light DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owners Manual

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as the TPM
sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire (if so equipped) does not have
a tire pressure monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS
will not monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPM Telltale Light will remain ON, a chime will sound, and the EVIC
will still display a flashing pressure value in the graphic
display.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 10 minutes above 15
mph (25 km/h), the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In addition,
the EVIC will display a 9 CHECK TPM SYSTEM 9 message
for three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of
the pressure value.
4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound, the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC will
display a 9 CHECK TPM SYSTEM 9 message for three
seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value.318 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPM Telltale Light will turn OFF and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- -), as long no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
² This device may not cause harmful interference.
² This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration. The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States ..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L AND 2.7L ENGINES
2.4L and 2.7L engines are designed to meet
all emission regulations and provide excel-
lent fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded ªregularº
gasolines having an octane rating of 87.
The use of premium gasoline is not recom-
mended. Under normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over high quality
unleaded ªregularº gasolines, and in some circumstances
may result in poorer performance. STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

3.5L ENGINE
The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of pre-
mium gasoline is not recommended. Un-
der normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over
high quality unleaded ªregularº and ªmid-
gradeº gasolines, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which
define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced
emissions, engine performance, and durability for your
vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gaso-
lines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasoline.º320 STARTING AND OPERATING

² An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
² The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you. CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
² Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

NOTE: If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle. CAUTION!² Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
² A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system and could cause the
² A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light to turn on.
² To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.Fuel Filler Door Features STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

WARNING!² Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
² Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the malfunction
indicator light to turn on.
² A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
² Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
² When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
LOOSE FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªgASCAPº message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the trip odometer reset button to turn off
the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.330 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classifications
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition. Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry
Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Refer to the ªTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)º chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.336 STARTING AND OPERATING

² Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes with adequate
braking capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances. WARNING!Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.342 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly Ð including hazard flashers.4-Pin Connector 7-Pin Connector STARTING AND OPERATING 343
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Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four-speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStick t should be selected.
NOTE: Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. This ac-
tion will also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for ªpolice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ingº in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoStick t sixÐspeed transmission is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control Ð (If Equipped)
² Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
² When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
² Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
² City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle in
neutral and increase engine idle speed.344 STARTING AND OPERATING