battery DODGE AVENGER 2012 2.G Owner's Guide

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready. Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR
parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR
engine air
cleaner filters are high quality and are recommended.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump-starting. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427

WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
3— 10 Amp
Red Center High
Mounted Stop
Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
4— 10 Amp
Red Ignition Switch
5— 20 Amp
Yellow Trailer Tow – If
Equipped
6— 10 Amp
Red Power Mirror
Switch/Climate
Controls
7— 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 1
8— 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 2Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
9 40 Amp
Green Battery Feed –
Power Seats – If
Equipped
10 — 20 Amp
Yellow Instrument Panel/
Power Locks/
Interior Lights
11 — 15 Amp
Lt Blue Selectable Power
Outlet (Inside Cen-
ter Arm Rest)
12 — — —
13 — 20 Amp
Yellow Ignition/Cigar
Lighter
14 — 10 Amp
Red Instrument Panel
15 40 Amp
Green — Radiator Fan Relay
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
•Disengage the mini-fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
•Or disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•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 setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
LIGHT BULBS – Interior Bulb No.
Front Courtesy/Reading Lamp..........578/W5W
Center Courtesy/Reading Lamp ..........578/W5W
Visor Vanity Lamp ...................... A6220
Glove Box Lamp ....................... A6220
Shift Indicator Lamp ................. IKLE14140
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Lamp ............. 579
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 8,000 miles (13 000 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.
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.
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 469

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 283
Automatic Transaxle .................... 13,298
Adding Fluid ....................... 465
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 465
Automatic Transmission ................302,443
Adding Fluid .................... 445,446
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 446
Fluid Level Check ................. 445,446
Fluid Type ......................... 443
Gear Ranges ..................... 304,312
Special Additives ..................... 444
Autostick ............................. 319
B-Pillar Location ........................ 341
Battery ............................... 427
Jump Starting ........................ 30
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 427
Belts, Seat .............................. 87 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 431
Brake Assist System ...................... 331
Brake System ........................... 441
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 328
Fluid Check ..................... 441,465
Master Cylinder ..................... 441
Parking ........................... 326
Warning Light ....................... 199
Brake, Parking .......................... 326
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 303
Brakes ............................... 441
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ..................... 458,459
Bulbs, Light .......................... 89,458
Calibration, Compass ..................... 217
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 21
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 463
10
INDEX 493

Automatic Door...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 34
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 356
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 79
Lubrication, Body ....................... 431
Lumbar Support ........................ 141
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 427
Maintenance Procedures ................... 422
Maintenance Schedule .................... 468
Maintenance, General ..................... 422
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 207,420
Manual, Service ......................... 487
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 155
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 441
Methanol ............................. 366
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 210,215Mirrors
................................ 95
Automatic Dimming ................... 95
Electric Powered ...................... 97
Outside ............................ 98
Rearview ........................... 95
Vanity ............................. 99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 356
Mopar Parts ......................... 421,486
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 366
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 84
Occupant Restraints ..................... 64,68
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........40,61,62,64,67
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 365
Odometer ............................. 200
Trip ........................... 200,203
Oil Change Indicator .................. 202,215
502 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