engine DODGE AVENGER 2008 Repair Manual

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPM Telltale Light will turn OFF and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- -), as long no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
² This device may not cause harmful interference.
² This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration. The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States ..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L AND 2.7L ENGINES
2.4L and 2.7L engines are designed to meet
all emission regulations and provide excel-
lent fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded ªregularº
gasolines having an octane rating of 87.
The use of premium gasoline is not recom-
mended. Under normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over high quality
unleaded ªregularº gasolines, and in some circumstances
may result in poorer performance. STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

3.5L ENGINE
The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of pre-
mium gasoline is not recommended. Un-
der normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over
high quality unleaded ªregularº and ªmid-
gradeº gasolines, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which
define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced
emissions, engine performance, and durability for your
vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gaso-
lines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasoline.º320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle. CAUTION!For vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 3.5L engine, DO
NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85 Etha-
nol. Use of these blends may result in starting and
driveability problems and may damage critical fuel
system components.
NOTE: The 2.7L engine is now rated for E85 Ethanol
use (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES). Only
vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can operate on
E-85. For more information, see ªFlexible Fuelº in this
section.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol. STARTING AND OPERATING 321
5

MMT IN GASOLINE
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines. MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
CAUTION!Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
² The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emission control system.322 STARTING AND OPERATING

² An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
² The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you. CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
² Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

² Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
² Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUELÐ 2.7L ENGINES ONLY (EXCEPT
CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES)
E-85 GENERAL INFORMATION
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. This section only covers those subjects that
are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other
sections of this manual for information on features that
are common between Flexible Fuel and gasoline only
powered vehicles. CAUTION!Only vehicles with the special E-85 fuel filler cap can
operate on E-85. E-85 Fuel Cap324 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that:
² you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1
¤ 4
full
² you do not add less than 5 gal (19 l) when refueling
² you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least five minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up. NOTE:
When the ambient temperature is above 90ÉF (32ÉC),
you may experience hard starting and rough idle following
start up even if the above recommendations are followed.
SELECTION OF ENGINE OIL FOR FLEXIBLE
FUEL VEHICLES (E-85) AND GASOLINE
VEHICLES
FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in Mopar t engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
the manufacturer's engines. Use Mopar t or an equivalent
oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
NOTE: Your engine oil filler cap also describes the
correct engine oil to use.326 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0ÉF (-18ÉC). In the
range of 0ÉF (-18ÉC) to 32ÉF (0ÉC), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your fuel economy and driving
range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline
operation.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts. CAUTION!Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION!Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability. STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

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

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transaxle Max. Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer Tongue Wt. 1
2.4L/Auto See Note 2
1000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
2.7L/Auto See Note 2
1500 lbs (680 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)
3.5L/Auto 22 Sq., Ft. (2.0 Sq. M) 2000 lbs (900 kg) 200 lbs (90 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds. 1
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and it
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to ªTire Safety
Informationº in Section 5 of this manual. 2
Enclosed trailers or open utility trailers with front shields/
guards are not recommended for use with all 4 cylinder and
2.7L engines with automatic transaxle. Please refer to the
following website, http://www-5.chrysler.com/searchapp/
ui.jsp or your authorized dealer for additional information. CAUTION!Towing a trailer with a larger than recommended
frontal area could cause the engine to overheat or
cause severe engine damage under extreme
conditions. STARTING AND OPERATING 337
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