service DODGE AVENGER 2008 Repair Manual

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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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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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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Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the timing belt on 2.4L and 3.5L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.7L engines. 120,000 200 000 120
*P artial Z ero E missions V ehicle
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
WARNING!You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 431
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IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCECONTENTS m Suggestions For Obtaining Service For Your
Vehicle ..............................435
N Prepare For The Appointment ............435
N Prepare A List ........................435
N Be Reasonable With Requests .............435
m If You Need Assistance ...................435
N Chrysler LLC Customer Center ...........436
N Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center ......436
N In Mexico Contact .....................437 N Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) .............437
N Service Contract ......................437
m Warranty Information (U.S. Vehicles Only) .....438
m MOPAR t Parts .........................439
m Reporting Safety Defects ..................439
N In The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C. .....................439
N In Canada ..........................439
m Publication Order Forms ..................440
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SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you're having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty. Discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle's
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an accident
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know. Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many authorized dealers, you may obtain a rental
vehicle at a minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it
is advisable to make these arrangements when you call
for an appointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its authorized dealers are vitally
interested in your satisfaction. We want you to be happy
with our products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized dealer.
We strongly recommend that you take the vehicle to an
authorized selling dealer. They know you and the vehicle
best, and are most concerned that you get prompt and IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 435
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high quality service. The manufacturer's authorized deal-
ers have the facilities, factory-trained technicians, special
tools, and the latest information to ensure the vehicle is
fixed correctly and in a timely manner.
This is why you should always talk to an authorized
dealer's service manager first. Most matters can be re-
solved with this process.
² If for some reason you are still not satisfied, talk to the
general manager or owner of the authorized dealer-
ship. They want to know if you need assistance.
² If an authorized dealership is unable to resolve the
concern, you may contact the Manufacturer's Cus-
tomer Center. Any communication to the Manufacturer's Customer
Center should include the following information:
² Owner's name and address
² Owner's telephone number (home and office)
² Authorized dealership name
² Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
² Vehicle delivery date and mileage
Chrysler LLC Customer Center
P.O. Box 21±8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321±8004
Phone: (800) 992-1997
Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: (800) 465±2001436 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

In Mexico contact:
Av. Prolongacion Paseo de la Reforma, 1240
Sante Fe C.P. 05109
Mexico, D. F.
In Mexico City: 5081-4568
Outside Mexico City: 1-800-505-1300
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech
Impaired (TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties, the
manufacturer has installed special TDD (Telecommuni-
cation Devices for the Deaf) equipment at its Customer
Center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer, who
has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter
(TTY) in the United States, can communicate with the
manufacturer by dialing 1±800±380±CHRY. Service Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for an vehicle
to help protect you from the high cost of unexpected
repairs after the manufacturer's New Vehicle Limited
Warranty expires. The manufacturer stands behind only
the manufacturer's Service Contracts. If you purchased a
manufacturer's Service Contract, you will receive Plan
Provisions and an Owner Identification Card in the mail
within three weeks of the vehicle delivery date. If you
have any questions about the service contract, call the
manufacturer's Service Contract National Customer Hot-
line at 1-800-521-9922.
The manufacturer will not stand behind any service
contract that is not the manufacturer's Service Contract. It
is not responsible for any service contract other than the
manufacturer's Service Contract. If you purchased a
service contract that is not a manufacturer's Service IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 437
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Contract, and you require service after the manufactur-
er's New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, please refer
to the contract documents, and contact the person listed
in those documents.
We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased the vehicle. An authorized dealer
has also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
the ownership experience. You'll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns. WARNING!Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet for the terms and
provisions of Chrysler LLC warranties applicable to this
vehicle.438 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

MOPAR T PARTS
Mopar t fluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from your authorized dealer. They will help
you keep your vehicle operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In The 50 United States And Washington, D.C.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could
cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the
manufacturer.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your authorized
dealer, and the manufacturer. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll free at 1±888±327±4236 (TTY: 1±800±424± 9153),
or go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administra-
tor, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you
should contact the Customer Service Department imme-
diately. Canadian customers who wish to report a safety
defect to the Canadian government should write to:
Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Defect Investigations
and Recalls, 2780 Sheffield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1B
3V9. IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 439
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