ESP DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owner's Manual

SET Button – To Set the Pushbutton Memory
When you are receiving a channel that you wish to
commit to pushbutton memory, press the SET button.
The symbol SET 1 will now show in the display window.
Select the button (1-6) you wish to lock onto this channel
and press and release that button. If a button is not
selected within five seconds after pressing the SET but-
ton, the channel will continue to play but will not be
stored into pushbutton memory.
You may add a second channel to each pushbutton by
repeating the above procedure with this exception: Press
the SET button twice and SET 2 will show in the display
window. Each button can be set for SET 1 and SET 2. This
allows a total of 12 Satellite channels to be stored into
pushbutton memory. The channels stored in SET 2
memory can be selected by pressing the pushbutton
twice.Every time a preset button is used, a corresponding
button number will display.
Buttons1-6
These buttons tune the radio to the channels that you
commit to pushbutton memory (12 Satellite stations).
Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone (If
Equipped)
Refer to “Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)” in
Section 3.
Operating Instructions — Video Entertainment
System (VES)™ (If Equipped)
Refer to separate “Video Entertainment System (VES)™
Guide.”
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
4

▫Traction........................... 278
Driving Through Water.................. 279
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 279
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 279
Power Steering........................ 281
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 282
Parking Brake........................ 282
Brake System......................... 284
Anti—Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 286
Electronic Brake Control System........... 289
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 289
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 289
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 290▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 291
Tire Safety Information.................. 294
▫Tire Markings....................... 294
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 298
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 299
Tires — General Information.............. 303
▫Tire Pressure........................ 303
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 304
▫Radial-Ply Tires...................... 306
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped........ 306
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped......... 308
▫Tire Spinning....................... 309
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 309
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE
Use this range for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE — 6 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStickmode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transaxle shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For ex-
ample: When operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStickwill improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE— 4 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the3range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers).
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Under these conditions, using the3range will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up.
DRIVE 3— 4 Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into 4th gear. The transaxle
will operate normally in First and Second. Shifts into
Third may be delayed to provide second gear operation
at higher speeds. The3range should also be used when
descending steep grades to prevent brake system dis-
tress.
NOTE:Using the3range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up.
LOW — 4 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts willoccur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac-
ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
OVERDRIVE and “3” DRIVE range by changing
shift points. This is done to prevent transaxle damage
due to overheating.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle automatically shifts into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear (3rd gear with
a six speed automatic) despite the forward gear selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to
a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
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5

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional ad-
vanced electronic brake control system that includes
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System
(TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), and Electronic Stability
Program (ESP). All systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions
and are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in this Section of the
manual for more information about ABS.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, brake pressure is applied to the slip-
ping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of
the TCS system functions similar to a limited slip differ-
ential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If
one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the
other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning
wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains
active even if TCS and ESP are in the “Partial Off” mode.
Refer to “Electronic Stability Program (ESP)” in this
Section of this manual.
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5

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light, located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The ESP/TCS Indicator
Light also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESP/TCS
Indicator Light begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
•Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

WARNING! (Continued)
•ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
•The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
ESP Operating Modes
All ESP equipped vehicles can choose the following ESP
operating modes:
ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the ESP system will be in this mode.This mode should be used for almost all driving situa-
tions. ESP should only be turned to Partial Off for specific
reasons as noted below.
Partial ESP Mode
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
Control Switch. When in Partial Off mode, the TCS
portion of ESP, except for the limited slip feature de-
scribed in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESP function normally, with the
exception of engine power reduction. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand,
or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP
would normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ESP
Control Switch. This will restore the normal ESP On
mode of operation.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavail-
able.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP on again by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch.” This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is com-
bined with the BAS indicator. The yellow ESP/
BAS Warning Light and the yellow ESP/TCS
Indicator Light in the instrument cluster both
come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. They should both go out with the engine
running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on con-
tinuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either the ESP or BAS system, or both. If
this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
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5

NOTE:
•The ESP Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Warning
Light come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-
dards Code (TIN)4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades 294 STARTING AND OPERATING