2008 DODGE AVENGER tow

Dual Trip Odometer Ð If Equipped
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to ªTrip A.º Press and release it a second time
to change the display to ªTrip B.º Press and release it a
third time to change the display back to the odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first display the trip mileage
that you want to reset, ªTrip Aº or ªTrip B.º Then push
and hold the button (approximately 2 seconds) until the
display resets to 0. The odometer must be in Trip Mode to
reset the trip odometer.
18. Electronic Throttle Control Indicator Light
This red illuminated light informs you of a
problem with the Electronic Throttle Control
system. If a problem is detected, the light will
come on while the engine is running. If the
light remains lit with the engine running your vehicle
will usually be drivable and not need towing, however
see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
19. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS Ð if
equipped. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4

CAUTION!The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
(Refer to ªTire Inflation Pressuresº under ªTires Ð Gen-
eral Informationº and to ªTire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS)º in Section 5 of this manual for more informa-
tion). 25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transaxle control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from LOCK/OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

² Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
² Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets.
NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions. ² Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
² Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require
extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.
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.244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
² Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
² Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets. NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
² Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
² Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require
extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

N Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .......326
N Starting ............................327
N Cruising Range .......................327
N Replacement Parts .....................327
N Maintenance .........................327
m Adding Fuel ..........................328
N Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............328
N Loose Filler Cap Message ...............330
m Vehicle Loading ........................331
N Vehicle Certification Label ...............331
N Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......332
N Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........332 N Overloading .........................332
N Loading ............................333
m Trailer Towing .........................334
N Common Towing Definitions .............334
N Trailer Hitch Classifications ..............336
N Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .........337
N Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight .........338
N Towing Requirements ..................339
N Towing Tips .........................343
m Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 345
N Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................345260 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure. WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Tip Start Ð Automatic Transaxle Only
Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running.262 STARTING AND OPERATING

feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
4 Speed / 6 Speed Automatic Transaxle /
AutoStick T Ð If Equipped
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles.
Gear Ranges
PARK
Supplement to the parking brake by locking the trans-
axle. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion. Apply
parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range. When parking on a flat surface, place the gear selector
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector lever in PARK,
otherwise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of PARK.
As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!Never use PARK position on an Automatic Transaxle
as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply
parking brake fully when parked to guard against
vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.270 STARTING AND OPERATING