fuel DODGE AVENGER 2010 2.G User Guide

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three 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.
Trip Functions
Press and release the MENU button until one of the
following Trip Functions displays in the EVIC:
•ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
•Average Fuel Economy
•Distance To Empty
•Elapsed Time
•Display Units of Measure in Press and release the STEP button to advance the display
through the Trip Functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion:
•ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
The ECO indicator will illuminate in the EVIC display.
This ECO message will appear when you are driving in a
fuel efficient manner and can be used to modify driving
habits in order to increase fuel economy.
•Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read,
RESET or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the history
information will be erased, and the averaging will con-
tinue from the last fuel average reading before the reset.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167

•Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the RESET
button.
NOTE: Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE display value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of LOW FUEL”. This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.•Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the ON or START position.
•Display Units In:
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until ENGLISH or METRIC appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur if a resettable function is currently
displayed. Press and hold the RESET button once to clear
the function currently displayed.
To reset all resettable functions, press and release the
RESET button a second time within three seconds of
resetting the currently displayed function (Reset ALL will
display during this three-second window).
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
Floor Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
Mix Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield. Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
Mix, Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
Recirculation Control Pressing the Recirculation Control button will
temporarily put the system in recirculation
mode (10 minutes). This can be used when
outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,
or high humidity are present. Activating recirculation
will cause the LED in the control button to illuminate.
After ten minutes, the system will return to normal mode
function and the LED will turn off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227

▫Compact Spare Tire ................... 285
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 286
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 287
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 288
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 288
 Tire Chains .......................... 289
 Snow Tires .......................... 290
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 290
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 291
▫ Base System ........................ 294
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 296
▫ General Information .................. 299 
Fuel Requirements ..................... 300
▫ 2.4L And 2.7L Engine ................. 300
▫ 3.5L Engine ........................ 300
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 301
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 301
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 302
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 302
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 303
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 303
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 304
 Flexible Fuel (2.7L Only) — If Equipped ..... 305
▫ E85 General Information ............... 305
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E85) ................... 307
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STARTING AND OPERATING 241

▫Fuel Requirements ................... 307
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 308
▫ Starting ........................... 308
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 308
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 309
▫ Maintenance ........................ 309
 Adding Fuel ......................... 309
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 309
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 311
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 311
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 311
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 312
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 312▫
Overloading ........................ 313
▫ Loading ........................... 313
 Trailer Towing ........................ 313
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 314
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 316
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 317
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 318
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 319
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 323
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 324
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 324
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

motor will continue to run, and it will disengage auto-
matically when the engine is running. If the engine fails
to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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 a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.
Without Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15 sec-
onds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the
floor.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Ex-
treme Cold Weather” procedures.
With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 245

NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE — Six–Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick
mode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transmission shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For example: When operating the vehicle under heavy load-
ing conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick
will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE— Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the 3range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the 3range will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 251

WARNING! (Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-
hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under-inflated.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 283

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire
sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire 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.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light.”
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 293