stop start DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owner's Guide

•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes with adequate
braking capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly — including hazard flashers.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle in
neutral and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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