2009 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO),
follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Warning Light
The Airbag Warning Light should come on and remain
on for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit
during starting, have it checked. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
NOTE:If the defrost feature is not functioning, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately by an
authorized service center. The windshield could fog up
while driving and obscure your visibility.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Mirrors.............................. 87
▫Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped..... 87
▫Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 88
▫Power Mirrors........................ 89
▫Adjusting Side View Mirrors............. 90
▫Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped.... 90
Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)—
If Equipped............................ 91
▫Operation........................... 93▫Phone Call Features................... 101
▫UConnectSystem Features............. 104
▫Advanced Phone Connectivity........... 109
▫Things You Should Know About Your
UConnectSystem.................... 110
▫General Information................... 119
Voice Recognition System (VR) —
If Equipped........................... 119
▫Voice Recognition System (VR) Operation . . . 119
▫Commands......................... 121
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▫Voice Training....................... 124
Seats............................... 124
▫Manual Front Seat Adjustments.......... 124
▫Power Seats — If Equipped............. 127
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped............. 128
▫Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat........... 129
▫Adjustable Head Restraints.............. 130
▫Folding Rear Seat.................... 131
▫Folding Rear Seat Center Armrest......... 132
To Open And Close The Hood............. 132
Lights.............................. 134
▫Map/Reading/Interior Lights............ 134▫Headlights, Parking Lights And Instrument
Panel Lights........................ 135
▫Automatic Headlight System —
If Equipped......................... 136
▫Headlight Time Delay................. 136
▫Flash-To-Pass....................... 137
▫Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —
If Equipped......................... 137
▫Lights On Reminder.................. 137
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped.............. 137
▫Turn Signals........................ 138
▫High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 139
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Wipers And Washers........... 140
▫Intermittent Wiper System.............. 141
▫Mist Feature........................ 142
▫Headlights With Wipers Feature (Available
With Auto Headlights Only)............. 142
▫Windshield Washers................... 142
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column.......... 143
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped...... 144
▫To Activate......................... 145
▫To Set At A Desired Speed.............. 145
▫To Deactivate....................... 145
▫To Resume Speed.................... 146
▫To Vary The Speed Setting.............. 146▫To Accelerate For Passing............... 147
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped........ 147
▫Programming HomeLink.............. 148
▫Gate Operator/Canadian Programming..... 151
▫Security........................... 152
▫Troubleshooting Tips.................. 152
▫General Information................... 153
Power Sunroof — If Equipped............. 153
▫Sunroof Operation.................... 154
▫Auto Sunroof Express With Anti-Pinch
Protection — If Equipped............... 155
▫Sunshade Operation................... 155
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
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▫Wind Buffeting...................... 155
▫Sunroof Maintenance.................. 155
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 156
Electrical Power Outlets................. 156
Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped.......................... 159
Cupholders.......................... 160
▫Heated Or Cooled Cupholder —
If Equipped......................... 160
▫Rear Bottle Holders................... 161Storage............................. 162
▫Driver’s Side Sunglass Holder —
If Equipped......................... 162
▫CargoArea......................... 162
Console Features...................... 164
▫Dual Storage Bins.................... 164
▫Video Console — If Equipped............ 166
Rear Window Features.................. 167
▫Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped..... 167
Beverage Cooler Storage Bin — If Equipped . . . 168
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE