2010 DODGE AVENGER service indicator

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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance 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 aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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S400 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Radial.............................. 285
Replacement ......................... 288
Rotation ............................ 290
Safety ........................... 272,282
Sizes ............................... 274
Snow Tires ........................... 290
Spare Tire ........................... 329
Spinning ............................ 286
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 287
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 318
Towing ............................... 313
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 341
Guide .............................. 317
Recreational .......................... 324
Weight .............................. 317
Traction .............................. 255
Trailer Towing .......................... 313
Cooling System Tips .................... 324
Hitches ............................. 316 Minimum Requirements
................. 319
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 318
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 317
Trailer Weight .......................... 317
Transaxle ............................. 246
Additives ............................ 376
Automatic .................... 12,243,246,374
Autostick ............................ 253
Filter ............................... 376
Maintenance ......................... 374
Operation ........................... 246
Overdrive ........................... 251
Selection of Lubricant ................... 398
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink) ........................... 121
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
444 INDEX