flat tire DODGE AVENGER 2013 2.G User Guide

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
•Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian Residents.
•Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and your location,
including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
•
You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel
you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we will contact local
police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilo-
meters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the
vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes
when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand
or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode by momen-
tarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni- toring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE
AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE
PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
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NOTE:
AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is thedriver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
•
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
•When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is 32°F
(0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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4. Turn the jack screw to the left until thejack can be placed under the jacking lo-
cation. Once the jack is positioned, turn
the jack screw to the right until the jack
head is properly engaged with the lift area
closest to the wheel to be changed. Do
not raise the vehicle until you are sure the
jack is securely engaged.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right, using the swivel
wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the
tire just clears the surface and enough
clearance is obtained to install the spare
tire. Minimum tire lift provides maximum
stability.
6. Remove the wheel nuts, and pull the wheel and wheel covers (where applicable) off the hub. Install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the nuts toward
the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
8. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle
for increased leverage. Tighten the lug
nuts in a star pattern until each nut has
been tightened twice. The correct wheel
nut torque is 100 ft lbs (135 N·m). If you
doubt that you have tightened the nuts
correctly, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer
or at a service station.
9. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is free. Reassemble the lug wrench to the jack assembly and stow it in the spare tire area. Secure the assembly using the
means provided.
10. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area and have the tire repaired or replaced as
soon as possible.
11. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct the tire pressure as required.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
77

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated
in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
WARNING!
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and
fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that
is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where
it can be raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not
be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm
level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull
far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
•
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage
to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as pos-
sible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•
Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
•
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed
with the valve stem facing the ground.
•Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip
off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid contact
with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully
until the vehicle is lowered to the ground. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
ModelFlat Towing
(all four wheels
on the ground) Flatbed Towing
(all four wheels
suspended OFF
the ground)Front Wheels
Raised, Rear
Wheels on the
GroundRear Wheels
Raised, Front
Wheels on the
Ground
FWD Without
aKey NOT Permitted Recommended
MethodMay Be Used NOT Permitted
without a front
end dolly
FWDWithaKey Shift lever must
be in NEUTRAL.
The distance
to be traveled
must not exceed
15 mi (25 km),
and the towing
speed must not
exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). Recommended
Method
May Be Used NOT Permitted
without a front
end dolly
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
•If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking
motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal
accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is
most effective.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be
desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial Off” mode by momen-
tarily pressing the ESC Off
switch. For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's
Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission over- heating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone
near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change indicator
system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as frequent short-
trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause
the change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or
twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering andtransmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following page for the required maintenance
intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
90

TIRE PRESSURES
• Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthly andinflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
• The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE:
Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for
more information regarding tire warnings
and instructions.
WARNING!
• Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions. Under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
• All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should be
cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use oven
cleaner. These products may damage the wheel's protective finish. Avoid automatic car
washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel's protec-
tive finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
96

Airbag...................10
Air Conditioning.............23
Alarm,Panic................8
Alarm (Security Alarm) ...........9
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)...9
Automatic Headlights ...........19
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)...22
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ..............88
AxleFluid.................88
Belts, Seat .................9
BrakeFluid................88
Brake System Master Cylinder ...........89
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ..............18
Calibration, Compass ...........62
Change Oil Indicator ...........73
Changing A Flat Tire ...........75
Child Restraint ...............11
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ......12
ClimateControl..............22
Compass Calibration ...........62
Cooling System Coolant Capacity ...........88
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......21
Cruise Light ................21
Customer Assistance ..........98
Defects, Reporting ............99
Dimmer Control ..............19
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ........19
Disarming, Theft System ..........9
Electronics Your Vehicle's Sound System ....26
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ............21
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .....70
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .............63
Emergency, In Case of Brake Warning Light .........72
Jacking ................75
JumpStarting ............80 Engine
Break-In Recommendations .....18
Compartment ............86
Coolant (Antifreeze) .........88
Jump Starting ............80
Oil ..................88
Oil Filter ...............88
Oil Selection .............88
Overheating ..............74
EventDataRecorder...........84
Flash-To-Pass ...............19
Fluid, Brake ................89
Fluid Capacities .............88
Fluids ...................88
FogLights.................19
Folding Rear Seat .............15
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........83
Front Heated Seats ............16
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..........73
Gasoline ...............88
Specifications ............88
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ....64
Headlights Automatic ..............19
Dimmer Switch ............19
HighBeam ..............19
HeatedMirrors............22,23
Heated Seats ...............
1
6
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch ............19
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) ....64
Hood Release ...............85
Instrument Cluster Indicators ...............7
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ....20
Introduction ................2
iPod®/USB/MP3 Control .........55
Bluetooth Streaming Audio .....62
Jacking Instructions ...........76
Jack Location ...............75
Jack Operation ............75,76
Jump Starting ..............80
INDEX
101

UTILITY
• How do I know how much I can tow with my Dodge Avenger? pg. 68
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
• What do I do if my TPMS warning light is blinking? pg. 70
• How do I change a flat tire? pg. 75
• How do I Jump-Start my vehicle? pg. 80
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
• Where is my Fuse Block located? pg. 94
• What type of oil do I use? pg. 88
• How often should I change my engine’s oil? pg. 90
• What should my tire pressure be set at? pg. 96
FAQ (How To?)
104