2008 DODGE AVENGER ECO mode

CAUTION!To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. Remote Starting System Ð If Equipped
Remote start conveniently starts the engine from outside
the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) key
fob while maintaining security. The system has a targeted
range of 328 ft (100 m). The vehicle must be locked, the
deck lid and hood closed and the transmission in PARK
in order to start the engine using the Remote Start button
on the key fob.
NOTE: Remote start requires Automatic Transaxle
equipped vehicles.
How To Use Remote Start
To enter the Remote Start mode, depress the Remote Start
button twice on the key fob. The engine will start and the
vehicle will remain in the remote start mode for a 15
minute cycle.264 STARTING AND OPERATING

To exit the Remote Start mode, allow the en-
gine to run the cycle or depress the unlock
button to disarm the Vehicle Theft Security
Alarm and within one minute insert the key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the RUN
position. The ignition must be in the RUN position in
order to drive the vehicle.
NOTE: The engine can be started two consecutive times
(two 15 minute cycles) by using the key fob. For a third
cycle, the key must be cycled to the ignition RUN
position and then repeat the start sequence.
To shut off the vehicle when it is in Remote Start mode,
press the remote start button once. In order to avoid
inadvertent shut downs, the one-time press to shut down
the vehicle will be disabled for two seconds after receipt
of a valid remote start request.
NOTE: When the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode,
power window and sunroof operation are disabled for
security.Remote Start STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

CAUTION!DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE
Use this range for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Engine may be started in this range. WARNING!Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE Ð 6 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick t
mode and select the ª5º range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

CAUTION!If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac-
ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
OVERDRIVE and ª3º DRIVE range by changing
shift points. This is done to prevent transaxle damage
due to overheating.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle automatically shifts into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear (3rd gear with
a six speed automatic) despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle. In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF, and then restart the engine.
4. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving.
NOTE: Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required. STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5

AUTOSTICK T Ð IF EQUIPPED
AutoStick t is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers six
manual ratio changes to provide you with more control.
AutoStick t allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
AutoStick T Operation
By placing the gear selector lever one shift-level below
the DRIVE position, it can be moved from side to side.
This allows the driver to select a higher or lower range of
gears. Moving the selector lever to the Left (-) triggers a
downshift and to the Right (+) an upshift. The gear
position will display in the instrument cluster on the
transaxle range indicator. NOTE: In Autostick t mode, the transaxle will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the selector lever to
the Right (+) or Left (-).
AutoStick t is deactivated when the gear selector lever is
shifted from the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE
position.
AutoStick T General Information
² You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
² The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
² Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
² Avoid using speed control when Autostick t is en-
gaged.274 STARTING AND OPERATING

² The transaxle will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached while Autostick t is
engaged.
² Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostick t is engaged.
² If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
The transaxle will stay in the manually selected gear.
² If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
² If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStick t mode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected. ALL WHEEL DRIVE Ð IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, All Wheel
Drive (AWD). The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required. Under nor-
mal driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of
the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction,
power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The
greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the
power transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be
sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle
launch and performance characteristics.
The system contributes to good fuel economy by operat-
ing only on demand, thereby minimizing power-robbing
friction and inertia. STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system to Partial OFF before
attempting to ªrockº the vehicle. Refer to ªPar-
tial Off Modeº under ªElectronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)º in Section 5 of this manual. WARNING!Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle and
tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you
are stuck, and don't let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 361
6

Automatic Door Locks ..................... 32
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ........ 173,184,426
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 246
Automatic Transaxle .............. 12,261,267,397
Adding Fluid ................... 397,398,424
Filter ............................... 399
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 399
Fluid Level Check ................... 397,398
Interlock System ....................... 269
Reset Mode .......................... 273
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 424
Shifting ............................. 270
Special Additives ...................... 399
Autostick ............................. 274
Ball Joints ............................. 385
Battery ............................... 381
Gas Caution .......................... 381
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26 Location ............................ 381
Bearings .............................. 400
Belts, Drive ............................ 378
Beverage Cooler ........................ 161
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 386
B-Pillar Location ........................ 295
Brake Assist System ...................... 282
Brake, Parking .......................... 276
Brake System ........................ 278,394
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 279
Fluid Check ....................... 396,424
Hoses .............................. 395
Master Cylinder ....................... 396
Parking ............................. 276
Warning Light ........................ 179
Brakes ............................. 278,394
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 78
Bulb Replacement ..................... 41 1,412 INDEX 445
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