2010 DODGE AVENGER brake light

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to deter-
mine the vehicle path intended by the driver and com-
pares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual
path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the oversteer or understeer condition
•Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC Off Indicator Light
The “ESC Off Indicator Light” (located in the
instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
WARNING!
•The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 269

•An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes with adequate
braking capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool,
a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only MOPAR or
equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
The TIPM is located in the engine compartment near the
air cleaner assembly. This center contains cartridge fuses
and mini fuses. A label that identifies each component
may be printed on the inside of the cover. Refer to the
graphic below for FUSES/TIPM location.
CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
1 40 Amp
Green —Power Top Mod-
ule – If Equipped
2— 20 Amp
Yellow AWD Module
3 — 10 Amp Red Battery Feed –
Center High
Mounted Stop
Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
4 — 10 Amp Red Battery Feed –
Ignition Switch
5— 20 Amp
Yellow Trailer Tow –
If Equipped
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383

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

About Your Brakes....................... 259
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 262
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 368
Adding Fuel ........................... 309
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 364
Additives, Fuel ......................... 303
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 358
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 360
Air Conditioning ........................ 225
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 225
Air Conditioning Filter .................236,361
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 237
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............360,361
Air Conditioning System .............225,229,360
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 283
Airbag .............................. 53,63
Airbag Deployment ....................... 64
Airbag Light ..................... 62,67,82,151
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 66 Airbag, Side
........................ 56,60,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........57,60,63
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............17,158
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 216
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............368,396
Disposal ............................ 370
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 262
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 262
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 377
Ashtray ............................... 132
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 31
Auto Up Power Windows ................35,129
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 90
Automatic Door Locks ................... 30,31
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ........156,166,400
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 229
428 INDEX

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