2009 DODGE AVENGER brake

23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD that
monitors emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
axle control systems. The light will illuminate when the
key is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from LOCK to
ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious
conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.24. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the ABS. This light will
come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for approxi-
mately three seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key
to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
25. High Beam Indicator
This light indicates that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights to low beam.
26. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system isindicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
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Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately three seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
27. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display—Premium Cluster Only
This display shows the EVIC messages when the appro-
priate conditions exist. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in this section for more
information.
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 267
▫Normal Starting..................... 267
▫Tip Start Feature..................... 268
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below20°F Or
29°C)............................ 268
▫If Engine Fails To Start................. 268
▫After Starting....................... 269
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped......... 269
Automatic Transaxle.................... 270▫Brake/Transaxle Interlock System......... 271
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System............................ 272
▫4–Speed/6–Speed Automatic Transaxle —
If Equipped......................... 273
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 276
▫Operation.......................... 276
▫General Information................... 277
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 278
▫Acceleration........................ 278
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▫Traction........................... 278
Driving Through Water.................. 279
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 279
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 279
Power Steering........................ 281
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 282
Parking Brake........................ 282
Brake System......................... 284
Anti—Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 286
Electronic Brake Control System........... 289
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 289
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 289
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 290▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 291
Tire Safety Information.................. 294
▫Tire Markings....................... 294
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 298
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 299
Tires — General Information.............. 303
▫Tire Pressure........................ 303
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 304
▫Radial-Ply Tires...................... 306
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped........ 306
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped......... 308
▫Tire Spinning....................... 309
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 309
264 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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
Normal Starting
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine does not require pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of PARK.
Shift Lever
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking
brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition,
the shift lever is locked in the PARK position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children un-
attended inside a vehicle.
Brake/Transaxle Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.Always press the brake
pedal first, before moving the shift lever out of PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
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