dealer for diag-

nosis and service.

ENGAGE PARK BRAKE

The sensor that confirms PARK engagement is not functioning properly.

Engage the parking brake to ensure that the vehicle will not roll when in

PARK.

STARTING AND OPERATING

437

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, some gears will be
unavailable. The transmission will operate only in a
certain select set of gears (such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and
Reverse, or 1st, 3rd, 5th, and Reverse, or 2nd, 4th, and 6th
[with no Reverse]). PARK and NEUTRAL will continue
to be available. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

438

STARTING AND OPERATING

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (2.0L And
2.4L Engine Only — 6F24)

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear
range. You must press the brake pedal and the lock
button on the shift lever to move the shift lever out of
PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock Sys-
tem” in this section). To drive, push the lock button on
the front of the shift lever and move the shift lever from
PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.

STARTING AND OPERATING

439

NOTE:

If the shift lever cannot be moved to the PARK,

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake

(Continued)

440

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before leaving the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL

if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

441

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition in a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN posi-
tion. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, press the lock button on the

shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

442

STARTING AND OPERATING

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
third, and fourth gears, direct fifth gear and overdrive
sixth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick shift
control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further

STARTING AND OPERATING

443

Dodge Dart (2016 year). Manual - part 27