octane DODGE AVENGER 2009 2.G Owners Manual

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L and 2.7L Engine
The 2.4L and 2.7L engines are designed to
meet all emission regulations and provide
excellent fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded “regu-
lar” gasolines having an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. Under normal conditions, the use of
premium gasoline will not provide a benefit over high
quality unleaded “regular” gasolines, and in some cir-
cumstances may result in poorer performance.
3.5L Engine
The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance whenusing high-quality unleaded gasoline having an octane
range of 89. The manufacturer recommends the use of
89 octane for optimum performance. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. Under normal conditions,
the use of premium gasoline will not provide a benefit
over high quality unleaded “regular” and “mid-grade”
gasolines, and in some circumstances may result in
poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emission control system.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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

Along with the special E-85 fuel filler cap, your vehicle
may display a badge, which also indicates it can operate
on E-85.
ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
E-85 Badge
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

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

Cooling System....................... 385
Engine Oil........................... 373
Power Steering.....................282,419
Fluids................................ 418
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 418
Fog Lights.......................137,183,412
Folding Rear Seat.....................131,132
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 361
Fuel................................. 323
Adding............................. 331
Additives............................ 326
Clean Air............................ 324
Ethanol............................. 324
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................177,331
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 177
Gasoline............................ 323
Gauge.............................. 177
Light............................... 178
Materials Added....................... 326Methanol............................ 324
Octane Rating......................323,418
Requirements......................323,417
Tank Capacity........................ 417
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 333
Fueling............................... 331
Fuses................................ 400
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 147
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............331,334,370
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 324
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 323
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 324
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 177
Fuel................................ 177
Odometer........................... 180
Tachometer.......................... 179
456 INDEX

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 74
Lubrication, Body....................... 381
Lumbar Support........................ 127
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 378
Maintenance, General..................... 373
Maintenance Procedures................... 373
Maintenance Schedule.................... 422
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 186,371
Manual, Service......................... 445
Map/Reading Lights..................... 134
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 391
Methanol............................. 324
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 192
Mirrors................................ 87
Automatic Dimming..................... 88
Electric Powered....................... 89
Outside.............................. 90Rearview............................. 87
Vanity............................... 90
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 314
Mopar Parts.........................372,444
MTBE/ETBE........................... 324
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 79
Occupant Restraints.....................60,63
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).........41,55,56,60,61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 323
Odometer............................. 180
Trip .............................180,182
Oil Change Indicator................181,191,422
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............181,191
Oil, Engine.........................373,418
Capacity............................ 417
Change Interval...............181,191,374,422
460 INDEX