2008 DODGE AVENGER maintenance schedule

oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
² Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
² Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ªOil Change
Requiredº under ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 or under ªOdometer/Trip Odom-
eterº under ªInstrument Cluster Descriptionsº in Section
4. At Each Stop for Fuel
² Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the SAFE or MIN mark.
² Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
² Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
² Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
² Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427
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NOTE: Six-speed AutoStick t Transaxle, if equipped, is
sealed therefore, checking the fluid level can only be
done by a certified dealership service center.
² Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
² Change the engine oil filter.
² Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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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Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L engines (except
PZEV* engine). 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt ten-
sion on 2.4L engines. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4L engines, and replace
if necessary. 30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using
your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. 60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ² 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 100,000 160 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L PZEV*, 2.7L and
3.5L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the power steering pump belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the generator belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102 430 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Perform Maintenance Every (Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the timing belt on 2.4L and 3.5L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.7L engines. 120,000 200 000 120
*P artial Z ero E missions V ehicle
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
WARNING!You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that 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. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 431
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Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 171
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 310
Traction Control ....................... 284
Turn Signal .................. 130,133,176,416
Voltage ............................. 171
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 170
Loading Vehicle ...................... 331,333
Capacities ........................... 333
Tires ............................... 295
Locks
Auto Unlock .......................... 32
Child Protection ........................ 34
Door ................................ 30
Power Door ........................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 310
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) .. 73
Lubrication, Body ....................... 386
Lumbar Support ........................ 122 Maintenance Free Battery .................. 381
Maintenance, General ..................... 374
Maintenance Procedures ................... 374
Maintenance Schedule .................... 426
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 178,372
Manual, Service ......................... 440
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 129
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 396
Methanol ............................. 321
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 184
Mirrors ................................ 85
Automatic Dimming ..................... 86
Electric Powered ....................... 86
Outside .............................. 87
Rearview ............................. 85
Vanity ............................... 88
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 310
Mopar Parts ......................... 373,439454 INDEX

Schedule, Maintenance .................... 426
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 405
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 48,49
Seat Belts
Adjustable Shoulder Belt .................. 47
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ........ 47
And Pregnant Women ................... 50
Child Restraint ....................... 67,76
Extender ............................. 51
Front Seat .......................... 42,43
Operating Instructions ................... 43
Pretensioners .......................... 48
Rear Seat ............................. 42
Reminder ............................ 171
Untwisting Procedure .................... 46
Seat Belts (Sedan) ........................ 40
Seats ................................. 120
Adjustment .......................... 120
Cleaning ......................... 127,404 Head Restraints ....................... 125
Heated ............................. 123
Lumbar Support ....................... 122
Power .............................. 123
Rear Folding ....................... 126,127
Rear Folding (Sedan) .................... 160
Reclining ............................ 121
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 18
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 389,422
Selection of Oil ......................... 376
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 435
Service Contract ......................... 437
Service Manuals ........................ 440
Setting the Clock ................ 194,206,221,225
Settings, Personal ........................ 188
Shoulder Belts ........................... 42458 INDEX