maintenance DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE...............................83
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL................................... 171
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................. 263
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES...............................................347
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE............................................... 365
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................. 421
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE..........................................439
10INDEX....................................................................449
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INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
•The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.
•With either front door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.
Locking Doors With The Key
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver’s door only.You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, refer to “Body
Lubrication” under “Maintenance Procedures” in Sec-
tion 7 of this manual.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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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
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▫Wind Buffeting...................... 155
▫Sunroof Maintenance.................. 155
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 156
Electrical Power Outlets................. 156
Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped.......................... 159
Cupholders.......................... 160
▫Heated Or Cooled Cupholder —
If Equipped......................... 160
▫Rear Bottle Holders................... 161Storage............................. 162
▫Driver’s Side Sunglass Holder —
If Equipped......................... 162
▫CargoArea......................... 162
Console Features...................... 164
▫Dual Storage Bins.................... 164
▫Video Console — If Equipped............ 166
Rear Window Features.................. 167
▫Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped..... 167
Beverage Cooler Storage Bin — If Equipped . . . 168
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Venting Sunroof - Express
Press and release theVbutton, and the sunroof will
open to the vent position. This is called Express Vent.
Closing Sunroof - Express
Press the switch forward and release, and the sunroof
will close automatically from any position. The sunroof
will close fully, then stop automatically. This is called
Express Close. During Express Close operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
Auto Sunroof Express With Anti-Pinch Protection
— If Equipped
During express closing, anytime an obstacle that restricts
glass movement is detected, the motor will stop and
reverse travel to avoid pinching the object.
Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if so equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, then open the front and rear
windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the
buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sun-
roof opening to minimize the buffeting.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a nonabrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
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Satellite Radio — If Equipped
(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU Radios Only)..... 238
▫System Activation.................... 238
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID)......... 239
▫Selecting Satellite Mode................ 240
▫Satellite Antenna..................... 240
▫Reception Quality.................... 240
▫Operating Instructions — Satellite Mode.... 241
▫Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................ 243
▫Operating Instructions — Video
Entertainment System (VES)™
(If Equipped)........................ 243Video Entertainment System (VES)™ —
If Equipped.......................... 244
Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped.......................... 246
▫Operation With RES / REQ AM/FM Stereo
Radio With CD Player................. 247
▫Operation With RER Multi-Media System . . . 248
CD/DVD Maintenance.................. 249
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones....... 249
Climate Controls...................... 250
▫Manual Heating Ventilation And Air
Conditioning (HVAC).................. 250
▫Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —
If Equipped......................... 254
▫Operating Tips...................... 260
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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GASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change
in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, the words “GASCAP”
will display in the odometer. If this occurs, tighten the
fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn off the “GASCAP” message. (Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in Section 7 of
this manual for more information). If the problem con-
tinues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle
is started. See your authorized dealer service center as
soon as possible.
CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHAngE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate
the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, whichmeans the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly 3 times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
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21. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. The “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” should turn off with the engine running.
If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in either the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Right Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) Battery Low (with a
single chime)
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle Not In PARK
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle in Motion
•Left/Right Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph / 1 km h)
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
•Trunk Ajar (with a single chime)
•Headlights On
•Key In Ignition
•Oil Change Required (with a single chime)
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The Oil Change Required message will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately five seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the MENU button. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
perform the following procedure:
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
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