What is a parking light on a Dodge Dart?
The parking lights are the Dodge Dart’s low‑intensity lights that mark the car’s presence when the main headlights are not in use. They are not full headlights; their purpose is visibility for other drivers when parked or waiting in low‑light conditions.
Understanding the parking lights on the Dart
In the Dart, parking lights are the front and rear position lamps that you activate with the exterior lighting control. They are designed to be used when you are parked or driving in dim conditions without using the full headlights. They help other drivers see the vehicle from both ends and are typically less bright than your headlamps.
Where they are and what they look like
The parking lights are integrated into the vehicle’s front and rear lighting assemblies. On typical US‑market Darts (roughly 2013–2016), you will see the small front corner/marker lamps illuminate and the corresponding rear markers when the parking lights are on. They usually operate in conjunction with the exterior light switch's parking-light setting.
Note: the exact placement and color can vary by trim and region, but the purpose remains the same: provide low‑level visibility for parked or slow‑moving situations in low light.
Key characteristics of parking lights on the Dodge Dart:
- They provide low‑intensity illumination to mark the vehicle's position without engaging the full headlights.
- They are activated via the exterior lighting switch by selecting the parking-light position or the first detent.
- Front and rear parking lights are part of the same lighting system as markers and taillights; brightness is lower than low/ high beam settings.
- They are commonly used when parked on the street or in dim conditions, in keeping with local regulations.
- On many models, the parking lights run with the ignition in ACC or ON, depending on the switch configuration.
The parking lights on the Dodge Dart help meet visibility requirements while conserving battery power and reducing glare compared with full headlights.
How to use parking lights on a Dodge Dart
Before operating, familiarize yourself with the exterior lighting control in your Dart’s trim, as behavior can vary slightly by year and option package.
- With the ignition in ACC or ON, rotate the exterior lighting switch to the parking-light position (the first click or detent away from OFF, depending on the trim).
- Check the instrument cluster or exterior markers to confirm the parking lights are active. A dedicated indicator or visible markers usually confirms this.
- To turn them off, rotate the switch back to OFF or to the next lighting position according to your car’s control scheme.
Note: Some Dart trims with automatic daylight features may allow parking lights to come on automatically in low light when the ignition is on; consult your owner's manual for exact behavior on your model.
Common issues and quick checks
If the parking lights do not illuminate, perform these quick checks before seeking service:
- Check the exterior-light fuse and the parking-light bulb(s) in the affected corners.
- Ensure the headlight switch is functioning and set to the correct parking-light position.
- Look for any aftermarket wiring or modules that might affect the lighting circuit, especially if other lights behave abnormally.
- If bulbs need replacement, use the bulb types specified in your owner's manual for front and rear parking/marker lamps.
If issues persist, have a technician diagnose the wiring, fuses, and switch to restore proper operation.
Summary
Parking lights on a Dodge Dart are the vehicle’s low‑intensity position lamps designed to make the car visible when it is parked or traveling in low light, without turning on the full headlights. They are activated via the exterior lighting control, typically by setting the switch to the parking-light position. Their exact operation can vary by model year and trim, so the owner's manual is your best reference for model‑specific instructions and bulb specifications.
