warning DODGE AVENGER 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake
System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally
and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest authorized dealer immediately and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance,
an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once
the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by takingthe appropriate action.• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Gas
• On hot days the engine oil temperature may become too hot during sustained high- speed driving or if towing a trailer up long grades. If this happens, a HOTOIL message will
flash in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h)
maximum until the engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:
Although the maximum vehicle speed is reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h), you may reduce
vehicle speed further as needed. Once the engine oil temperature is reduced, you may
continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor in the trunk.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The compact spare tire is stowed under the rear load floor in the trunk.
Spare Tire Removal
• Lift up the load floor cover and remove the hold down.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface.Avoid ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4.
Place the shift lever into PARK (automatic
transmission) or REVERSE (manual trans-
mission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if changing the right front tire, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
while the vehicle is being jacked.
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CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated
in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
WARNING!
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and
fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that
is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where
it can be raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not
be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm
level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull
far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
•
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage
to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as pos-
sible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•
Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
•
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed
with the valve stem facing the ground.
•Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip
off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid contact
with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully
until the vehicle is lowered to the ground. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.
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WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged batterymay freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could rupture or
explode and cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be brought above the
freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen
gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away from the
battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection
and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage
due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the PARK position, youcan use the following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:• To access the shift lever override, remove the cupholder liner.
• Firmly set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position without starting the engine.
• Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold the override tab through the access
port on the center console.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
• The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
• Reinstall the override cover.
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
ModelFlat Towing
(all four wheels
on the ground) Flatbed Towing
(all four wheels
suspended OFF
the ground)Front Wheels
Raised, Rear
Wheels on the
GroundRear Wheels
Raised, Front
Wheels on the
Ground
FWD Without
aKey NOT Permitted Recommended
MethodMay Be Used NOT Permitted
without a front
end dolly
FWDWithaKey Shift lever must
be in NEUTRAL.
The distance
to be traveled
must not exceed
15 mi (25 km),
and the towing
speed must not
exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). Recommended
Method
May Be Used NOT Permitted
without a front
end dolly
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
•If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking
motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal
accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is
most effective.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be
desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial Off” mode by momen-
tarily pressing the ESC Off
switch. For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's
Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission over- heating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone
near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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OPENING THE HOOD
•Pull the release lever located below the
instrument panel and in front of the driver’s
door.
• Raise the hood and locate the safety latch, in the middle of the hood opening.
• Move the safety latch while lifting the hood at the same time.
• Insert the support rod into the slot on the hood.
• To close the hood, remove the support rod and place it in the retaining clip, then
lower the hood slowly.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your vehicle. If the hood is not fully
latched, it could open when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,00030,000
40,000
50,000
60,000 70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000 130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000 224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and
performance. This could cause an accident.
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TIRE PRESSURES
• Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthly andinflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
• The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE:
Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for
more information regarding tire warnings
and instructions.
WARNING!
• Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions. Under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
• All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should be
cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use oven
cleaner. These products may damage the wheel's protective finish. Avoid automatic car
washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel's protec-
tive finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
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