2014 DODGE AVENGER Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press the
Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibil-
ity of window fogging.Blower Control
For full automatic operation or for
automatic blower operation, turn the
blower knob to the AUTO position. In
manual mode there are seven blower
speeds that can be individual selected.
In off position the blower will shut off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
A solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
coolant that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

Standard MS-12106 and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from entering
the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from outside the
vehicle and recirculated air within the passenger compart-
ment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service information or see
your authorized dealer for service. Refer to “Maintenance
Schedules” for filter service intervals.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289

Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............351
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............352
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .354
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................354
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .355
▫ Replacement Tires .....................356
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......357
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....358
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .359
▫ Base System ........................ .361
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ...........364
▫ General Information ...................367
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................368 ▫
Reformulated Gasoline .................368
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............369
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......369
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................370
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................370
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................371
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............372
 FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .372
▫ E-85 General Information ...............372
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................373
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................374
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............375
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 293

▫Starting ........................... .375
▫ Cruising Range ...................... .375
▫ Replacement Parts ....................376
▫ Maintenance ....................... .376
 ADDING FUEL ....................... .376
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............376
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message ...............378
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................379
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............379
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......379
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........379
▫ Overloading ........................ .380
▫ Loading ........................... .380
TRAILER TOWING .....................380
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............381
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............383
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... .384
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............384
▫ Towing Requirements ..................386
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .391
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................393
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .393
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models .........394
294 STARTING AND OPERATING