2014 DODGE AVENGER transmission oil

flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
9. Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light will come on and remain on when the ignition
switch is turned from the OFF to the ON/RUN position,
and the light will turn off after the engine is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle”. 10. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the
gauge approaches H, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H, and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool or the 4 minutes duration is
expired, whichever come first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213

should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
EquippedThis light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the
light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
28. High Beam Indicator This light indicates that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights to low beam.
29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Dis-
play — If Equipped
This display shows the EVIC messages when the appro-
priate conditions exist. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” for further information.
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 7 — Air Cleaner Filter 11 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

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

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
(four-speed only) and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 479

About Your Brakes....................... .324
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................326
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............446
Adding Fuel ............................ .376
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .440
Additives, Fuel .......................... .370
Airbag ..................................60
Airbag Deployment ........................70
Airbag Light .............................67
Airbag Maintenance ........................72
Airbag, Side ..............................63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................64
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .434
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................437
Air Conditioning ......................... .276
Air Conditioning Controls ...................276
Air Conditioning Filter .....................289
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..............290
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................437Air Conditioning System
....................276
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .347
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............219
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................263
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................445
Disposal ............................. .448
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................326
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................326
Appearance Care ........................ .456
Ashtray ............................... .197
Assistance Towing ........................ .127
Auto Down Power Windows ..................37
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................109
Automatic Door Locks ......................33
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............217
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........281
Automatic Transaxle ........................13
Automatic Transmission ....................299
496 INDEX