DODGE AVENGER 2012 2.G Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press the
Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibil-
ity of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 298
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 298
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 298
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 299
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 299
▫ After Starting ....................... 301
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 301
 Automatic Transmission ................. 302 ▫
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
Systems ........................... 303
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 303
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 303
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ........................ 304
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 304
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE) —
If Equipped ........................ 311
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 312
5

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 319
▫ Operation ......................... 319
▫ General Information .................. 320
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 321
▫ Acceleration ........................ 321
▫ Traction ........................... 321
 Driving Through Water ................. 322
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 322
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 322
 Power Steering ....................... 324
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 325
 Parking Brake ........................ 326
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 328
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 330
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 331
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 331
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 331
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 332
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 335
 Tire Safety Information ................. 336
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 336
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 339
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 340
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 341
 Tires — General Information ............. 345
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 345
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 346
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 348
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 348
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 349
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 350
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 350
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 351
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 352
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 352
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 353
 Tire Chains .......................... 354
 Snow Tires .......................... 355 
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 355
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 356
▫ Base System ........................ 359
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 361
▫ General Information .................. 364
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 365
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 365
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 366
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 366
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 367
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 367
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 368
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 369
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 295

Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 369
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 369
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 370
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 371
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 371
▫ Starting ........................... 372
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 372
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 372
▫ Maintenance ........................ 373
 Adding Fuel ......................... 373
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 373
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 375
Vehicle Loading ...................... 376
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 376
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 376
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 376
▫ Overloading ........................ 377
▫ Loading ........................... 377
 Trailer Towing ........................ 378
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 378
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 380
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 381
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 382
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 383
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 387
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 388
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ 388
▫ Recreational Towing – All Models ........ 389
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 297

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON position,
and you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of
PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission), turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING