2008 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Spark Plugs (2.7L) RE14PMC5 (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (2.4L, 2.7L) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (2.7L - EX-
CEPT CALIFORNIA EMIS-
SION STATES) E-85 Ethanol
Fuel Selection (3.5L) 87 to 89 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transaxle Mopar t ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar t DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not avail-
able, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir Mopar t ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULESCONTENTS m Emissions Control System Maintenance .......426
m Maintenance Schedule ...................426 N Required Maintenance Intervals ...........429
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in bold type,
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the Emissions Con-
trol System. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, ªOil Change Requiredº will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, ªChange Oilº will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate which means service is
required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).
NOTE:
² The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's426 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S