brake DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owners Manual

HOW TO USE REMOTE START
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
² Shift the gear selector lever into PARK.
² Doors closed.
² Hood closed.
² Trunk closed.
² Hazard switch off.
² Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed).
² Ignition key removed from ignition switch.
² Battery at an acceptable charge level.
² RKE PANIC button not pressed. To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the Remote Start button on
the RKE transmitter twice. The engine will start
and the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start
mode for a 15±minute cycle.
NOTE:
² For security, power window operation is disabled
when the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.
² The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15±minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON position
before you can repeat the start sequence for a third
cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
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Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
² Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
² Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
² 9 Time 9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
² Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
² Impact acceleration and angle
² Seatbelt status
² Brake status (service and parking brakes)
² Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
² Engine control status (including engine speed) ² Transmission gear selection
² Cruise control status
² Traction/Stability Control status
² Tire Pressure Monitoring System status ± If Equipped
CHILD RESTRAINT
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
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Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
NOTE: If the defrost feature is not functioning, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately by an
authorized service center. The windshield could fog up
while driving and obscure your visibility.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure. Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If the Multi-Function Control Lever is held in
the flash to pass position for more than 15 seconds, the
high beams will shut off. If this occurs, wait 30 seconds
for the next flash to pass operation.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The high beam lights will come on as Daytime Running
Lights (DRL) at DRL intensity (lower), whenever the
ignition is on, the engine is running, the headlight switch
is off, the parking brake is off, the turn signal is off, and
the gearshift lever is in any position except park.
NOTE: On this vehicle, the daytime running light will
automatically turn off when the turn signal is in opera-
tion and automatically turn back on when the turn signal
is not operating. LIGHTS ON REMINDER
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver's door is opened.
FOG LIGHTS Ð IF EQUIPPED
The front fog light switch is on the Multi-Function
Control Lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the parking lights or the low beam headlights
and pull out the end of the control lever.132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you are not using it.
To Set Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push
down on the lever and release SET DECEL. The vehicle
will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:
² The vehicle must be traveling at least 25 mph (40
km/h) for the speed control to set. ² The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed and
on level ground before pushing down the SET DECEL
lever.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pulling the speed control
lever toward you CANCEL, or normal brake pressure
while slowing the vehicle will deactivate speed control
without erasing the set speed memory. Pushing in the
ON/OFF button (in the end of the lever) or turning off
the ignition switch erases the set speed memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push upward on the
RESUME ACCEL lever and release. Resume can be used
at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h). UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
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Dual Trip Odometer Ð If Equipped
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to ªTrip A.º Press and release it a second time
to change the display to ªTrip B.º Press and release it a
third time to change the display back to the odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first display the trip mileage
that you want to reset, ªTrip Aº or ªTrip B.º Then push
and hold the button (approximately 2 seconds) until the
display resets to 0. The odometer must be in Trip Mode to
reset the trip odometer.
18. Electronic Throttle Control Indicator Light
This red illuminated light informs you of a
problem with the Electronic Throttle Control
system. If a problem is detected, the light will
come on while the engine is running. If the
light remains lit with the engine running your vehicle
will usually be drivable and not need towing, however
see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
19. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS Ð if
equipped. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
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could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
26. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS)
This light monitors the ABS. This light will
come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes. The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key
to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
27. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the turn signal lever away from the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
28. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped). UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
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The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. WARNING!Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
DisplayÐPremium Cluster Only
This display shows the EVIC messages when the appro-
priate conditions exist. Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)º in this section for more informa-
tion. ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) ± IF EQUIPPED
EVIC Display Location UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
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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