2010 DODGE AVENGER trailer

WARNING! (Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve 10% of trailer tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements – Tires
•
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for informa-
tion on tread wear indicators and for proper inspection
procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for proper tire replacement
procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carry-
ing capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
•
Donot interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 321

•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

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

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) —
If Equipped
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
328 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 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
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 transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

GaugesCoolant Temperature ................... 150
Fuel ............................... 150
Odometer ........................... 154
Tachometer .......................... 154
Gearshift .............................. 249
General Information .................... 17,299
General Maintenance ..................... 353
Glass Cleaning .......................... 381
Glove Compartment ...................... 140
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............312,315
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............312,314
GVWR ............................... 312
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 93
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 256
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 327 Head Restraints
.......................... 97
Headlights ............................ 389
Bulb Replacement ...................... 389
Cleaning ............................ 379
High Beam ........................ 109,163
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 109
On With Wipers ....................... 116
Passing ............................. 109
Switch .............................. 107
Heated Seats ........................... 101
Heater ............................... 225
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 246
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 316
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 121
Hood Release .......................... 105
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
10
INDEX 435

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