2012 DODGE AVENGER weight

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and
Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Incorrect trailer tongue weight could result in in-
creased yaw or vehicle instability. A negative trailer
tongue weight could unload the rear suspension of
the tow vehicle decreasing vehicle stability. Negative
trailer tongue weight could cause the trailer to squat
and potentially become disengaged from the tow
vehicle resulting in a runaway trailer condition.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 383

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock
the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
(Continued)
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 385

Odometer.......................... 200
Tachometer ......................... 200
Gear Ranges ........................ 304,312
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 411
General Information ................. 18,129,364
General Maintenance ..................... 422
Glass Cleaning .......................... 451
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............376,379
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............376,378
GVWR ............................... 376
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 99
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 322
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 392
Head Restraints ......................... 143
Headlights ............................ 459
Bulb Replacement .................... 459 Cleaning
........................... 449
High Beam ...................... 152,209
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 152
On With Wipers ..................... 159
Passing ............................ 153
Switch ............................ 150
Heated Seats ........................... 137
Heater ............................... 279
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 301
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 380
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 164
Hood Release .......................... 148
Ignition ............................... 13
Key ............................. 12,13
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 13
Illuminated Entry ........................ 21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 16
10
INDEX 499

Snow Tires......................... 355
Spare Tire .......................... 394
Spinning ........................... 351
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 352
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 382
Towing ............................... 378
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 113
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 412
Guide ............................. 381
Recreational ........................ 388
Weight ............................ 381
Towing Assistance ....................... 113
Traction .............................. 321
Trailer Towing .......................... 378
Cooling System Tips .................. 388
Hitches ............................ 380
Minimum Requirements ................ 383
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 382
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 381 Trailer Weight
.......................... 381
Transaxle Automatic ....................... 13,298
Autostick .......................... 319
Selection of Lubricant ................. 465
Transmission Automatic ....................... 302,443
Filter ............................. 446
Maintenance ........................ 443
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 164
Transporting Pets ........................ 84
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 352
Trip Computer .......................... 210
Trip Odometer .......................... 200
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 203
508 INDEX