octane DODGE AVENGER 2010 2.G Owners Manual

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L and 2.7L Engine
All engines are designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using
high quality unleaded “regular” gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as
it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
3.5L Engine
The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines.
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
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which
define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced
emissions, engine performance, and durability for your
vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gaso-
lines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 3.5L engine, DO
NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85 Etha-
nol. Use of these blends may result in starting and
driveability problems and may damage critical fuel
system components.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 301

NOTE:The2.7L engine is now rated for E85 Ethanol
use (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES). Only
vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can operate on
E-85. Refer to “Flexible Fuel” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of
Methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold drivability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 perfor-
mance and damage the emission control system.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 concentra-
tions 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.
(Continued)
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

Ethanol Fuel (E85)
E85 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 E85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
•you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
•Use seasonally adjusted E85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E85 fuel, you may experience
hard starting and rough idle following start up even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 307

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection – 2.4L and 2.7L En-
gines 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 3.5L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable – 89 Octane Recommended
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake flu-
ids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Tires ............................... 278
Locks Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 291
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 362
Lumbar Support ......................... 96
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 358
Maintenance, General ..................... 353
Maintenance Procedures ................... 353
Maintenance Schedule .................... 400
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 161,351
Manual, Service ......................... 423
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 111 Master Cylinder (Brakes)
.................. 372
Methanol ............................. 301
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 167
Mirrors ................................ 89
Automatic Dimming ..................... 90
Electric Powered ....................... 90
Outside .............................. 91
Rearview ............................. 89
Vanity ............................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 291
Mopar Parts ......................... 352,422
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 301
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 79
Occupant Restraints ..................... 60,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........38,56,57,60,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 300
438 INDEX