engine coolant DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G User Guide

NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
4 Cylinder Engines —the coolant bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine idling and
warm to normal operating temperature, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown on the bottle.
6 Cylinder Engines —the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the pressurized coolant bottle should be
between the “COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle
when the engine is cold.The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
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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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2.4L and 2.7L Engine — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons 64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons 70 Liters
3.5L Engine 17.2 Gallons 65 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts 4.4 Liters
2.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
3.5L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.7.7 Quarts 7.3 Liters
2.7L Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.9.8 Quarts 9.3 Liters
3.5L Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.11.6 Quarts 11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine CoolantMOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology)
Engine Oil (2.4L and 2.7L
Engine)Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil (3.5L Engine)Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 engine oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) MOPAROil Filter (P/N 04884900AB) or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L and 3.5L
Engines)MOPAROil Filter (P/N 04884899AB) or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L Engine
except PZEV*)ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.11 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4L Engine
with PZEV)ZFR5AP (Gap 0.031 in [0.8 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.7L Engine) TE10PMC5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L Engine) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions, inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and
replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings, and replace as necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped).
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect the exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, and replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.4L PZEV*,
2.7L and 3.5L Engines).
❏Replace the timing belt (3.5L Engine).
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant.
❏Inspect accessory drive belt, replace if
necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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About Your Brakes....................... 282
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 286
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 387
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 382
Additives, Fuel......................... 326
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 377
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 379
Air Conditioning........................ 250
Air Conditioning Controls................. 250
Air Conditioning Filter.................261,380
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 262
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............379,380
Air Conditioning System.............250,254,379
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 304
Airbag..............................52,61
Airbag Deployment....................... 63
Airbag Light...................53,60,66,81,178
Airbag Maintenance....................... 65Airbag, Side........................55,60,61
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........56,60,61
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............19,178
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 240
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........386,387,417
Disposal............................ 388
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 286
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 286
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Appearance Care........................ 395
Ashtray............................... 159
Assistance Towing....................... 105
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 33
Auto Up Power Windows................37,155
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 88
Automatic Door Locks...................32,33
Automatic Oil Change Indicator........181,191,422
450 INDEX

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 254
Automatic Transaxle.................13,270,392
Adding Fluid...................393,394,419
Filter............................... 394
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 394
Fluid Level Check...................393,394
Interlock System....................... 272
Reset Mode.......................... 275
Selection Of Lubricant................... 419
Shifting............................. 273
Special Additives...................... 394
Autostick............................. 276
Battery............................... 378
Gas Caution.......................... 378
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Location............................ 378
Beverage Cooler........................ 168
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 381B-Pillar Location........................ 299
Brake Assist System...................... 290
Brake, Parking.......................... 282
Brake System........................284,390
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 286
Fluid Check.......................391,419
Master Cylinder....................... 391
Parking............................. 282
Warning Light........................ 187
Brakes.............................284,390
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 271
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 79
Bulb Replacement.....................409,410
Bulbs, Light............................ 409
Calibration, Compass..................... 194
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 21
Capacities, Fluid........................ 417
INDEX 451
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Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 331
Oil (Engine)..................367,368,369,375
Power Steering........................ 282
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 388
Car Washes............................ 395
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 327
Cargo Area Features...................... 162
Cargo Compartment...................... 162
Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 162
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 80
Cellular Phone........................91,249
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 415
Chains, Tire............................ 312
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 350
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 296
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 371Child Restraint....................68,70,74,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............72,74
Child Safety Locks........................ 34
Cigar Lighter........................... 159
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 324
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 397
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 382
Climate Control......................... 250
Clock........................200,214,218,228
Coin Holder........................... 164
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 249
Compact Spare Tire...................... 306
Compass.............................. 193
Compass Calibration..................... 194
Compass Variance....................... 194
Computer, Trip/Travel..................21,192
Console............................132,164
Console, Floor.......................132,164
452 INDEX