2012 DODGE AVENGER octane

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States................... KR5S18002015B
Canada ........................ 267T-S180015B
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high-quality unleaded “regular” gaso-
line having an octane rating of 87. The use
of premium gasoline is not recommended,
as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump, therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to
look for gasoline without MMT in Canada, because MMT
can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the
United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor-
nia reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that
alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up. NOTE:
•When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C),
you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations
are followed.
•Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPAR
Injector Cleanup or
Techron may be used.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer re-
quires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil – 2.4L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting Chrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 2.4L Engine except
PZEV* ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Spark Plugs – 2.4L with PZEV* ZFR5AP (Gap 0.031 in [0.8 mm])
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine RER8ZWYCB4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission .............445,446
Brake .......................... 441,465
Cooling System ...................... 436
Engine Oil ......................... 423
Power Steering ................... 325,465
Fluids ................................ 464
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 464
Fog Lights ....................... 153,205,461
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 146,147
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 409
Fuel ................................. 365
Adding ........................... 373
Additives .......................... 367
Clean Air .......................... 365
Ethanol ........................... 366
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............196,373
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 196
Gasoline ........................... 365 Gauge
............................ 196
Light ............................. 197
Materials Added ..................... 367
Methanol .......................... 366
Octane Rating .................... 365,464
Requirements .................... 365,463
Tank Capacity ....................... 463
Fuel System Caution ..................... 374
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 369
Fueling ............................... 373
Fuses ................................ 453
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 164
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............373,375,419
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 365
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 365
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 196
Fuel .............................. 196
498 INDEX

Automatic Door...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 34
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 356
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 79
Lubrication, Body ....................... 431
Lumbar Support ........................ 141
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 427
Maintenance Procedures ................... 422
Maintenance Schedule .................... 468
Maintenance, General ..................... 422
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 207,420
Manual, Service ......................... 487
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 155
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 441
Methanol ............................. 366
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 210,215Mirrors
................................ 95
Automatic Dimming ................... 95
Electric Powered ...................... 97
Outside ............................ 98
Rearview ........................... 95
Vanity ............................. 99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 356
Mopar Parts ......................... 421,486
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 366
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 84
Occupant Restraints ..................... 64,68
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........40,61,62,64,67
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 365
Odometer ............................. 200
Trip ........................... 200,203
Oil Change Indicator .................. 202,215
502 INDEX