2008 DODGE AVENGER trailer

NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly Ð including hazard flashers.4-Pin Connector 7-Pin Connector STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5

Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four-speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStick t should be selected.
NOTE: Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. This ac-
tion will also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for ªpolice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ingº in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoStick t sixÐspeed transmission is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control Ð (If Equipped)
² Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
² When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
² Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
² City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle in
neutral and increase engine idle speed.344 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
ENGINE OIL OVERHEATING (2.4L ENGINE ONLY)
Ð IF EQUIPPED
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the ªHOTOILº message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced. NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!² Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
² The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Cavity Car-
tridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
2Ð 20 Amp
Yellow Ð
3Ð 10 Amp
Red Battery Feed Ð Cen-
ter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
4Ð 10 Amp
Red Battery Feed Ð Igni-
tion Switch
5Ð 20 Amp
Yellow Trailer Tow Ð If
Equipped
6Ð 10 Amp
Red Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Ð Power Mir-
ror Switch/Climate
Controls
7Ð 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 1 Cavity Car-
tridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
8Ð 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 2
9 40 Amp
Green Battery Feed Ð
Power Seats - if
equipped/PZEV Air
Pump - if equipped
10 Ð 20 Amp
Yellow Battery Feed Ð Cabin
Compartment Node
(CCN)
11 Ð 15 Amp
Lt Blue Selectable Power Out-
let
12 Ð 20 Amp
Yellow Ð
13 Ð 20 Amp
Yellow Ð MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

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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Heated Seats ........................... 123
Heater ............................... 242
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 266
Hitches
Trailer Towing ........................ 336
HomeLink t (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 143
Hood Prop ............................ 128
Hood Release .......................... 127
Hoses ................................ 394
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 14
Infant Restraint ...................... 67,68,69
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 181
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 85
Instrument Cluster .................... 168,170 Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 167
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 403
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 405
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 406
Interior Appearance Care .................. 403
Interior Lights .......................... 129
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 136
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 351
Jack Operation ....................... 350,352
Jacking Instructions ...................... 352
Jump Starting .......................... 358
Key, Programming ........................ 16
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Key-In Reminder ......................... 14
Keyless Entry System ...................... 21452 INDEX

Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 139
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 131
Tip Start .............................. 262
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 295
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 294
Tire Markings .......................... 291
Tire Safety Information .................... 291
Tires ............................ 80,299,441
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 306
Air Pressure .......................... 299
Alignment ........................... 308
Chains .............................. 309
Changing ............................ 350
Compact Spare ........................ 303
Flat Changing ........................ 357
General Information .................... 299
High Speed .......................... 302
Inflation Pressures ..................... 300 Jacking ............................. 350
Life of Tires .......................... 306
Load Capacity ..................... 295,296
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 310
Quality Grading ....................... 441
Radial .............................. 302
Replacement ......................... 307
Rotation ............................. 309
Safety ........................... 291,299
Sizes ............................... 292
Snow Tires ........................... 309
Spare Tire ........................... 351
Spinning ............................ 305
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 306
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 338
Towing ............................... 334
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 102
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 362
Guide .............................. 337460 INDEX

Recreational ....................... 345,363
Weight .............................. 337
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 288
Trailer Towing .......................... 334
Cooling System Tips .................... 344
Hitches ............................. 336
Minimum Requirements ................. 339
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 338
Wiring .............................. 342
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 337
Trailer Weight .......................... 337
Transaxle ............................. 267
Additives ............................ 399
Automatic .................... 12,261,267,397
Autostick ............................ 274
Filter ............................... 399
Maintenance .......................... 397
Operation ........................... 267 Overdrive ......................... 271,272
Selection of Lubricant ................... 424
Transmission
Range Indicator ....................... 172
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink t ) . . 143
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transporting Pets ........................ 77
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 306
Trip Odometer .......................... 172
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 174
Trunk Release, Emergency ................ 39,40
Trunk Release Remote Control ............... 39
Turn Signals ...................... 133,176,416
UCI Connector ......................... 227
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone) ........... 89,223 INDEX 461
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