towing DODGE AVENGER 2010 2.G Owner's Manual

•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into 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 drive-
train will result.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 341
▫ Towing With The Ignition Key ........... 341
▫ Towing Without The Ignition Key ........ 342
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle ..................... 342 ▫
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .................... 342
▫ Towing Without Power — Override
Transaxle Interlock System .............. 343
326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Front Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed (with all four wheels flat on
the ground), under the following conditions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The distance to be traveled must not exceed 15 miles
(25 km).
•The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION!
•Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
axle failure. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•If the transaxle is inoperative, or if the vehicle is to
be towed more than 15 miles (25 km), the vehicle
must be transported either with a flatbed truck or
with the front wheels off the ground, otherwise,
transaxle damage may occur.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains
in NEUTRAL.
Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flatbed towing is
the preferred towing method. However, if a flatbed
towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used. Rear towing is not recommended
with the front wheels on the ground, as transaxle damage
can result. If rear towing is the only alternative, a front
end dolly must be used. Proper towing equipment is
necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground of
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, is
only permitted within the limitations described in this
section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Towing Without Power — Override Transaxle
Interlock System
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/transaxle
interlock system. There is an override system that allows
you to shift out of PARK in case of loss of power. To
activate the override system:
•Firmly apply the parking brake.
•Insert the ignition key and rotate it to the ON position.
•Remove the cupholder liner.
•Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar object into the
front hole then push and hold the manual override
release lever forward.
•While holding the release lever forward, move the
shift lever from PARK to NEUTRAL.
•Release the override.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist an authorized service technician in making repairs.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine except PZEV*).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, and replace as necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

Contract, Service........................ 421
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 369
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 140
Cooling System ......................... 367
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 368
Coolant Capacity ...................... 396
Coolant Level ...................... 367,370
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 370
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 367
Inspection ........................... 370
Points to Remember .................... 371
Pressure Cap ......................... 369
Radiator Cap ......................... 369
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......368,396,397
Corrosion Protection ..................... 377
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 19
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 118
Cruise Light ........................... 157
Cupholders ...................... 104,133,382Customer Assistance
..................... 419
Customer Programmable Features ............ 171
Daytime Running Lights ................... 110
Dealer Service .......................... 353
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 139
Defroster, Windshield ................82,227,233
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 114
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 350
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 109
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ................. 375,376
Oil (Engine) .......................... 354
Power Steering ........................ 259
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 341
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 370
Engine Oil ........................... 357
Door Locks ............................. 29
10
INDEX 431

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