cooling DODGE AVENGER 2012 2.G User Guide

Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the engine coolant
(antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four-Cylinder Engines –
the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine
idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown
on the bottle.
Six-Cylinder Engines – the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the pressurized coolant bottle should be
between the “COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle
when the engine is cold.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of
the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.4 Liters
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
3.6L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463

Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 438
Cooling System ......................... 436
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 437
Coolant Capacity ..................... 463
Coolant Level .................... 436,439
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 439
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 436
Inspection .......................... 439
Points to Remember .................. 440
Pressure Cap ........................ 438
Radiator Cap ....................... 438
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....437,463,464
Corrosion Protection ..................... 446
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 21
Cruise Light ........................... 203
Cupholders ...................... 147,180,452
Customer Assistance ..................... 483
Customer Programmable Features ............ 221Data Recorder, Event
...................... 71
Daytime Running Lights ................... 154
Dealer Service .......................... 421
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 186
Defroster, Windshield ................87,281,287
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...............30,157
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 419
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 152
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .............445,446
Oil (Engine) ........................ 423
Power Steering ...................... 325
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 412
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 439
Engine Oil ......................... 426
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 164
10
INDEX 495

DrivingOn Slippery Surfaces .................. 321
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 322
E-85 Fuel ............................. 369
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 186
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 97
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 176
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 161
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 332
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 211
Emergency Trunk Release .................39,40
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 394
Jump Starting ....................... 405
Towing ............................ 412
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 420
Engine ............................... 417 Air Cleaner
......................... 427
Block Heater ........................ 301
Break-In Recommendations .............. 84
Checking Oil Level ................... 423
Compartment ....................... 418
Compartment Identification ............. 418
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 436,464
Cooling ........................... 436
Exhaust Gas Caution ................86,369
Fails to Start ........................ 299
Flooded, Starting ..................... 299
Fuel Requirements ................. 365,463
Jump Starting ....................... 405
Oil ......................... 423,463,464
Oil Change Interval .............202,215,424
Oil Filler Cap .................... 417,425
Oil Filter ........................... 426
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 426
Oil Selection ..................... 424,463
496 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission .............445,446
Brake .......................... 441,465
Cooling System ...................... 436
Engine Oil ......................... 423
Power Steering ................... 325,465
Fluids ................................ 464
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 464
Fog Lights ....................... 153,205,461
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 146,147
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 409
Fuel ................................. 365
Adding ........................... 373
Additives .......................... 367
Clean Air .......................... 365
Ethanol ........................... 366
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............196,373
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 196
Gasoline ........................... 365 Gauge
............................ 196
Light ............................. 197
Materials Added ..................... 367
Methanol .......................... 366
Octane Rating .................... 365,464
Requirements .................... 365,463
Tank Capacity ....................... 463
Fuel System Caution ..................... 374
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 369
Fueling ............................... 373
Fuses ................................ 453
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 164
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............373,375,419
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 365
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 365
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 196
Fuel .............................. 196
498 INDEX

Snow Tires......................... 355
Spare Tire .......................... 394
Spinning ........................... 351
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 352
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 382
Towing ............................... 378
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 113
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 412
Guide ............................. 381
Recreational ........................ 388
Weight ............................ 381
Towing Assistance ....................... 113
Traction .............................. 321
Trailer Towing .......................... 378
Cooling System Tips .................. 388
Hitches ............................ 380
Minimum Requirements ................ 383
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 382
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 381 Trailer Weight
.......................... 381
Transaxle Automatic ....................... 13,298
Autostick .......................... 319
Selection of Lubricant ................. 465
Transmission Automatic ....................... 302,443
Filter ............................. 446
Maintenance ........................ 443
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 164
Transporting Pets ........................ 84
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 352
Trip Computer .......................... 210
Trip Odometer .......................... 200
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 203
508 INDEX