power steering fluid DODGE AVENGER 2012 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89

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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steeringsystem. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 325

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 11 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir5 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 7 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Four-
Speed MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Automatic Transmission – Six-
Speed (62TE) 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 fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465

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