engine oil DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owner's Manual

WARNING!Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold. Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
² Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid
when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
² Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
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WARNING!² Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
² Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPAR t DOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture. CAUTION!Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Fluid Level Check Ð Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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2. Reach into engine compartment and from behind the
lamp assembly and grasp the connector.
3. Rotate bulb and connector 1
¤ 4
turn and pull outward
from assembly. CAUTION!Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life.Headlight Housing - Rear View Twisting Bulb From Socket MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Engine U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
All FWD Engines Ð (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gals 64 L
3.5L Engine with AWD (All Wheel Drive) 17.3 Gals 65.5 L
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.4 Gals 69.7 L
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Qts 4.26 L
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 Qts 5.2 L
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Qts 5.2 L420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in bold type,
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the Emissions Con-
trol System. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, ªOil Change Requiredº will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, ªChange Oilº will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate which means service is
required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).
NOTE:
² The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's426 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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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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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Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. Perform the
first inspection at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary. 24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 429
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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