towing DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owner's Manual

² Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
² Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
² Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing
this section, please consult your authorized dealer to for
full details on the towing capabilities of the vehicle. RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
CAUTION!DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground. STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

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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CAUTION!Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
TOWING WITH THE IGNITION KEY
Front Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed (with all 4 wheels flat on the
ground), under the following conditions: The gear selector
must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be traveled must not
exceed 15 mi (25 km), and the towing speed must not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause
a transaxle failure. If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 mi (25 km), the vehicle
must be transported either with a flat bed truck or with the
front wheels off the ground.
All Wheel Drive
Your All Wheel Drive vehicle must be transported on a
flat bed truck.
CAUTION!² If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
² Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
² Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains
in NEUTRAL.
TOWING WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flat bed towing
is the preferred towing method. However, if a flat bed
towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used. Furthermore, rear towing is not
recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as
transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only
alternative, a front end dolly must be used. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the
vehicle. TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE
Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground of
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, is
only permitted within the limitations described in this
section.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLY
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 363
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TOWING WITHOUT POWER Ð OVERRIDE
TRANSAXLE INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/transaxle
interlock system. There is an override system that allows
you to shift out of PARK in case of loss of power. To
activate the override system: ² Firmly apply the parking brake.
² Insert the ignition key and rotate it to the ON position.
² Remove the cupholder liner.
² Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar object into the
front hole then push and hold the manual override
release lever forward.
² While holding the release lever forward, move the
shift lever from PARK to NEUTRAL.
² Release the override.364 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

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
7

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

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