odometer DODGE AVENGER 2008 Owners Manual

TRUNK RELEASE
From inside the car the trunk lid
can be released by depressing the
Trunk Release Button located on
the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel. The transmis-
sion must be in Park before the
switch will operate.
NOTE: The gear selector lever must be in PARK for this
switch to operate.
To unlatch the trunk lid from outside the vehicle, press
and release the TRUNK button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter two times.
With the ignition ON, the word ªdeckº will display in
place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk is
open. The odometer display will reappear once the trunk
is closed or if the trip button is depressed. With the key in the lock position or with the key out, the
word ªdeckº will display until the trunk is closed.
On EVIC equipped vehicles, the words ªTrunk Ajarº will
display.
TRUNK SAFETY WARNING
WARNING!Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
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will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.
12. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed in kilometers per hour Ð Km/h. 13. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
14. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.
15. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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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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 ªONº position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ªONº 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.
16. Cruise Indicator Ð If Equipped
This indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON.
17. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Single Trip Odometer
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word ªTripº displays to
show that the odometer is in Trip Mode. Press and release
the button again to change the display back to the
odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first set the display to Trip
Mode. 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.174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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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when exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
and hold the RESET button until 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds
appears.
Headlights With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When ON is selected, and the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position, the headlights will turn on approxi-
mately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on. The
headlights will also turn off when the wipers are turned
off if they were turned on by this feature. To make your
selection, press and hold the RESET button until ON or
OFF appears.
NOTE: Turning the headlights on during the daytime
causes the instrument panel lights to dim. To increase the
brightness, refer to ªLightsº in Section 3 of this manual.
Key-Off Power Delay
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening a vehicle door will cancel this feature. To make
your selection, press and hold the RESET button until
Off, 45 sec., 5 min., or 10 min. appears.
Illumination Approach
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the remote keyless entry transmitter. To
make your selection, press and hold the RESET button
until OFF, 30, 60, or 90 seconds appears.
Display Units in English or Metric
The EVIC and odometer can be changed between English
and Metric units of measure. To make your selection,
press and release the RESET button until U.S. or METRIC
appears.190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!² Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
² Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings. Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
² Fast tire wear.
² Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
² Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.308 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
ENGINE OIL OVERHEATING (2.4L ENGINE ONLY)
Ð IF EQUIPPED
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the ªHOTOILº message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced. NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!² Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
² The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes
and other information to assist an authorized service
technician in making repairs. Although your vehicle will
usually be drivable and not need towing, see your
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. CAUTION!² Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
² If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A ªgASCAPº message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a 9 clicking 9 sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the Trip Odometer MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
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