coolant DODGE AVENGER 2008 User Guide

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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.
² Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
² Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
² If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks. ² Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
² Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
² Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
² Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Engine U.S. Metric
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine (Mopar t Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent. 7.7 Qts 7.3 L
2.7 Liter Engine (Mopar t Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent. 9.8 Qts 9.3 L
3.5 Liter Engine (Mopar t Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent. 11.6 Qts 11.0 L
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Mopar t Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (2.4L, 2.7L) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the engine oil
fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-
6395.
Engine Oil (3.5L) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the engine oil
viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395.
Oil Filter (2.4L) Mopar t 04884900AB or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L, 3.5L) Mopar t 04884899AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L - EXCEPT
PZEV*) ZFR5F-11 (Gap.043 in [1.11 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4LÐ with
PZEV ZFR5AP (Gap.031 in [0.8 mm])422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
² Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
² Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
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 ªOil Change
Requiredº under ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 or under ªOdometer/Trip Odom-
eterº under ªInstrument Cluster Descriptionsº in Section
4. At Each Stop for Fuel
² 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 SAFE or MIN mark.
² Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
² Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
² Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
² Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427
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Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L engines (except
PZEV* engine). 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt ten-
sion on 2.4L engines. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4L engines, and replace
if necessary. 30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using
your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. 60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ² 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 100,000 160 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L PZEV*, 2.7L and
3.5L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the power steering pump belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the generator belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102 430 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 279
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 390
Adding Fuel ........................... 328
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 138,387
Additives, Fuel ......................... 322
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 379
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 382
Air Conditioning ........................ 242
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 242
Air Conditioning Filter ................. 254,383
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 255
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............. 382,383
Air Conditioning System ............. 242,246,382
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 300
Airbag .............................. 51,60
Airbag Deployment ....................... 62
Airbag Light ................... 52,59,65,79,171
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 64
Airbag, Side ........................ 54,59,60 Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ........... 55,59,60
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............ 18,171
Alignment and Balance ................... 308
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ................... 275
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 233
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........... 389,390,420
Disposal ............................ 392
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 279
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 279
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 400
Ashtray ............................... 155
Assistance Towing ....................... 102
Audio Systems (Radio) ................. 220,223
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows ................ 37,151
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 86444 INDEX

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

Compact Spare Tire ...................... 303
Compass .............................. 186
Compass Calibration ..................... 186
Compass Variance ....................... 187
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,184
Connector
UCI ................................ 227
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 227
Console ............................ 127,156
Console, Floor ....................... 127,156
Contract, Service ........................ 437
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 379
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 391
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 161
Cooling System ......................... 388
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 390
Coolant Capacity ...................... 420
Coolant Level ...................... 389,392
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 392 Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 389
Inspection ........................... 392
Points to Remember .................... 392
Pressure Cap ......................... 391
Radiator Cap ......................... 391
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...... 389,420,422
Corrosion Protection ..................... 400
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 174
Cup Holder ...................... 127,158,405
Customer Assistance ..................... 435
Customer Programmable Features ............ 188
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 65
Dealer Service .......................... 374
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 256
Defroster, Windshield ............. 80,244,250,251
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 136
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 371 INDEX 447
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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

Fuel System Caution ..................... 329
Fueling ............................... 328
Fuses ................................ 406
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink t ) ........... 143
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............ 328,330,371
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 320
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 319
Gasoline, Reformulated ................. 320,321
Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................... 170
Fuel ................................ 170
Odometer ........................... 172
Tachometer .......................... 172
Gearshift .............................. 270
General Information ................. 17,115,319
General Maintenance ..................... 374
Glass Cleaning .......................... 404
Glove Compartment ...................... 161 Gross Axle Weight Rating ............... 332,335
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ............. 332,334
GVWR ............................... 332
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ) ........ 89,223,224
Hard Drive (HDD) .................... 220,223
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 289
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 348
Head Restraints ......................... 125
Headlights ............................ 412
Bulb Replacement ...................... 412
Cleaning ............................ 402
High Beam ........................ 134,179
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 134
On With Wipers ....................... 137
Passing ............................. 131
Switch .............................. 130 INDEX 451
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