2009 DODGE AVENGER towing

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist an authorized service technician in making repairs.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at anytime the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine except PZEV*).
❏Inspect the brake linings, and replace as necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped).
❏Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 429
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About Your Brakes....................... 282
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 286
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 387
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 382
Additives, Fuel......................... 326
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 377
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 379
Air Conditioning........................ 250
Air Conditioning Controls................. 250
Air Conditioning Filter.................261,380
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 262
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............379,380
Air Conditioning System.............250,254,379
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 304
Airbag..............................52,61
Airbag Deployment....................... 63
Airbag Light...................53,60,66,81,178
Airbag Maintenance....................... 65Airbag, Side........................55,60,61
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........56,60,61
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............19,178
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 240
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........386,387,417
Disposal............................ 388
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 286
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 286
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Appearance Care........................ 395
Ashtray............................... 159
Assistance Towing....................... 105
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 33
Auto Up Power Windows................37,155
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 88
Automatic Door Locks...................32,33
Automatic Oil Change Indicator........181,191,422
450 INDEX

Contract, Service........................ 443
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 388
Cooler, Beverage........................ 168
Cooling System......................... 385
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 387
Coolant Capacity...................... 417
Coolant Level......................385,389
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 388
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 386
Inspection........................... 389
Points to Remember.................... 389
Pressure Cap......................... 388
Radiator Cap......................... 388
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......386,417,418
Corrosion Protection..................... 395
Crankcase Ventilation Module............... 21
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 144
Cruise Light........................... 182
Cupholders......................132,160,400Customer Assistance..................... 441
Customer Programmable Features............ 196
Data Recorder, Event...................... 66
Dealer Service.......................... 373
Defroster, Rear Window................... 167
Defroster, Windshield................81,252,258
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 141
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 370
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 139
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................393,394
Oil (Engine).......................... 373
Power Steering........................ 282
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 362
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 388
Engine Oil........................... 376
Door Locks............................. 31
INDEX 453
10

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 32
Door Opener, Garage..................... 147
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 278
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 279
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 244
E-85 Fuel............................. 328
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 167
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 89
Electrical Power Outlets................... 156
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 144
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 291
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 189
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 350
Jump Starting......................... 358
Towing............................. 362Emergency Trunk Release.................39,40
Emission Control System Maintenance......371,422
Engine..........................367,368,369
Air Cleaner.......................... 377
Block Heater......................... 269
Break-In Recommendations................ 79
Checking Oil Level..................... 373
Coolant (Antifreeze).................385,418
Cooling............................. 385
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 327
Fuel Requirements..................323,417
Jump Starting......................... 358
Oil ...........................373,417,418
Oil Change Interval............181,191,374,422
Oil Filler Cap.................367,368,369,375
Oil Filter............................ 377
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 376
Oil Selection.......................375,417
Oil Synthetic......................... 376
454 INDEX

Gearshift.............................. 273
General Information.................18,119,322
General Maintenance..................... 373
Glass Cleaning.......................... 399
Glove Compartment...................... 168
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............335,337
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............335,337
GVWR............................... 335
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect) .............. 91
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 279
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 348
Head Restraints......................... 130
Headlights............................ 410
Bulb Replacement...................... 410
Cleaning............................ 397
High Beam........................139,187High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 139
On With Wipers....................... 142
Passing............................. 137
Switch.............................. 135
Heated Seats........................... 128
Heater............................... 250
Heater, Engine Block..................... 269
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 338
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 147
Hood Prop............................ 133
Hood Release.......................... 132
Ignition............................... 13
Key ...............................12,13
Ignition Key Removal..................... 13
Illuminated Entry........................ 21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Infant Restraint......................68,69,70
INDEX 457
10

Preparation for Jacking.................... 351
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 49
Programmable Electronic Features............ 196
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Radial Ply Tires......................... 306
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 388
Radio Operation........................ 249
Radio Remote Controls.................... 246
Radio, Satellite.......................... 238
Rear Cupholder......................... 161
Rear Seat, Folding....................131,132
Rear Window Defroster................... 167
Rear Window Features.................... 167
Rearview Mirrors........................ 87
Recorder, Event Data...................... 66
Recreational Towing...................... 346Reformulated Gasoline.................... 324
Refrigerant............................ 380
Reminder, Seat Belt.....................49,50
Remote Control
Door Locks........................... 21
Security Alarm......................... 19
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan)............... 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 246
Remote Starting System.................... 28
Remote Trunk Release..................... 39
Replacement Bulbs....................... 409
Replacement Keys........................ 17
Replacement Parts....................... 372
Replacement Tires....................... 311
Reporting Safety Defects................... 444
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........181,191
Restraint, Head......................... 130
Restraints, Child......................... 68
462 INDEX