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ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission andaxle) in your vehicle.
• Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
• While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle.”
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as
an indication of an engine problem or malfunction.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.
TURN SIGNAL/LIGHTS LEVER
Headlights/Parking Lights/Automatic Headlights
• Rotate the end of the lever to the first detent for parking lights, the second detent
for headlights
, and the third detent for AUTO.
• When set to AUTO, the system automatically turns the headlights on or off based on ambient light levels.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
20
Page 101 of 124

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or
twelve months, whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road
environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign ofirregular 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
99
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Airbag...................11
Airbag Light...............80
Air Conditioning .............26
Air Recirculation .............26
Alarm,Panic................8
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..........10
Anti-Lock Warning Light .........79
Arming System (Security Alarm) .....10
Audio Jack ............33,36,41
Audio Settings ............33,35
Audio Systems (Radio) ..........32
Automatic Headlights ..........20
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC). . .26
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ...............97
AxleFluid.................97
Battery Location ...............87
Belts, Seat .................11
BrakeFluid................97
Brake System Master Cylinder ...........98
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .................20
Calibration, Compass ...........69
CD (Compact Disc) Player ......33,36
Change Oil Indicator ...........80
Changing A Flat Tire ...........81
Charging System Light ..........78
Child Restraint ..............12
ChildSeat.................14
ClimateControl..............25
Clock Setting ...........32,34,37
Compass Calibration ...........69
Cooling System Coolant Capacity ...........97
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......23
Cruise Light ................23
Customer Assistance ..........108
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ......10
Deck Lid, Power Release ..........9
Defects, Reporting ............109
Dimmer Control ..............21
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ........21
Disarming, Security System .......10DoorLocks.................8
Electronics
Your Vehicle's Sound System . . .30, 31
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ............23
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .....76
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator ................76
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..................79
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)...............68,69
Emergency Deck Lid Release .......10
Emergency, In Case of Brake Warning Light .........78
Jacking ................81
Jump Starting ............87
Overheating .............80
Emergency Trunk Release ........10
Engine Break-In Recommendations .....20
Compartment ............95
Coolant (Antifreeze) .........97
Jump Starting ............87
Oil...................97
Oil Filter ................97
Oil Selection .............97
Overheating .............80
Temperature Warning Light .....78
EventDataRecorder...........93
FAQ....................114
Flash-To-Pass ...............21
Fluid, Brake ................
98
Fluid Capacities ..............97
Fluids ...................97
FogLights...............20,21
Folding Rear Seat .............18
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........92
Frequently Asked Questions .......114
Front Heated Seats ............18
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .........80
Gasoline ...............97
Specifications ............97
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ....70
INDEX
111
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UTILITY
• How do I know how much I can tow with my Dodge Avenger? pg. 74
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
• What do I do if my TPMS warning light is blinking? pg. 76
• How do I change a flat tire? pg. 81
• How do I Jump-Start my vehicle? pg. 87
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
• Where is my Fuse Block located? pg. 104
• What type of oil do I use? pg. 97
• How often should I change my engine’s oil? pg. 99
• What should my tire pressure be set at? pg. 106
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
115