Fuel DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owner's Guide

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
The battery is stored between the left front headlight
assembly and the left front wheel splash shield. Access is
through the splash shield.
Jump-starting remote battery terminals are located under
the hood.
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12-Volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L............. 367
Engine Compartment — 2.7L............. 368
Engine Compartment — 3.5L............. 369
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II....... 370
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 370
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 371
Replacement Parts..................... 372
Dealer Service........................ 373Maintenance Procedures................. 373
▫Engine Oil......................... 373
▫Engine Oil Filter..................... 377
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 377
▫Maintenance-Free Battery............... 378
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 379
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............ 380
▫Body Lubrication..................... 381
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 382
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter 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 “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer recom-
mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect theexhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for an oil
change or lubrication. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to Exhaust Gas in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
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 383
7

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
7

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection (2.4L and
2.7L Engines)87 Octane
Fuel Selection (2.7L - EX-
CEPT CALIFORNIA EMIS-
SION STATES)E-85 Ethanol
Fuel Selection (3.5L Engine) 89 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master CylinderMOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not avail-
able, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” in “Use FactorySettings” of the EVIC section in this manual or under
“Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 423
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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