engine DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owner's Guide

OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The Oil Change Required message will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the MENU button. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
perform the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine). 2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
TRIP FUNCTIONS
Press and release the MENU button until one of the
following Trip Functions displays in the EVIC:
² Average Fuel Economy
² Distance To Empty
² Elapsed Time
² Display Units of Measure in
Press and release the STEP button to advance the display
through the Trip Functions.184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

² Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the ON or START position.
² Display Units In:
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until U.S. or METRIC appears.
COMPASS DISPLAY
The compass heading indicates the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight com-
pass heading and the outside temperature.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass manually. When the ve-
hicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will flash the ªCALº indicator until the compass is
calibrated. You may calibrate the compass by completing
one or more 360 degree turns (in an area free from large
metal or metallic objects) until the CAL indicator in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic, inaccurate, or abnormal,
you may wish to calibrate the compass manually. How-
ever, prior to calibrating the compass, make sure the
proper Compass Variance value is selected (Refer to
ªCompass Varianceº for additional information). Then
continue to calibrate the compass as follows:
1. Start the engine. Leave the selector lever in PARK in
order to enter the EVIC Programming Menus.
2. Press and release the MENU button until ªPersonal
Settingsº displays in the EVIC.
3. Press and release the STEP button until ªCalibrate
Compass Yesº displays in the EVIC.COM-
PASS
Button 186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Dolby t
Manufactured under license from Dolby t Laboratories.
9 Dolby t9 and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby t Laboratories.
Macrovision
This product incorporates copyright protection technol-
ogy that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellec-
tual property rights. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is
intended for home and other limited viewing uses only,
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited
DTSŸ
9 DTSŸ 9 and 9 DTSŸ 2.0 9 are trademarks of Digital The-
ater Systems, Inc. SALES CODE REN Ð MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
NOTE: The sales code is located on the lower right side
of the unit's faceplate.
The REN Multimedia system contains a radio, CD/DVD
player, USB port, a 20-gigabyte hard drive (HDD), and a
ªJukeBoxº (virtual CD changer). Sirius Satellite Radio is
optional. The 6.5 in (16.5 cm) touch screen allows for easy
menu selection.
A 20-gigabyte HDD allows uploads of music and photos
from CDs or through the USB port. The Gracenote
database finds the artist, track, and title for the music.
An auxiliary input jack permits passengers to listen to a
portable MP3 player through the vehicle's speakers. For
vehicles equipped with the Vehicle Entertainment System
(VES) t , separate audio outputs allow passengers to listen
to the vehicle speakers while different audio tracks play220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix
and Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed. This de-
humidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
² Recirculation Control
Use this button to block the flow of outside
air from coming into the passenger compart-
ment. A light will illuminate when the sys-
tem is in recirculation mode. Only use the
recirculation mode as a temporary means to block out
any outside odors, smoke, or dust, and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial start up in very hot or
humid weather.
NOTE:
² Continuous use of the recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended. ² The use of the recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather will cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture build-up inside the vehicle. Select
the Outside Air position for maximum defogging.
² The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging
when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode
control is set to panel or panel / floor.
² The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection.
Air Conditioning Control
Use this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A
light will illuminate when the Air Conditioning
System is engaged
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
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cabin infrared sensor mounted between the sun-visors
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. Other sensors take account of ve-
hicle speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple.
1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and the
Blower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO.
NOTE: The AUTO position performs best for front seat
occupants only. 2. Dial in the temperature you would
like the system to maintain by rotating
the Temperature Control knob.
Once the comfort level is selected, the system will main-
tain that level automatically using the heating system.
Should the desired comfort level require air conditioning,
the system will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the ªOº (Off) position on the blower control stops the
system completely and closes the outside air intake.
72ÉF (22ÉC) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
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

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

N Tread Wear Indicators ..................306
N Life Of Tire .........................306
N Replacement Tires .....................307
N Alignment And Balance .................308
m Tire Chains ...........................309
m Snow Tires ...........................309
m Tire Rotation Recommendations ............309
m Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped ...........................310
N Base System Ð If Equipped ..............313
N Premium System Ð If Equipped ..........315
N General Information ...................319
m Fuel Requirements ......................319 N 2.4L And 2.7L Engines ..................319
N 3.5L Engine .........................320
N Reformulated Gasoline .................320
N Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............321
N MMT In Gasoline .....................322
N Materials Added To Fuel ................322
N Fuel System Cautions ..................322
N Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............323
m Flexible FuelÐ 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States) ..........324
N E-85 General Information ................324
N Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................325
N Fuel Requirements ....................326 STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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N Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .......326
N Starting ............................327
N Cruising Range .......................327
N Replacement Parts .....................327
N Maintenance .........................327
m Adding Fuel ..........................328
N Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............328
N Loose Filler Cap Message ...............330
m Vehicle Loading ........................331
N Vehicle Certification Label ...............331
N Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......332
N Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........332 N Overloading .........................332
N Loading ............................333
m Trailer Towing .........................334
N Common Towing Definitions .............334
N Trailer Hitch Classifications ..............336
N Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .........337
N Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight .........338
N Towing Requirements ..................339
N Towing Tips .........................343
m Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 345
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................345260 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
Make sure all occupants have securely fastened their seat
belts.
WARNING!Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle. WARNING!Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park. STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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