engine oil DODGE AVENGER 2008 User Guide

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTS m Hazard Warning Flasher ..................348
m If Your Engine Overheats .................348
N Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) Ð
If Equipped .........................350
m Jacking And Tire Changing ................350
N Jack Location ........................351
N Spare Tire Stowage ....................351
N Preparations For Jacking ................352
N Jacking Instructions ....................352 m Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low Battery . . 358
m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................361
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................362
N Towing With The Ignition Key ............362
N Towing Without The Ignition Key ..........363
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . 363
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .....................363
N Towing Without Power Ð Override Transaxle
Interlock System ......................364
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WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
ENGINE OIL OVERHEATING (2.4L ENGINE ONLY)
Ð IF EQUIPPED
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the ªHOTOILº message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced. NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!² Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get 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.
² The jack is designed to use 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.350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS m 2.4L Engine Compartment ................368
m 2.7L Engine Compartment ................369
m 3.5L Engine Compartment ................370
m Onboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II ........371
N Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............371
m Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs .............................372
m Replacement Parts ......................373
m Authorized Dealer Service ................374 m Maintenance Procedures ..................374
N Engine Oil ..........................374
N Engine Oil Filter ......................378
N Drive Belt ...........................378
N Spark Plugs .........................379
N Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................379
N Catalytic Converter ....................379
N Maintenance-Free Battery ................381
N Air Conditioner Maintenance .............382
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AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these service manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
ENGINE OIL
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking. Engine Oil Dipstick MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
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CAUTION!Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for information on this system.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever occurs first. Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer recom-
mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-
6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
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Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area. ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar t Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
DRIVE BELT
At the mileage indicated in section 8: ªMaintenance
Scheduleº, replace the drive belt with a new drive belt.
NOTE: The belt must be routed correctly to ensure
proper drive function.378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
² Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
² Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
² Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield. WARNING!² Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don't allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Don't lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
² Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don't use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 volts. Don't allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
² Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
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Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petroleum
products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE: Always refer to the wiper blade packaging for
specific installation instructions. Many wiper blade re-
placements fit multiple vehicles.
WINDSHIELD WASHERS
NOTE: Refer to the appropriate ªEngine Compartmentº
diagram in Section 7 for the location of the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers is located
in the engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid
level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze)
and operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water. WARNING!Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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