checking oil DODGE AVENGER 2012 2.G Owners Manual

damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

•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.
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M A I
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 469

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 373
Oil (Engine) ..................... 417,425
Power Steering ...................... 325
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 438
Car Washes ............................ 447
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............86,369
Cellular Phone ........................ 99,278
Chains, Tire ............................ 354
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 394
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 337
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 420
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,79,82
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............77,79
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Cigar Lighter ........................... 180 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 365
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 449
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 432
Climate Control ......................... 279
Clock ........................... 226,245,254
Coin Holder ........................... 182
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 278
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 349
Compass ........................... 210,216
Compass Calibration ..................... 217
Compass Variance ....................... 218
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 21,215
Connector UCI .............................. 269
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 269
Console .............................. 147
Console, Floor ....................... 147,182
Contract, Service ........................ 485
494 INDEX

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

Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............202,215
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 426
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 426
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 198
Oil, Engine ......................... 423,464
Capacity ........................... 463
Change Interval ................ 202,215,424
Checking .......................... 423
Dipstick ........................... 423
Disposal ........................... 426
Filter .......................... 426,464
Filter Disposal ....................... 426
Identification Logo ................... 424
Materials Added to ................... 426
Recommendation .................. 424,463
Synthetic .......................... 426
Viscosity ........................ 425,463
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............419,420
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 164Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)
............ 4
Overheating, Engine ...................... 392
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,487
Paint Care ............................. 446
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 326
Passing Light ........................... 153
Personal Settings ........................ 221
Pets .................................. 84
Phone, Cellular .......................... 99
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 99
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 341
Power Door Locks ......................... 32
Mirrors ............................ 97
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 176
Seats ............................. 135
Steering ........................ 324,325
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INDEX 503