2009 DODGE AVENGER manual transmission

Tamper Alert
If the alarm was triggered, but the warning signals have
timed out, the park and taillights flash three times
(instead of the normal twice), and the horn will chirp
three times, when unlocking the vehicle with a valid RKE
transmitter to alert the driver.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy/reading lights will turn on when you use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open
either door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting (if so
equipped). For details, refer to “Illumination Approach,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
The interior lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned ON.NOTE:
•The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme top position).
•The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open
the trunk, lower both front windows (if equipped), or
activate the Panic Alarm from distances a maximum of
66 ft (20 m) using a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed
at the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE:
•The line of transmission must not be blocked with
metal objects.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2

Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:
1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is en-
abled.
2. The transmission shift lever was in gear and the
vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission shift lever is in NEUTRAL or PARK.
4. The driver door is opened.
5. The doors were not previously unlocked, and
6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit Programming
The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled as follows:
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4
of this manual for details.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, performing
the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
then back to LOCK four times ending up in the LOCK
position.
3. Depress the power door UNLOCK switch to unlock
the doors.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
2

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

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