2008 DODGE AVENGER instrument panel

WARNING!Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect you
in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays on
after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
Impact Sensors
Two sensors, located on the front body structure, trigger
airbag deployment in direct frontal impacts and aid the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) in determining
appropriate response to frontal impact events. Additional
sensors in the ORC determine the level of airbag deploy-
ment and provide deployment verification. Side Inflatable Curtain and Front Seat Mounted
Airbags Ð If equipped
The Occupant Restraint Controller System (ORC) de-
ploys the side inflatable curtain and seat mounted thorax
side airbags during collision with other vehicles and
during collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the vehicle Ð such as collisions with
poles, trees or similar objects.
It will deploy the side inflatable curtains and front seat
thorax mounted airbags only on the impact side of the
vehicle.
The front driver and passenger seat contain inflatable
side airbags to protect the occupant from impact injuries.
Correctly functioning front passenger seat components
are critical for the Occupant Restraint Controller System60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!² Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
² It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system. NOTE:
Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may ap-
ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
WARNING!Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
advanced airbag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced
in any way (including removal or loosening/
tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle
to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap-
proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary
to modify an advanced airbag system for persons
with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off
Turning confirmation prompts off will stop the system
from confirming your choices (e.g., the UConnect t sys-
tem will not repeat a phone number before you dial it).
² Press the PHONE button to begin.
² After the 9 Ready 9 prompt and the following beep, say
9 Setup Confirmations. 9 The UConnect t system will
play the current confirmation prompt status and you
will be given the choice to change it.
Phone and Network Status Indicators
If available on the radio and/or on a premium display
such as the instrument panel cluster, and supported by
your cell phone, the UConnect t system will provide
notification to inform you of your phone and network
status when you are attempting to make a phone call
using UConnect t . The status is given for roaming, net-
work signal strength, phone battery strength, etc. Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad
You can dial a phone number with your cellular phone
keypad and still use the UConnect t system (while dial-
ing via the cell phone keypad, the user must exercise
caution and take precautionary safety measures). By
dialing a number with your paired Bluetooth t cellular
phone, the audio will be played through your vehicle's
audio system. The UConnect t system will work the same
as if you dial the number using voice recognition.
NOTE: Certain brands of mobile phones do not send the
dial ring to the UConnect t system to play it on the
vehicle audio system, so you will not hear it. Under this
situation, after successfully dialing a number the user
may feel that the call did not go through even though the
call is in progress. Once your call is answered, you will
hear the audio.104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

FOLDING REAR SEAT CENTER ARMREST
The rear seat is equipped with a folding armrest with cup
holders. TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Folding Rear Seat Armrest
Hood Release LeverUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
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because a door is open. This includes the glove box light,
but not the trunk light. To restore interior light operation,
either turn the ignition switch ON or cycle the light
switch.
MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL LEVER
The Multi-Function Control Lever controls the operation
of the headlights, parking lights, turn signals, headlight
beam selection, instrument panel light dimming, interior
lights, the passing lights, and fog lights. The lever is
located on the left side of the steering column.
HEADLIGHTS; PARKING LIGHTS; INSTRUMENT
LIGHTS
Turn the end of the Multi-Function Control Lever to the
first detent for parking light operation. Turn to the
second detent for headlight operation. Turn to the third
detent ªAº for ªAutoº headlight operation (if equipped). To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the center portion of the Multi-Function Control
Lever up or down. HEADLIGHT Switch130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
There are two 12-volt electrical outlets on this vehicle.
Both of the outlets are protected by a fuse.
The instrument panel power outlet, located below the
climate control knobs, has power available only when the
ignition is on. This outlet will also operate a conventional
cigar lighter unit.
NOTE: If desired, the instrument panel power outlet
can be converted by your authorized dealer to provide
power with the ignition switch while in the LOCK
position. Instrument Panel Power OutletUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
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CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER Ð IF
EQUIPPED
CUPHOLDER ASH RECEIVER Ð IF EQUIPPED
An optional ash receiver is available from your autho-
rized dealer and will fit in the center console front
cupholder. CAUTION!For vehicles equipped with the heated and cooled
cupholder, locate the cup holder ash receiver in the
forward cupholder.
The optional ash receiver also comes with a cigar lighter.
You may use the power outlet, located in the instrument
panel below the climate control knobs, or in the bottom of
the console compartment, for this cigar lighter. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
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