2011 DODGE AVENGER check engine light

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will illuminate.
304 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 the “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.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 273
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,288,292,423
Adding Fluid .................. 425,426,444
Filter ............................. 426
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 426
Fluid Level Check ................. 425,426
Interlock System ..................... 293
Reset Mode ......................... 297
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 444
Shifting ........................... 294
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ......................... 424
Special Additives ..................... 424
Autostick ............................. 298
B-Pillar Location ........................ 322
Battery ............................... 407
Jump Starting ........................ 30
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26Location
........................... 407
Belts, Seat .............................. 86
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 411
Brake Assist System ...................... 309
Brake System ........................... 421
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 306
Fluid Check ..................... 421,444
Master Cylinder ..................... 421
Parking ........................... 304
Warning Light ....................... 190
Brake, Parking .......................... 304
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 294
Brakes ............................... 421
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 83
Bulb Replacement ....................... 438
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,438
Calibration, Compass ..................... 210
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
10
INDEX 473

Capacities, Fluid........................ 442
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 397,405
Power Steering ...................... 303
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 418
Car Washes ............................ 427
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,350
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,268
Chains, Tire ............................ 335
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 318
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 400
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34 Cigar Lighter
........................... 175
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 346
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 429
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 412
Climate Control ......................... 268
Clock ........................... 217,235,245
Coin Holder ........................... 177
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 267
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 330
Compass ........................... 201,209
Compass Calibration ..................... 210
Compass Variance ....................... 210
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,207
Connector UCI .............................. 259
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 259
Console .............................. 146
Console, Floor ....................... 146,177
474 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 442
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............425,426
Brake .......................... 421,444
Cooling System ...................... 416
Engine Oil ......................... 403
Power Steering ................... 303,444
Fluids ................................ 443
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 443
Fog Lights ....................... 151,197,440
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 145,146
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 389
Fuel ................................. 346
Adding ........................... 354
Additives .......................... 348
Clean Air .......................... 346
Ethanol ........................... 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............188,354Filler Door (Gas Cap)
.................. 188
Gasoline ........................... 346
Gauge ............................ 188
Light ............................. 189
Materials Added ..................... 348
Methanol .......................... 347
Octane Rating .................... 346,443
Requirements .................... 346,442
Tank Capacity ....................... 442
Fuel System Caution ..................... 355
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 350
Fueling ............................... 354
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 162
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............354,356,399
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 346
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 346
478 INDEX

Leaks, Fluid............................ 88
Life of Tires ............................ 333
Light Bulbs .......................... 88,438
Lights .............................. 88,148
Airbag ...................... 66,71,86,189
Back-Up ........................... 441
Brake Assist Warning .................. 315
Brake Warning ...................... 190
Bulb Replacement .................... 438
Daytime Running .................... 152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 315
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 190
Exterior ............................ 88
Fog ......................... 151,197,440
Headlight Switch ..................... 149
Headlights ......................... 149
Headlights On With Wipers ............. 157
High Beam Indicator .................. 201
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20 Instrument Cluster
................... 149
Interior ............................ 153
License ............................ 442
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel .......................... 189
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 199
Map Reading ....................... 153
Oil Pressure ........................ 190
Passing ............................ 151
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 189
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 19
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 196
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......197,337
Traction Control ..................... 315
Turn Signal ................. 88,150,196,441
Voltage ............................ 189
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 188
Loading Vehicle ...................... 356,358
Capacities .......................... 358
10
INDEX 481