instrument cluster DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owner's Manual

WARNING!² Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
² Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the malfunction
indicator light to turn on.
² A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
² Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
² When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
LOOSE FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªgASCAPº message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the trip odometer 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 Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.330 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and it is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE: With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery. IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
² On the highways Ð Slow down.
² In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.348 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes
and other information to assist an authorized service
technician in making repairs. Although your vehicle will
usually be drivable and not need towing, see your
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. CAUTION!² Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
² If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A ªgASCAPº message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a 9 clicking 9 sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the Trip Odometer MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly. Dry with a soft tissue.
CLEANING CENTER CONSOLE CUPHOLDERS
Removal
Grab the rubber portion of the cupholder and lift up-
ward.
Cleaning
Soak the rubber cupholder liner in a mixture of medium
hot tap water and one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap.
Let soak for approximately one hour. After one hour pull
the liner from the water and dip it back into the water
about six times. This will loosen any remaining debris.
Rinse the liner thoroughly under warm running water.
Shake the excess water from the liner and dry the outer
surfaces with a clean soft cloth.
Installation
Align the liner in the cupholder and press down firmly. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Heated Seats ........................... 123
Heater ............................... 242
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 266
Hitches
Trailer Towing ........................ 336
HomeLink t (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 143
Hood Prop ............................ 128
Hood Release .......................... 127
Hoses ................................ 394
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 14
Infant Restraint ...................... 67,68,69
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 181
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 85
Instrument Cluster .................... 168,170 Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 167
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 403
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 405
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 406
Interior Appearance Care .................. 403
Interior Lights .......................... 129
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 136
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 351
Jack Operation ....................... 350,352
Jacking Instructions ...................... 352
Jump Starting .......................... 358
Key, Programming ........................ 16
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Key-In Reminder ......................... 14
Keyless Entry System ...................... 21452 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
10

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

Understanding Your Instrument Panel ......... 167
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 441
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 227
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port ........... 220,223
Universal Transmitter ..................... 143
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 319
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 46
Upholstery Care ........................ 403
USB Port ........................... 220,223
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses ................. 394
Vanity Mirrors ........................... 88
Variance, Compass ....................... 187
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 331
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 296,331,333
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 253,411
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 18 Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System) .................. 239
Viscosity, Engine Oil ...................... 377
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 115
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 170
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 438
Washer, Adding Fluid .................. 138,387
Washers, Windshield ................ 134,138,387
Washing Vehicle ......................... 401
Water
Driving Through ...................... 289
Wheel Alignment and Balance ............... 308
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 402
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 402
Wheel Bearings ......................... 400
Wind Buffeting ....................... 38,152462 INDEX