check engine DODGE AVENGER 2010 2.G Owner's Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check – 2.4L and 2.7L Engines
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.5L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six 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 authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 401

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S402 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transaxle..............12,243,246,374
Adding Fluid ................... 375,376,398
Filter ............................... 376
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 376
Fluid Level Check ................... 375,376
Interlock System ....................... 249
Reset Mode .......................... 252
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 398
Shifting ............................. 249
Special Additives ...................... 376
Autostick ............................. 253
Battery ............................... 358
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location ............................ 358
Belts, Seat .............................. 82
Beverage Cooler ........................ 140
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 362B-Pillar Location
........................ 278
Brake Assist System ...................... 265
Brake, Parking .......................... 259
Brake System ........................... 372
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 262
Fluid Check ....................... 372,398
Master Cylinder ....................... 372
Parking ............................. 259
Warning Light ........................ 152
Brakes ............................... 372
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 248
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
Bulb Replacement ..................... 388,389
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,388
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 19
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 396
10
INDEX 429

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 309
Oil (Engine) .................. 347,348,349,356
Power Steering ........................ 259
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 369
Car Washes ............................ 378
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,304
Cargo Area Features ...................... 135
Cargo Compartment ...................... 135
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 135
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 135
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,224
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 394
Chains, Tire ............................ 289
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 329
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 274
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 351
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80Checks, Safety
........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 69,71,75,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 132
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 301
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 379
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 363
Climate Control ......................... 224
Clock ..................... 176,190,192,195,204
Coin Holder ........................... 136
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 224
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 285
Compass .............................. 169
Compass Calibration ..................... 169
Compass Variance ....................... 170
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 19,167
Console ............................ 104,136
Console, Floor ....................... 104,136
430 INDEX

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 121
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 255
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 256
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 220
E-85 Fuel ............................. 305
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 139
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 90
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 130
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 118
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 269
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 164
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 329
Jump Starting ......................... 335
Towing ............................. 341 Emergency Trunk Release
.................37,38
Emission Control System Maintenance ......351,400
Engine .......................... 347,348,349
Air Cleaner .......................... 358
Block Heater ......................... 246
Break-In Recommendations ................ 79
Checking Oil Level ..................... 354
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 367,397
Cooling ............................. 367
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 81,304
Fails to Start .......................... 244
Flooded, Starting ...................... 244
Fuel Requirements .................. 300,396
Jump Starting ......................... 335
Oil ........................... 354,396,397
Oil Change Interval ............156,166,355,400
Oil Filler Cap ................ 347,348,349,356
Oil Filter ............................ 357
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 357
432 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 375,376
Brake ............................ 372,398
Cooling System ....................... 367
Engine Oil ........................... 354
Power Steering ..................... 259,398
Fluids ................................ 397
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 397
Fog Lights ....................... 1 10,159,391
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 103,104
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 339
Fuel ................................. 300
Adding ............................. 309
Additives ............................ 303
Clean Air ............................ 301
Ethanol ............................. 301
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 150,309
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 150 Gasoline
............................ 300
Gauge .............................. 150
Light ............................... 151
Materials Added ....................... 303
Methanol ............................ 301
Octane Rating ...................... 300,397
Requirements ...................... 300,396
Tank Capacity ........................ 396
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 310
Fueling ............................... 309
Fuses ................................ 383
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 121
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............309,311,350
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 301
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 300
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 301
434 INDEX

Leaks, Fluid............................ 84
Life of Tires ............................ 288
Light Bulbs .......................... 84,388
Lights .............................. 84,106
Airbag ........................ 62,67,82,151
Back-Up ............................ 392
Brake Warning ........................ 152
Bulb Replacement ...................... 389
Center Mounted Stop ................... 394
Daytime Running ...................... 110
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 269
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 152
Exterior .............................. 84
Fog .......................... 1 10,159,391
Headlight Switch ...................... 107
Headlights ........................... 107
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 116
High Beam Indicator .................... 163
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19 Instrument Cluster
..................... 107
Interior ............................. 111
License ............................. 394
Lights On Reminder .................... 110
Low Fuel ............................ 151
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 161
Map Reading ......................... 111
Oil Pressure .......................... 152
Passing ............................. 109
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 151
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 158
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........159,291
Traction Control ....................... 269
Turn Signal ................... 84,108,158,392
Voltage ............................. 151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 150
Loading Vehicle ...................... 31 1,313
Capacities ........................... 313
10
INDEX 437