2008 DODGE AVENGER air conditioning

² Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
² Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets selected with the
Mode control dial. Press this button a second time to
turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
² Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recir-
culation. However, pressing the Recircula-
tion Control button will temporarily put the system in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can
be used when outside conditions such as smoke,
odors, dust, or high humidity are present. Activating
recirculation will cause the LED in the CONTROL
button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the system will
return to normal AUTO mode function and the LED
will turn off.
NOTE:
² When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
² In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve window clearing.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
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 settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again. Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
Floor, Mix, or Defrost mode. The air is directed at the area
of the windows through which you view the outside
mirrors. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253
4

² Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
² Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
² Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing
this section, please consult your authorized dealer to for
full details on the towing capabilities of the vehicle. RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
CAUTION!DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground. STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and it is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE: With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery. IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
² On the highways Ð Slow down.
² In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.348 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes 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. CAUTION!Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle,
when safe. Turn the air conditioner off and wait until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. After
appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer
remains on the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 349
6

WARNING!² Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
² The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician. Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
A/C AIR FILTER Ð IF EQUIPPED
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for A/C Air Filter service intervals.
WARNING!Do not remove the A/C Air Filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
² Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
² Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
² If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks. ² Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
² Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
² Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
² Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. Perform the
first inspection at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary. 24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 429
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