2008 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS m A Word About Your Keys ..................12
N Ignition Key Removal ...................12
N Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
N Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
m Sentry Key t ...........................14
N Replacement Keys ......................16
N Customer Key Programming ..............16
N General Information ....................17
m Security Alarm System Ð If Equipped .........18 N Rearming The System ...................18
N To Arm The System .....................18
N To Disarm The System ...................19
m Illuminated Entry System Ð If Equipped .......20
m Remote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped .........21
N To Unlock The Doors ...................22
N To Lock The Doors .....................24
N To Unlatch The Trunk ...................252

N Using The Express Down Windows Feature Ð
If Equipped ..........................25
N Using The Panic Alarm ..................25
N Programming Additional Transmitters ........26
N Battery Replacement ....................26
N General Information ....................27
m Remote Start System Ð If Equipped ..........28
N How To Use Remote Start ................29
m Door Locks ............................30
N Manual Door Locks .....................30
N Power Door Locks .....................32
N ªChild-Protectionº Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................34
m Power Windows ........................35 N Power Window Switches .................35
N Auto Window Down Ð If Equipped .........36
N Auto Window Up Ð If Equipped ...........37
N Reset Auto Up ........................37
N Window Lockout Switch .................38
N Wind Buffeting ........................38
m Trunk Release ..........................39
m Trunk Safety Warnin g.....................39
N Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........40
m Occupant Restraints ......................40
N Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................42
N Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....47
N Rear Seat Belts ........................4810 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

N Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................48
N Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert t ) ..........................48
N BeltAlert t Programming .................49
N Automatic Locking Mode ................50
N Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............50
N Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .51
N Airbag System Components ...............52
N Front Seat Airbag Features ................53
N Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls .....59 N Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............65
N Child Restraint ........................67
m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........78
m Safety Tips ............................78
N Exhaust Gas ..........................78
N Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................79
N Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................80THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place. IGNITION KEY REMOVAL
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Vehicle Key Ignition Key Positions12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
² If you try to remove the key before you place the
selector lever in PARK, the key may become trapped
temporarily in the ignition switch lock cylinder. If this
occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove
the key as described. If a malfunction occurs, the
system will trap the key in the ignition switch lock
cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inop-
erable. The engine can be started and stopped, but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
² For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for approximately 45
seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position. Opening either door will cancel this feature.
² For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either door will cancel this feature. The
time for this feature is programmable. For details, refer
to ªKey-Off Power Delay,º under ªPersonal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)º under ªElec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 4
of this manual.
WARNING!NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

CAUTION!An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
KEY-IN-IGNITION REMINDER
Opening the driver's door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
² The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.
² With either front door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) will not function. LOCKING DOORS WITH THE KEY
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver's door only.
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
SENTRY KEY T
The Sentry Key t Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE