2009 DODGE AVENGER transmission

Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four-speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStickshould be selected.
NOTE:Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. This ac-
tion will also provide better engine braking.
If youREGULARLY TOWa trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval speci-
fied for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing” in
the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.NOTE:Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoSticksix—speed transmission
is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control — (If Equipped)
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
1. Remove the scissors jack and lug wrench from the
spare wheel as an assembly. Turn the jack screw to the left
to loosen the lug wrench, and remove the wrench from
the jack assembly.
Jack Warning Label
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 353
6

Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flatbed towing is
the preferred towing method. However, if a flatbed
towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used. Rear towing is not recommended
with the front wheels on the ground, as transaxle damage
can result. If rear towing is the only alternative, a front
end dolly must be used. Proper towing equipment is
necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground of
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, is
only permitted within the limitations described in this
section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
Towing Without Power — Override Transaxle
Interlock System
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 363
6

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid Level Check — Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transaxle is
disassembled for any reason.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection (2.4L and
2.7L Engines)87 Octane
Fuel Selection (2.7L - EX-
CEPT CALIFORNIA EMIS-
SION STATES)E-85 Ethanol
Fuel Selection (3.5L Engine) 89 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master CylinderMOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not avail-
able, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
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C
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C
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D
U
L
E
S

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 254
Automatic Transaxle.................13,270,392
Adding Fluid...................393,394,419
Filter............................... 394
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 394
Fluid Level Check...................393,394
Interlock System....................... 272
Reset Mode.......................... 275
Selection Of Lubricant................... 419
Shifting............................. 273
Special Additives...................... 394
Autostick............................. 276
Battery............................... 378
Gas Caution.......................... 378
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Location............................ 378
Beverage Cooler........................ 168
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 381B-Pillar Location........................ 299
Brake Assist System...................... 290
Brake, Parking.......................... 282
Brake System........................284,390
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 286
Fluid Check.......................391,419
Master Cylinder....................... 391
Parking............................. 282
Warning Light........................ 187
Brakes.............................284,390
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 271
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 79
Bulb Replacement.....................409,410
Bulbs, Light............................ 409
Calibration, Compass..................... 194
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 21
Capacities, Fluid........................ 417
INDEX 451
10

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 340
Towing............................... 336
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 105
Disabled Vehicle....................... 362
Guide.............................. 339
Recreational.......................... 346
Weight.............................. 339
Towing Assistance....................... 105
Trailer Towing.......................... 336
Cooling System Tips.................... 346
Hitches............................. 338
Minimum Requirements................. 341
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 340
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 339
Trailer Weight.......................... 339
Transaxle............................. 270
Additives............................ 394
Automatic......................13,270,392
Autostick............................ 276Filter............................... 394
Maintenance.......................... 392
Operation........................... 270
Overdrive........................... 274
Selection of Lubricant................... 419
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 179
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 147
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transporting Pets........................ 79
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 309
Trip Odometer.......................... 180
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 182
Trunk Release, Emergency................39,40
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 39
Turn Signals......................138,183,413
466 INDEX