2014 DODGE AVENGER checking oil

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced aftera collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is
not lit during starting, see your authorized
dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 99

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431

2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi- tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
6.
Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or
cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which is
the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature of approximately 80° F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole.
• If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the up-
per two holes in the dipstick).
• If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick
tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......226
Emergency, In Case of Jacking .............................. .399
Jump Starting ..........................411
Towing ............................. .418
Emergency Trunk Release ....................41
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........428
Engine ................................ .425
Air Cleaner .......................... .434
Block Heater ......................... .299
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .431
Compartment ......................... .426
Compartment Identification ................426
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................444
Cooling ............................. .444
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................98
Fails to Start .......................... .297
Flooded, Starting ...................... .297Fuel Requirements
..................... .368
Jump Starting ..........................411
Oil................................. .431
Oil Change Interval ..................... .217
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .425
Oil Selection .......................... .432
Oil Synthetic ......................... .434
Overheating .......................... .396
Starting ............................. .295
Temperature Gauge ......................211
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .433
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................433
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............70
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
Ethanol ............................... .369
Event Data Recorder ........................73
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................98
Exhaust System ...........................98
500 INDEX

Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................450
Methanol .............................. .369
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .225
Mirrors ............................... .108
Automatic Dimming .....................109
Electric Powered ........................110
Heated ...............................112
Outside ..............................110
Rearview ............................ .108
Vanity ...............................112
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................359
Mopar Parts ............................ .429
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .369
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................41Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)
................368
Odometer .............................. .215
Trip ................................ .215
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .217
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................217
Oil, Engine ............................. .431
Capacity ............................ .474
Change Interval ....................... .217
Checking ............................ .431
Dipstick ............................. .431
Disposal ............................. .434
Filter ............................... .434
Filter Disposal ........................ .434
Identification Logo ..................... .432
Materials Added to ..................... .434
Recommendation ...................... .432
Synthetic ............................ .434
Viscosity ............................ .433
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .434
506 INDEX