2008 DODGE AVENGER engine

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
² Cuts off fuel to the engine
² Flashes hazard lights
² Turns on the interior lights which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed
² Unlocks the doors automatically
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detect a moderate-
to-severe collision, to help restrain the driver and front
passenger, and then immediately deflate. NOTE: A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision, which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
² The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven't healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
² As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
² The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
² The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
² The light comes on and remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your dealer if the fuse is good. EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to 5 seconds of specific vehicle data parameters
(see the following list) in an event data recorder prior to
the moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment,
and up to a quarter second of high-speed deceleration
data during and/or after airbag deployment. EDR data
are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or nearly
deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
² Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
² Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
² 9 Time 9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
² Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
² Impact acceleration and angle
² Seatbelt status
² Brake status (service and parking brakes)
² Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
² Engine control status (including engine speed) ² Transmission gear selection
² Cruise control status
² Traction/Stability Control status
² Tire Pressure Monitoring System status ± If Equipped
CHILD RESTRAINT
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
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Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!If you are required to drive with the deck lid open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode. 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 (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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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.
NOTE: If the defrost feature is not functioning, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately by an
authorized service center. The windshield could fog up
while driving and obscure your visibility.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper 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.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

m Electrical Power Outlets ..................153
N Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......154
m Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver Ð If Equipped . . 155
N Cupholder Ash Receiver Ð If Equipped .....155
m Console Features .......................156
N Dual Storage Bins .....................156
N Video Console Ð If Equipped ............157 m Cup Holders ..........................158
N Heated Or Cooled Cup Holder Ð
If Equipped .........................158
N Rear Bottle Holders ....................159
m Storage ..............................160
N CargoArea..........................160
m Beverage Cooler Storage Bin Ð If Equipped ....16184 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Things You Should Know About Your UConnect T
System
UConnect t Tutorial
To hear a brief tutorial of the system features, press the
PHONE button and say ªUConnect t Tutorial.º
Voice Training
For users experiencing difficulty with the system recog-
nizing their voice commands or numbers, the UConnect t
system Voice Training feature may be used. To enter this
training mode, follow one of the two following proce-
dures:
From outside the UConnect t mode (e.g., from radio
mode):
² Press and hold the ªVoice Recognitionº button for five
seconds until the session begins, or,
² Press the ªVoice Recognitionº button and say the
9 Setup, Voice Training 9 command. Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnect t system. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked
with the engine running, all windows closed, and the
blower fan switched OFF.
This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.
To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.
Voice Recognition (VR)
² For best performance, adjust the rearview mirror to
provide at least 1
¤ 2
in (1 cm) gap between the overhead
console (if equipped) and the mirror.
² Always wait for the beep before speaking. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
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