gas mileage DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owners Manual

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button. To reset a trip odom-
eter, display the desired trip odometer to be reset then
push and hold the button until the display resets (ap-
proximately 2 seconds). Refer to ªTrip Odometer Buttonº
for additional information.
Vehicle Warning Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, ªDOOR AJAR,º
ªTRUNK AJAR,º or ªgASCAPº will display in the odom-
eter.
NOTE: If the instrument cluster is equipped with the
optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),
then all warnings including ªDOOR AJARº and
ªTRUNK AJARº will only display in the EVIC. (Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in this
section for specific messages). gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change
in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, the words ªgASCAPº
will display in the odometer. If this occurs, tighten the
fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn off the ªgASCAPº message. (Refer to
ªOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBDIIº in Section 7 of
this manual for more information). If the problem con-
tinues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle
is started. See your authorized dealer service center as
soon as possible.
Change Oil
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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SPARK PLUGS
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in
this section for the proper type of spark plug for use in
your vehicle.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for engine air cleaner filter maintenance inter-
vals.
NOTE: Be sure to follow the ªdusty or off-road condi-
tionsº maintenance interval if applicable. WARNING!The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
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humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
² Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
² Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
² If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks. ² Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
² Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
² Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
² Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
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