airbag DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in
the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.
Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren (LATCH)” in this section.
The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing
more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit
the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s cushion while the
child’s back is against the seatback, then the child should
use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and booster
seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
(Some booster seats are equipped with a front shield and
are held in the vehicle by the lap portion.)
WARNING!
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
(Continued)
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•A rearward facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploy-
ing passenger airbag which may cause severe or
fatal injury to the infant.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your
child restraints:
•
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder
belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to
bend over the front of the seat when their back is
against the seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt
in a rear seat.
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make surethat you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it, before you buy it.
•The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
•Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
•All passenger seating positions contain automatic
locking retractors. However, any seat belt system will
loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and
pull it tight if necessary.
•In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle end of the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
2

Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
2

Airbag Warning Light
The Airbag Warning Light should come on and remain
on for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit
during starting, have it checked. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
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. Check the tires
(including 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81
2

5. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to approximately 2.0 gal-
lons (7.6 Liters), the fuel symbol will light and a
single chime will sound.
NOTE:This light will remain on until a minimum of
approximately 3.0 gallons of fuel is added.
6. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition is first turned on and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s electrical devices,
such as the Front Fog Lights or Rear Window Defroster.
If the Charging System Light remains on, it means that
the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your local
authorized dealer.7. Airbag Warning Light
The light comes on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does not
turn on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected by an autho-
rized dealer.
8. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for approximately
16 seconds when the alarm system is arming.
The light will begin to flash slowly indicating
that the system is armed. The light will stop
flashing when the vehicle is disarmed.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

Information Center, Vehicle................. 189
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 87
Instrument Cluster....................175,177
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 174
Instrument Panel Cover................... 397
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 399
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 400
Interior Appearance Care.................. 397
Interior Lights.......................... 134
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 141
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 351
Jack Operation.......................350,352
Jacking Instructions...................... 352
Jump Starting.......................... 358
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 17Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Key-In Reminder......................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster..........................52,53
Lane Change and Turn Signals...........183,413
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 43
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 74
Latches
Hood............................... 132
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 323
Life of Tires............................ 310
Light Bulbs............................ 409
Lights..............................81,134
Airbag........................53,66,81,178
Back-Up............................. 413
458 INDEX

Selection of Oil......................... 375
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 15
Sentry Key Programming................... 17
Service Assistance....................... 441
Service Contract......................... 443
Service Manuals........................ 445
Setting the Clock................200,214,218,228
Settings, Personal........................ 196
Shoulder Belts........................... 43
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters).......... 261
Signals, Turn........................... 413
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 278
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 312
Snow Tires............................ 312
Spare Tire.......................306,308,351
Specifications
Oil ................................ 375
Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........144,182
Speedometer........................... 177Speedometer and Odometer................ 175
Starting............................... 267
Engine Fails to Start.................... 268
Starting Procedures...................... 267
Steering
Power...........................281,282
Tilt Column.......................... 143
Wheel, Tilt........................... 143
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls......................... 246
Storage............................162,409
Storage, Vehicle......................... 260
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 361
Sun Roof.............................. 153
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 52
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 376
Tachometer............................ 179
Taillights.............................. 413
464 INDEX

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming The SystemTo Arm The SystemTo Disarm The
SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - IF EQUIPPED To Unlock the DoorsTo Lock the DoorsTo Unlatch the TrunkUsing the Express Down Windows Feature - If EquippedUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional
RKE TransmittersBattery ReplacementGeneral InformationREMOTE START SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How to Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPowerDoor LocksChild Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)POWER WINDOWS Power Window
SwitchesAuto Window Down - If EquippedAuto Window Up - If EquippedReset Auto UpWindow Lockout SwitchWind BuffetingTRUNK RELEASE TRUNK SAFETY WARNING Trunk Internal Emergency ReleaseOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper
Shoulder Belt AnchorageRear Seat BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) BeltAlert ProgrammingAutomatic Locking ModeSeat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderSupplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagAirbag
System ComponentsFront Seat Airbag FeaturesAirbag Deployment Sensors and ControlsEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintsENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside the VehiclePeriodic Safety
Checks You Should Make Outside the VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedPower MirrorsAdjusting Side View MirrorsIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If Equipped
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationVOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM (VR) - IF
EQUIPPED Voice Recognition System (VR) OperationCommandsVoice TrainingSEATS Manual Front Seat AdjustmentsPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats- If EquippedFold-Flat Front Passenger SeatAdjustable Head RestraintsFolding Rear SeatFolding Rear Seat
Center ArmrestTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading/Interior LightsHeadlights, Parking Lights and Instrument Panel LightsAutomatic Headlight System - If EquippedHeadlight Time DelayFlash-To-PassDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights
On ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedTurn SignalsHigh Beam/Low Beam Select SwitchWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemMist FeatureHeadlights With Wipers Feature (Available With Auto Headlights Only)Windshield Washers
TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary TheSpeed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
Programming HomelinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Sunroof OperationAuto Sunroof Express With Anti-Pinch Protection - If EquippedSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof
MaintenanceIgnition Off OperationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER - IF EQUIPPED CUPHOLDERS Heated or Cooled Cupholder - If EquippedRear Bottle HoldersSTORAGE Drivers Side Sunglass Holder - If EquippedCargo Area
CONSOLE FEATURES Dual Storage BinsVideo Console - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedBEVERAGE COOLER STORAGE BIN - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL
FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IFEQUIPPED EVIC DisplaysOil Change RequiredTrip FunctionsCompass Display
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play,
DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)AM/FM/CD/DVD MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM RADIO (RER/REN) - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Voice Recognition System (VR)
- If EquippedOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) - If EquippedClock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIOWITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE
For CD And MP3 Audio PlayNotes on Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeSALES CODE RES/RSC - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) AND SIRIUS RADIO Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD
MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperatingInstructions - Hands-Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Operation with RES / REQ AM/FM Stereo Radio with CD PlayerOperation with RER Multi-Media SystemCD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND
CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) - If Equipped Operating TipsSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Normal StartingTip Start FeatureExtremely
Cold Weather (Below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE Brake/Transaxle Interlock SystemAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System4-Speed/6-Speed Automatic
Transaxle - If EquippedAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED OperationGeneral InformationDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid Check
PARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife
of TireReplacement TiresTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) Base SystemPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.4L and 2.7L Engine3.5L Engine
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT in GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsFLEXIBLE FUEL- 2.7L ONLY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES) E-85 General
InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel RequirementsSelection of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsMaintenanceADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE
LOADING Vehicle Certification LabelGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)OverloadingLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and
Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF
YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) - If EquippedJACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING
A DISABLED VEHICLE Towing With The Ignition KeyTowing Without The Ignition KeyTowing This Vehicle Behind Another VehicleTowing This Vehicle BehindAnother Vehicle With A Tow DollyTowing Without Power - Override Transaxle Interlock SystemMAINTAINING YOUR
VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.5L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT
PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceA/C Air Filter - If EquippedBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesAdding Washer FluidExhaust System
Cooling SystemBrake SystemAutomatic TransaxleAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionCleaning Center Console CupholdersFUSES Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT HeadlightFog
LightsTaillights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup LightsLicense Plate LightCenter High-Mounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED
ASSISTANCE Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING
SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX