2012 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
Stamped VIN Location
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 13
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15
▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 15
 Sentry Key .......................... 16
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫ General Information ................... 18
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 19▫
Rearming The System .................. 19
▫ To Arm The System ................... 19
▫ To Disarm The System ................. 20
 Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 21
 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 21
▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 22
▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 24
▫ To Unlatch The Trunk .................. 25
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 25
2

▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 26
▫ Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 26
▫ General Information ................... 27
 Remote Start System — If Equipped ......... 27
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 28
 Door Locks ........................... 30
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 30
▫ Power Door Locks .................... 32
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors .......................... 34
 Power Windows ....................... 35
▫ Power Window Switches ................ 35
▫ Auto Window Down — If Equipped ....... 36▫
Auto Window Up With Anti-Pinch
Protection— If Equipped ................ 37
▫ Window Lockout Switch ................ 38
▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
 Trunk Release ......................... 39
 Trunk Safety Warning ................... 39
▫ Trunk Internal Emergency Release ......... 40
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 40
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 44
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 49
▫ Rear Seat Belts ....................... 50
▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 50
▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Energy Management Feature ............. 51
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 52
▫ Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
— If Equipped ....................... 52
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 56
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 57
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 57
▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags ............................ 58
▫ Air Bag System Components ............. 60
▫ Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 60▫
Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 64
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 71
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 72
 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 84
 Safety Tips ........................... 85
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 85
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 86
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 87
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 89
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place.
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK3 — ON/RUN
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

NOTE:
•If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition switch lock cylinder. If this
occurs, place the shift lever in PARK, rotate the key to
the right slightly, then remove the key as described. If
a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in
the ignition switch lock cylinder to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you
obtain service.
•For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 45 seconds after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either door will cancel this feature.
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
The time for this feature is programmable. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.(Continued)
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE