2008 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately five minutes for the
second push of the button. CAUTION!To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS m Starting Procedures .....................261
N Automatic Transaxle ...................261
N Normal Starting ......................262
N Tip Start Ð Automatic Transaxle Only ......262
N Extremely Cold Weather
(Below 2 20ÉF Or 2 29ÉC) ................263
N If Engine Fails To Start .................263
N After Starting ........................264
N Remote Starting System Ð If Equippe d......264
N How To Use Remote Start ...............264 m Engine Block Heater Ð If Equipped .........266
m Automatic Transaxle .....................267
N Brake/Transaxle Interlock System ..........269
N Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System .............................269
N 4 Speed / 6 Speed Automatic Transaxle /
AutoStick t Ð If Equipped ...............270
m AutoStick t Ð If Equipped ................274
N AutoStick t Operation ..................274
N AutoStick t General Information ...........2745

m All Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped ............275
m Parking Brake .........................276
m Brake System ..........................278
N Anit-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............279
m Electronic Brake Control Systems ±
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP .....................281
N Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............281
N Traction Control System (TCS) ............282
N Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............282
N Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........283
m Power Steering ........................287
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............288
N Acceleration .........................288 N Traction ............................288
m Driving Through Water ..................289
N Flowing/Rising Water ..................289
m Tire Safety Information ...................291
N Tire Markings ........................291
N Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........295
m Tires Ð General Information ...............299
N Tire Pressure .........................299
N Tire Inflation Pressures .................300
N Radial-Ply Tires ......................302
N Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped .........303
N Limited Use Spare Ð If Equipped .........304
N Tire Spinning ........................305258 STARTING AND OPERATING

N Tread Wear Indicators ..................306
N Life Of Tire .........................306
N Replacement Tires .....................307
N Alignment And Balance .................308
m Tire Chains ...........................309
m Snow Tires ...........................309
m Tire Rotation Recommendations ............309
m Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped ...........................310
N Base System Ð If Equipped ..............313
N Premium System Ð If Equipped ..........315
N General Information ...................319
m Fuel Requirements ......................319 N 2.4L And 2.7L Engines ..................319
N 3.5L Engine .........................320
N Reformulated Gasoline .................320
N Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............321
N MMT In Gasoline .....................322
N Materials Added To Fuel ................322
N Fuel System Cautions ..................322
N Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............323
m Flexible FuelÐ 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States) ..........324
N E-85 General Information ................324
N Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................325
N Fuel Requirements ....................326 STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

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

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
Make sure all occupants have securely fastened their seat
belts.
WARNING!Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle. WARNING!Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park. STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

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