2012 DODGE AVENGER instrument cluster

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so may cause the MIL to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the trip odometer reset button to turn off
the message. If the problem 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 MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL off.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPARTotal Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments, which may
scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.8
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S468 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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.
8
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Infant Restraint........................ 72,73
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 211
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 95
Instrument Cluster ....................... 196
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 193
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 450
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 451
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 453
Interior Appearance Care .................. 450
Interior Lights .......................... 155
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 157
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 394
Jack Operation ....................... 394,396
Jacking Instructions ...................... 396
Jump Starting .......................... 405
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15 Key, Programming
........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 17
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 16
Keyless Entry System ...................... 21
Keyless Entry System (Sedan) ................ 21
Keys ................................. 12
Knee Bolster ............................ 58
Lane Change and Turn Signals ...........204,461
Lane Change Assist ...................... 152
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 44
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren) .............................. 79
Latches ................................ 89
Hood ............................. 148
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 365
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 89
Life of Tires ............................ 352
Light Bulbs .......................... 89,458
500 INDEX

Lights.............................. 89,150
Airbag .................... 65,66,71,87,197
Back-Up ........................... 461
Brake Assist Warning .................. 335
Brake Warning ...................... 199
Bulb Replacement .................... 459
Daytime Running .................... 154
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 335
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 198
Exterior ............................ 89
Fog ......................... 153,205,461
Headlight Switch ..................... 150
Headlights ......................... 150
Headlights On With Wipers ............. 159
High Beam Indicator .................. 209
Illuminated Entry ..................... 21
Instrument Cluster ................... 150
Interior ............................ 155
License ............................ 462 Lights On Reminder
.................. 154
Low Fuel .......................... 197
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 207
Map Reading ....................... 155
Oil Pressure ........................ 198
Passing ............................ 153
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 197
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 19
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 204
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......205,356
Traction Control ..................... 335
Turn Signal ................. 89,152,204,461
Voltage ............................ 197
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 196
Loading Vehicle ...................... 376,377
Capacities .......................... 377
Tires .............................. 341
Locks Auto Unlock ......................... 32
10
INDEX 501

Trunk Release Remote Control............... 39
Trunk Release, Emergency ................39,40
Turn Signals ...................... 152,204,461
UCI Connector ......................... 269
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 99
Understanding Your Instrument Panel ......... 193
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 489
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 269
Universal Transmitter ..................... 164
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 365
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 48
Upholstery Care ........................ 450
Vanity Mirrors ........................... 99
Variance, Compass ....................... 218
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 376
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 342,376,377Vehicle Modifications/Alterations
.............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 289,458
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 19
Viscosity, Engine Oil ...................... 425
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 129
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 196
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 486
Washer Adding Fluid ....................... 433
Washers, Windshield ................ 156,158,433
Washing Vehicle ......................... 447
Water Driving Through ..................... 322
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 449
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 449
Wind Buffeting ....................... 38,175
10
INDEX 509