Check Engine Light Comes On After Installing Base Plates on a 2013 Dodge Dart Limited

Question:

I have had a Roadmaster 52294-1 baseplate installed on my 2013 Dodge Dart Limited and the engine light comes on due to the louvers being removed during installation. The instructions state to leave the bottom louver in place, which was not done in my case. The engine light is due to the louver motor doing a trial run at startup to verify the louvers are not blocked and operating properly, but with them not there the engine light comes on. Would having the lower louver in place resolve this issue? The car tows beautifully and according to Dodge there is no danger in running it like this but the light may make it impossible to get inspected in Texas and also voids the warranty. Has this been an issue before or am I just lucky?

asked by: Harvey M

Expert Reply:

This is the first time I have heard of this issue with base plates # RM-52294-1. But if the bottom louvers where in place then the motor for them will be able to do its testing procedure and the check engine light should not come on.

But you may still have to first have the trouble code cleared so the light goes off and then reinstall/hookup the bottom louvers. That will solve the issue. Pay special attention to step 12 in the instructions, linked for reference, because the actuating arm on the motor also has to be in the proper position.

expert reply by: Michael H