2012 DODGE AVENGER reset

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

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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•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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Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............202,215
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 426
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 426
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 198
Oil, Engine ......................... 423,464
Capacity ........................... 463
Change Interval ................ 202,215,424
Checking .......................... 423
Dipstick ........................... 423
Disposal ........................... 426
Filter .......................... 426,464
Filter Disposal ....................... 426
Identification Logo ................... 424
Materials Added to ................... 426
Recommendation .................. 424,463
Synthetic .......................... 426
Viscosity ........................ 425,463
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............419,420
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 164Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)
............ 4
Overheating, Engine ...................... 392
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,487
Paint Care ............................. 446
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 326
Passing Light ........................... 153
Personal Settings ........................ 221
Pets .................................. 84
Phone, Cellular .......................... 99
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 99
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 341
Power Door Locks ......................... 32
Mirrors ............................ 97
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 176
Seats ............................. 135
Steering ........................ 324,325
10
INDEX 503

Sunroof........................... 173
Windows ........................... 35
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 57
Preparation for Jacking .................... 395
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 221
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 348
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 438
Radio Operation ........................ 278
Radio Remote Controls .................... 276
Rear Cupholder ......................... 181
Rear Seat, Folding .................... 146,147
Rear Window Defroster ................... 186
Rear Window Features .................... 186
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 95 Recorder, Event Data
...................... 71
Recreational Towing ...................... 388
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 365
Refrigerant ............................ 430
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 56
Remote Control Door Locks ......................... 21
Security Alarm ....................... 19
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 276
Remote Starting System .................... 27
Remote Trunk Release ..................... 39
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 458
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 421
Replacement Tires ....................... 353
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 486
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ...........202,215
504 INDEX

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