check engine light DODGE AVENGER 2008 User Guide

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

11. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW
BATTERY
Jump-starting remote battery terminals are located under
the hood.
The battery is stored between the left front headlight
assembly and the left front wheel splash shield. Access is
through the splash shield. WARNING! ² Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the
hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is
on. You can be hurt by the fan.
² Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle
cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
² Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
² During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery may
freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery
could rupture or explode. The battery temperature must
be brought up above freezing point before attempting
jump-start.358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Six-speed AutoStick t Transaxle, if equipped, is
sealed therefore, checking the fluid level can only be
done by a certified dealership service center.
² Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
² Change the engine oil filter.
² Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Bulbs, Light ............................ 411
Calibration, Compass ..................... 186
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 420
Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................ 328
Oil (Engine) .................. 368,369,370,377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 391
Car Washes ............................ 401
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 323
Cargo Area Features ...................... 160
Cargo Compartment ...................... 160
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 160
Catalytic Converter ...................... 379
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 78
CD (Compact Disc) Player ............... 220,223
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 241 Cellular Phone .................. 89,223,224,241
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 418
Chains, Tire ............................ 309
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 350
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 292
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 372
Child Restraint .................... 67,69,73,76
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 71,73
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Cigar Lighter ........................... 155
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 320
Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 402
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 386
Climate Control ......................... 242
Clock ........................ 194,206,221,225
Coin Holder ........................... 156
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 241446 INDEX

Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player .......... 220,223
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 134
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle ................. 397,398
Oil (Engine) .......................... 374
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 362
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 392
Engine Oil ........................... 378
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 143
Drive Belts ............................ 378
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces .................... 288
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water .............................. 289
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 239 E-85 Fuel ............................. 324
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 256
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 153
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 140
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 283
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 181
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking ............................. 350
Jump Starting ......................... 358
Towing ............................. 362
Emergency Trunk Release ................. 39,40
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 372,426
Engine ........................ 78,368,369,370
Air Cleaner .......................... 379
Block Heater ......................... 266
Break-In Recommendations ................ 78
Checking Oil Level ..................... 374
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 389,422448 INDEX

Engine Oil ........................... 326
Fuel Requirements .................. 324,326
Maintenance ....................... 324,327
Replacement Parts ..................... 327
Starting ............................. 327
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 263
Floor Console .......................... 156
Fluid Capacities ......................... 420
Fluid Leaks ............................. 80
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle ................. 397,398
Brake ............................ 396,424
Cooling System ....................... 389
Engine Oil ........................... 374
Power Steering ..................... 385,424
Fluids ................................ 422
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 422
Fog Lights ....................... 132,176,415
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 126,127 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 361
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 400
Fuel ................................. 319
Adding ............................. 328
Additives ............................ 322
Clean Air ............................ 320
Ethanol ............................. 321
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 170,328
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 170
Gasoline ............................ 319
Gauge .............................. 170
Hoses .............................. 394
Light ............................... 171
Materials Added ....................... 322
Methanol ............................ 321
Octane Rating ...................... 319,422
Requirements ...................... 319,420
Tank Capacity ........................ 420
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles450 INDEX

Keyless Entry System (Sedan) ................ 21
Keys ................................. 12
Knee Bolster .......................... 51,53
Lane Change and Turn Signals ........... 176,416
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 42
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) .. 73
Latches
Hood ............................... 127
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 319
Life of Tires ............................ 306
Light Bulbs ............................ 411
Lights .............................. 80,129
Airbag ........................ 52,65,79,171
Back-Up ............................. 416
Brake Warning ........................ 179
Bulb Replacement ...................... 412
Center Mounted Stop ................... 418
Daytime Running ...................... 132 Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 284
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 172
Fog .......................... 132,176,415
Headlight Switch ...................... 130
Headlights ........................... 130
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 137
High Beam Indicator .................... 179
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Instrument Cluster ..................... 130
Interior ............................. 129
License ............................. 418
Lights On Reminder .................... 132
Low Fuel ............................ 171
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 178
Map Reading ......................... 129
Oil Pressure .......................... 171
Passing ............................. 131
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 171 INDEX 453
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Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 171
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 310
Traction Control ....................... 284
Turn Signal .................. 130,133,176,416
Voltage ............................. 171
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 170
Loading Vehicle ...................... 331,333
Capacities ........................... 333
Tires ............................... 295
Locks
Auto Unlock .......................... 32
Child Protection ........................ 34
Door ................................ 30
Power Door ........................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 310
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) .. 73
Lubrication, Body ....................... 386
Lumbar Support ........................ 122 Maintenance Free Battery .................. 381
Maintenance, General ..................... 374
Maintenance Procedures ................... 374
Maintenance Schedule .................... 426
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 178,372
Manual, Service ......................... 440
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 129
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 396
Methanol ............................. 321
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 184
Mirrors ................................ 85
Automatic Dimming ..................... 86
Electric Powered ....................... 86
Outside .............................. 87
Rearview ............................. 85
Vanity ............................... 88
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 310
Mopar Parts ......................... 373,439454 INDEX

MP3 Player ......................... 220,223
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 321
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 130
Navigation Radio ........................ 223
Navigation System ....................... 223
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 78
Occupant Restraints ..................... 59,62
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ......... 40,54,55,59,60
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 319
Odometer ............................. 172
Trip ............................. 172,174
Oil Change Indicator ................ 173,184,426
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .............. 173,184
Oil, Engine ......................... 374,422
Capacity ............................ 420
Change Interval ............... 173,184,376,426
Checking ............................ 374 Dipstick ............................. 374
Disposal ............................ 378
Filter ............................ 378,422
Filter Disposal ........................ 378
Identification Logo ..................... 376
Materials Added to ..................... 378
Recommendation ................... 376,420
Synthetic ............................ 377
Viscosity .......................... 377,420
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 378
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 378
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 171
Onboard Diagnostic System .............. 371,372
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink t ) ........... 143
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual) ............ 4
Overdrive .......................... 271,272
Overheating, Engine ...................... 348
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual) ......... 4,440 INDEX 455
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