2014 DODGE AVENGER brake

To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the
vehicle will deactivate the Electronic Speed Control with-
out erasing the set speed memory.
Pressing the ON/OFF button or turning the ignition
switch OFF erases the set speed memory.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+)
button and release. Resume can be used at any speed
above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can in-
crease speed by pushing the RES (+) button.The speed increment shown is dependant on the speed of
U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:
U.S. Speed (mph)
•
Pressing the RES (+) button once will result ina1mph
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in an increase of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pressing the RES (+) button once will result in a
2 km/h increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an increase of 2 km/h.
• If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179

11. Brake Warning LightThis light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately three seconds. The light should then turn
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
12. Tachometer
The silver area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
13. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission. NOTE:
You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
14. Odometer Display/Trip Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If your
odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair
technician should leave the odometer reading the same
as it was before the repair or service. If s/he cannot do so,
then the odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must
be placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage was
before the repair or service. It is a good idea for you to
make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/
service, so that you can be sure that it is properly reset, or
that the door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer
must be reset at zero.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215

NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
4. For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)”.
15. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Button
Trip Odometer
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to “Trip A.” Press and release it a second time
to change the display to “Trip B.” Press and release it a
third time to change the display back to the odometer. To reset the trip odometer, first display the trip mileage
that you want to reset, “Trip A” or “Trip B.” Then push
and hold the button (approximately two seconds) until
the display resets to 0 miles (km). The odometer must be
in Trip Mode to reset the trip odometer.
17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable and not need towing, however see your autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If EquippedThis light monitors the ABS. This light will
come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON/RUN position and may stay on for ap-
proximately three seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key
to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................295
▫ Automatic Transmission ................295
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .296
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................297
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................297
▫ After Starting ....................... .299
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .299
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............299
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............301 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .302
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .302
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE) —
If Equipped ......................... .310
 AUTOSTICK® — IF EQUIPPED ............318
▫ Operation .......................... .318
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........319
▫ Acceleration ........................ .319
▫ Traction ........................... .320
5

DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............320
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................321
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................321
 POWER STEERING .....................322
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............323
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .324
 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) .........326
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .329
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............329
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............330
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............330
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........331▫
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................334
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............335
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .335
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........339
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........340
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........341
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........346
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .346
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................347
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .349
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .349
▫ Tire Types .......................... .350
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 295