2009 DODGE AVENGER overheating

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) — If
Equipped
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.NOTE:The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
(Continued)
350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Front Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed (with all four wheels flat on
the ground), under the following conditions: The shift
lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be traveled
must not exceed 15 miles (25 km), and the towing speed
must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Exceeding these
towing limits may cause a transaxle failure. If the trans-
axle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed morethan 15 miles (25 km), the vehicle must be transported
either with a flat bed truck or with the front wheels off
the ground.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains
in NEUTRAL.
362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Overheating.......................... 348
Temperature Gauge..................... 177
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 375
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 63
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 21
Ethanol............................... 324
Event Data Recorder...................... 66
Exhaust Gas Caution................80,327,383
Exhaust System......................... 383
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 51
Fabric Care.........................397,398
Filler Location Fuel....................177,331
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 377
Air Conditioning....................261,380
Automatic Transaxle.................... 394
Engine Oil........................377,418
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 376Flashers.............................. 348
Hazard Warning....................... 348
Turn Signal.......................... 413
Flash-To-Pass........................... 137
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 357
Flexible Fuel Vehicles..................... 328
Cruising Range........................ 331
Engine Oil........................... 330
Fuel Requirements..................328,329
Maintenance.......................328,331
Replacement Parts..................... 331
Starting............................. 330
Flooded Engine Starting................... 268
Floor Console.......................... 164
Fluid Capacities......................... 417
Fluid Leaks............................. 81
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................393,394
Brake............................391,419
INDEX 455
10

Checking............................ 373
Dipstick............................. 373
Disposal............................ 376
Filter............................377,418
Filter Disposal........................ 376
Identification Logo..................... 375
Materials Added to..................... 376
Recommendation...................375,417
Synthetic............................ 376
Viscosity..........................375,417
Oil Filter, Change........................ 377
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 377
Oil Pressure Light....................... 179
Onboard Diagnostic System..............370,371
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 147
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Overdrive............................. 274
Overheating, Engine...................... 348
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,445Paint Care............................. 395
Panic Alarm............................ 26
Parking Brake.......................... 282
Parking On Hill......................... 283
Passing Light........................... 137
Personal Settings........................ 196
Pets.................................. 79
Phone, Cellular.......................... 91
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 91
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 299
Power
Door Locks........................... 32
Mirrors.............................. 89
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 156
Seats............................... 127
Steering..........................281,282
Sunroof............................. 153
Windows............................. 35
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 51
INDEX 461
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming The SystemTo Arm The SystemTo Disarm The
SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - IF EQUIPPED To Unlock the DoorsTo Lock the DoorsTo Unlatch the TrunkUsing the Express Down Windows Feature - If EquippedUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional
RKE TransmittersBattery ReplacementGeneral InformationREMOTE START SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How to Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPowerDoor LocksChild Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)POWER WINDOWS Power Window
SwitchesAuto Window Down - If EquippedAuto Window Up - If EquippedReset Auto UpWindow Lockout SwitchWind BuffetingTRUNK RELEASE TRUNK SAFETY WARNING Trunk Internal Emergency ReleaseOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper
Shoulder Belt AnchorageRear Seat BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) BeltAlert ProgrammingAutomatic Locking ModeSeat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderSupplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagAirbag
System ComponentsFront Seat Airbag FeaturesAirbag Deployment Sensors and ControlsEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintsENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside the VehiclePeriodic Safety
Checks You Should Make Outside the VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedPower MirrorsAdjusting Side View MirrorsIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If Equipped
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationVOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM (VR) - IF
EQUIPPED Voice Recognition System (VR) OperationCommandsVoice TrainingSEATS Manual Front Seat AdjustmentsPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats- If EquippedFold-Flat Front Passenger SeatAdjustable Head RestraintsFolding Rear SeatFolding Rear Seat
Center ArmrestTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading/Interior LightsHeadlights, Parking Lights and Instrument Panel LightsAutomatic Headlight System - If EquippedHeadlight Time DelayFlash-To-PassDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights
On ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedTurn SignalsHigh Beam/Low Beam Select SwitchWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemMist FeatureHeadlights With Wipers Feature (Available With Auto Headlights Only)Windshield Washers
TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary TheSpeed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
Programming HomelinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Sunroof OperationAuto Sunroof Express With Anti-Pinch Protection - If EquippedSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof
MaintenanceIgnition Off OperationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER - IF EQUIPPED CUPHOLDERS Heated or Cooled Cupholder - If EquippedRear Bottle HoldersSTORAGE Drivers Side Sunglass Holder - If EquippedCargo Area
CONSOLE FEATURES Dual Storage BinsVideo Console - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedBEVERAGE COOLER STORAGE BIN - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL
FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IFEQUIPPED EVIC DisplaysOil Change RequiredTrip FunctionsCompass Display
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play,
DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)AM/FM/CD/DVD MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM RADIO (RER/REN) - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Voice Recognition System (VR)
- If EquippedOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) - If EquippedClock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIOWITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE
For CD And MP3 Audio PlayNotes on Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeSALES CODE RES/RSC - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) AND SIRIUS RADIO Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD
MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperatingInstructions - Hands-Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Operation with RES / REQ AM/FM Stereo Radio with CD PlayerOperation with RER Multi-Media SystemCD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND
CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) - If Equipped Operating TipsSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Normal StartingTip Start FeatureExtremely
Cold Weather (Below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE Brake/Transaxle Interlock SystemAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System4-Speed/6-Speed Automatic
Transaxle - If EquippedAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED OperationGeneral InformationDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid Check
PARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife
of TireReplacement TiresTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) Base SystemPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.4L and 2.7L Engine3.5L Engine
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT in GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsFLEXIBLE FUEL- 2.7L ONLY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES) E-85 General
InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel RequirementsSelection of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsMaintenanceADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE
LOADING Vehicle Certification LabelGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)OverloadingLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and
Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF
YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) - If EquippedJACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING
A DISABLED VEHICLE Towing With The Ignition KeyTowing Without The Ignition KeyTowing This Vehicle Behind Another VehicleTowing This Vehicle BehindAnother Vehicle With A Tow DollyTowing Without Power - Override Transaxle Interlock SystemMAINTAINING YOUR
VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.5L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT
PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceA/C Air Filter - If EquippedBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesAdding Washer FluidExhaust System
Cooling SystemBrake SystemAutomatic TransaxleAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionCleaning Center Console CupholdersFUSES Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT HeadlightFog
LightsTaillights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup LightsLicense Plate LightCenter High-Mounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED
ASSISTANCE Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING
SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX