2010 DODGE AVENGER check engine light

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly — including hazard flashers.
Automatic Transmission
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 transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. This
action will also provide better engine braking. If you
REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transmission
fluid level before towing. The AutoStick six-speed trans-
mission 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 323

the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351

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.
8
M A I
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S402 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transaxle..............12,243,246,374
Adding Fluid ................... 375,376,398
Filter ............................... 376
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 376
Fluid Level Check ................... 375,376
Interlock System ....................... 249
Reset Mode .......................... 252
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 398
Shifting ............................. 249
Special Additives ...................... 376
Autostick ............................. 253
Battery ............................... 358
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location ............................ 358
Belts, Seat .............................. 82
Beverage Cooler ........................ 140
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 362B-Pillar Location
........................ 278
Brake Assist System ...................... 265
Brake, Parking .......................... 259
Brake System ........................... 372
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 262
Fluid Check ....................... 372,398
Master Cylinder ....................... 372
Parking ............................. 259
Warning Light ........................ 152
Brakes ............................... 372
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 248
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
Bulb Replacement ..................... 388,389
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,388
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 19
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 396
10
INDEX 429

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 309
Oil (Engine) .................. 347,348,349,356
Power Steering ........................ 259
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 369
Car Washes ............................ 378
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,304
Cargo Area Features ...................... 135
Cargo Compartment ...................... 135
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 135
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 135
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,224
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 394
Chains, Tire ............................ 289
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 329
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 274
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 351
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80Checks, Safety
........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 69,71,75,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 132
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 301
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 379
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 363
Climate Control ......................... 224
Clock ..................... 176,190,192,195,204
Coin Holder ........................... 136
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 224
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 285
Compass .............................. 169
Compass Calibration ..................... 169
Compass Variance ....................... 170
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 19,167
Console ............................ 104,136
Console, Floor ....................... 104,136
430 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 375,376
Brake ............................ 372,398
Cooling System ....................... 367
Engine Oil ........................... 354
Power Steering ..................... 259,398
Fluids ................................ 397
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 397
Fog Lights ....................... 1 10,159,391
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 103,104
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 339
Fuel ................................. 300
Adding ............................. 309
Additives ............................ 303
Clean Air ............................ 301
Ethanol ............................. 301
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 150,309
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 150 Gasoline
............................ 300
Gauge .............................. 150
Light ............................... 151
Materials Added ....................... 303
Methanol ............................ 301
Octane Rating ...................... 300,397
Requirements ...................... 300,396
Tank Capacity ........................ 396
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 310
Fueling ............................... 309
Fuses ................................ 383
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 121
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............309,311,350
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 301
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 300
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 301
434 INDEX

Leaks, Fluid............................ 84
Life of Tires ............................ 288
Light Bulbs .......................... 84,388
Lights .............................. 84,106
Airbag ........................ 62,67,82,151
Back-Up ............................ 392
Brake Warning ........................ 152
Bulb Replacement ...................... 389
Center Mounted Stop ................... 394
Daytime Running ...................... 110
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 269
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 152
Exterior .............................. 84
Fog .......................... 1 10,159,391
Headlight Switch ...................... 107
Headlights ........................... 107
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 116
High Beam Indicator .................... 163
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19 Instrument Cluster
..................... 107
Interior ............................. 111
License ............................. 394
Lights On Reminder .................... 110
Low Fuel ............................ 151
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 161
Map Reading ......................... 111
Oil Pressure .......................... 152
Passing ............................. 109
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 151
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 158
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........159,291
Traction Control ....................... 269
Turn Signal ................... 84,108,158,392
Voltage ............................. 151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 150
Loading Vehicle ...................... 31 1,313
Capacities ........................... 313
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INDEX 437

Tires ............................... 278
Locks Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 291
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 362
Lumbar Support ......................... 96
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 358
Maintenance, General ..................... 353
Maintenance Procedures ................... 353
Maintenance Schedule .................... 400
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 161,351
Manual, Service ......................... 423
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 111 Master Cylinder (Brakes)
.................. 372
Methanol ............................. 301
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 167
Mirrors ................................ 89
Automatic Dimming ..................... 90
Electric Powered ....................... 90
Outside .............................. 91
Rearview ............................. 89
Vanity ............................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 291
Mopar Parts ......................... 352,422
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 301
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 79
Occupant Restraints ..................... 60,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........38,56,57,60,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 300
438 INDEX