check engine DODGE AVENGER 2011 2.G Owner's Manual

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of
the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

Fluid Level Check – 2.4L Engine
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80° F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your 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 your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 447

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 273
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,288,292,423
Adding Fluid .................. 425,426,444
Filter ............................. 426
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 426
Fluid Level Check ................. 425,426
Interlock System ..................... 293
Reset Mode ......................... 297
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 444
Shifting ........................... 294
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ......................... 424
Special Additives ..................... 424
Autostick ............................. 298
B-Pillar Location ........................ 322
Battery ............................... 407
Jump Starting ........................ 30
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26Location
........................... 407
Belts, Seat .............................. 86
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 411
Brake Assist System ...................... 309
Brake System ........................... 421
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 306
Fluid Check ..................... 421,444
Master Cylinder ..................... 421
Parking ........................... 304
Warning Light ....................... 190
Brake, Parking .......................... 304
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 294
Brakes ............................... 421
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 83
Bulb Replacement ....................... 438
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,438
Calibration, Compass ..................... 210
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
10
INDEX 473

Capacities, Fluid........................ 442
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 397,405
Power Steering ...................... 303
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 418
Car Washes ............................ 427
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,350
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,268
Chains, Tire ............................ 335
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 318
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 400
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34 Cigar Lighter
........................... 175
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 346
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 429
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 412
Climate Control ......................... 268
Clock ........................... 217,235,245
Coin Holder ........................... 177
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 267
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 330
Compass ........................... 201,209
Compass Calibration ..................... 210
Compass Variance ....................... 210
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,207
Connector UCI .............................. 259
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 259
Console .............................. 146
Console, Floor ....................... 146,177
474 INDEX

DrivingOn Slippery Surfaces .................. 300
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 301
E-85 Fuel ............................. 350
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 181
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 95
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 171
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 159
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 312
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 203
Emergency Trunk Release .................39,40
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 374
Jump Starting ....................... 384
Towing ............................ 391
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 400Engine
............................... 397
Air Cleaner ......................... 407
Block Heater ........................ 291
Break-In Recommendations .............. 83
Checking Oil Level ................... 403
Compartment ....................... 398
Compartment Identification ............. 398
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 416,443
Cooling ........................... 416
Exhaust Gas Caution ................85,350
Fails to Start ........................ 289
Flooded, Starting ..................... 289
Fuel Requirements ................. 346,442
Jump Starting ....................... 384
Oil ......................... 403,442,443
Oil Change Interval .............194,206,404
Oil Filler Cap .................... 397,405
Oil Filter ........................... 406
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 406
476 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 442
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............425,426
Brake .......................... 421,444
Cooling System ...................... 416
Engine Oil ......................... 403
Power Steering ................... 303,444
Fluids ................................ 443
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 443
Fog Lights ....................... 151,197,440
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 145,146
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 389
Fuel ................................. 346
Adding ........................... 354
Additives .......................... 348
Clean Air .......................... 346
Ethanol ........................... 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............188,354Filler Door (Gas Cap)
.................. 188
Gasoline ........................... 346
Gauge ............................ 188
Light ............................. 189
Materials Added ..................... 348
Methanol .......................... 347
Octane Rating .................... 346,443
Requirements .................... 346,442
Tank Capacity ....................... 442
Fuel System Caution ..................... 355
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 350
Fueling ............................... 354
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 162
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............354,356,399
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 346
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 346
478 INDEX