DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
4

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
² Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
² Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets. NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
² Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
² Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require
extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

² Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
² Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets selected with the
Mode control dial. Press this button a second time to
turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
² Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recir-
culation. However, pressing the Recircula-
tion Control button will temporarily put the system in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can
be used when outside conditions such as smoke,
odors, dust, or high humidity are present. Activating
recirculation will cause the LED in the CONTROL
button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the system will
return to normal AUTO mode function and the LED
will turn off.
NOTE:
² When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
² In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve window clearing.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

² Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the RECIRCULATION button to return to out-
side air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause
captured interior air to condense on windows and
hamper visibility. For this reason, the system will not
allow Recirculation to be selected while in floor, de-
frost, or defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the
Recirculation while in these modes will cause the LED
in the CONTROL button to blink and then turn off.
² Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
mode by pressing the RECIRCULATION button.
However, under certain conditions, while in Auto-
matic Mode, the system is blowing air out the defrost
vents. When these conditions are present, and the
RECIRCULATION button is pressed, the indicator will
flash and then turn off. This tells you that you are
unable to go into recirculation mode at this time. If you would like the system to go into Recirculation mode,
you must first move the Mode Knob to Panel, Panel/
Floor and then press the RECIRCULATION button.
This feature reduces the possibility of window fog-
ging.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again. Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
Floor, Mix, or Defrost mode. The air is directed at the area
of the windows through which you view the outside
mirrors. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253
4

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow. A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº
in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.254 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately five minutes for the
second push of the button. CAUTION!To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS m Starting Procedures .....................261
N Automatic Transaxle ...................261
N Normal Starting ......................262
N Tip Start Ð Automatic Transaxle Only ......262
N Extremely Cold Weather
(Below 2 20ÉF Or 2 29ÉC) ................263
N If Engine Fails To Start .................263
N After Starting ........................264
N Remote Starting System Ð If Equippe d......264
N How To Use Remote Start ...............264 m Engine Block Heater Ð If Equipped .........266
m Automatic Transaxle .....................267
N Brake/Transaxle Interlock System ..........269
N Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System .............................269
N 4 Speed / 6 Speed Automatic Transaxle /
AutoStick t Ð If Equipped ...............270
m AutoStick t Ð If Equipped ................274
N AutoStick t Operation ..................274
N AutoStick t General Information ...........2745

m All Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped ............275
m Parking Brake .........................276
m Brake System ..........................278
N Anit-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............279
m Electronic Brake Control Systems ±
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP .....................281
N Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............281
N Traction Control System (TCS) ............282
N Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............282
N Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........283
m Power Steering ........................287
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............288
N Acceleration .........................288 N Traction ............................288
m Driving Through Water ..................289
N Flowing/Rising Water ..................289
m Tire Safety Information ...................291
N Tire Markings ........................291
N Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........295
m Tires Ð General Information ...............299
N Tire Pressure .........................299
N Tire Inflation Pressures .................300
N Radial-Ply Tires ......................302
N Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped .........303
N Limited Use Spare Ð If Equipped .........304
N Tire Spinning ........................305258 STARTING AND OPERATING