2008 DODGE AVENGER wheel torque

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

help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to ªAnti-Lock Brake Systemº in this Section of the
manual for more information about ABS.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, brake pressure is applied to the slip-
ping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of
the TCS system functions similar to a limited slip differ-
ential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If
one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the
other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning
wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains
active even if TCS and ESP are in the ªPartial Offº mode.
Refer to ªElectronic Stability Program (ESP)º in this
Section of this manual. BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.282 STARTING AND OPERATING

ESP Operating Modes
All ESP equipped vehicles can choose the following ESP
operating modes:
ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the ESP system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for almost all driving situa-
tions. ESP should only be turned to Partial Off for specific
reasons as noted below.
PARTIAL ESP Mode
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
Control Switch. When in Partial Off mode, the TCS
portion of ESP, except for the limited slip feature de-
scribed in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESP function normally, with the
exception of engine power reduction. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP
would normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ESP
Control Switch. This will restore the normal ESP On
mode of operation.
WARNING!In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE: To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº mode is STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

WARNING!To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
8. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts, until
each nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut
torque is 100 ft. lbs (135 N´m). If you doubt that you have
tightened the nuts correctly, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
9. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Reassemble the lug wrench to the jack assembly and
stow it in the spare tire area. Secure the assembly using
the means provided. WARNING!A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
10. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area and have
the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
WARNING!A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have
the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 357
6