2009 DODGE AVENGER fuel

NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE display value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display ofLOW FUEL. This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.
•Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the ON or START position.
•Display Units In:
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until U.S. or METRIC appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur if a resettable function is currently
displayed. Press and hold the RESET button once to clear
the function currently displayed.
To reset all resettable functions, press and release the
RESET button a second time within three seconds of
resetting the currently displayed function (Reset ALL will
display during this three second window).
Compass Display
The compass heading indicates the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight com-
pass heading and the outside temperature.
COM-
PA S S
Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
4

NOTE:For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
Mix, Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
Recirculation Control
Pressing the Recirculation Control button will
temporarily put the system in recirculation
mode (ten minutes). This can be used when
outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,
or high humidity are present. Activating recirculation
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Life Of Tire......................... 310
▫Replacement Tires.................... 311
Tire Chains.......................... 312
Snow Tires.......................... 312
Tire Rotation Recommendations............ 313
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 314
▫Base System........................ 316
▫Premium System — If Equipped.......... 318
▫General Information................... 322
Fuel Requirements..................... 323
▫2.4L And 2.7L Engine.................. 323
▫3.5L Engine......................... 323
▫Reformulated Gasoline................. 324▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 324
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 325
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 326
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 326
▫Fuel System Cautions.................. 326
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 327
Flexible Fuel— 2.7L Only (Except California
Emission States)....................... 328
▫E-85 General Information............... 328
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 329
▫Fuel Requirements.................... 329
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 330
▫Starting........................... 330
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

▫Cruising Range...................... 331
▫Replacement Parts.................... 331
▫Maintenance........................ 331
Adding Fuel......................... 331
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 331
▫Loose Filler Cap Message............... 334
Vehicle Loading....................... 334
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 334
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...... 335
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)........ 335
▫Overloading........................ 335
▫Loading........................... 336Trailer Towing........................ 336
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 336
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 338
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 339
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight.............. 340
▫Towing Requirements................. 341
▫Towing Tips........................ 344
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 346
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)........................... 346
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
Refer to Section 6 for proper jump-starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
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.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grille and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

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 — 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 AutoStickmode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transaxle shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For ex-
ample: When operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStickwill improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE— 4 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the3range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers).
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING