Dodge 2009 Avenger User manual

2009 AVENGER
AVENGER
Chrysler LLC
81-226-0930 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
OWNER’S MANUAL
2009

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution there-
fore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................83
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 171
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................263
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................347
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................365
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................421
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................439
10
INDEX ....................................................................449
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ...........................4
䡵How To Use This Manual ..................4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ...................6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ...............6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 13
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................ 15
▫Locking Doors With The Key ............. 15
䡵Sentry Key威........................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫Sentry Key威Programming ............... 17
▫General Information .................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . 19
▫Rearming The System .................. 19
▫To Arm The System .................... 19
▫To Disarm The System .................. 20
䡵Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ...... 21
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped .... 21
▫To Unlock The Doors ................... 22
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 24
▫To Unlatch The Trunk .................. 25
2

▫Using The Express Down Windows Feature
— If Equipped........................ 26
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 26
▫Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 26
▫Battery Replacement ................... 26
▫General Information .................... 27
䡵Remote Start System — If Equipped ......... 28
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 29
䡵Door Locks ........................... 31
▫Manual Door Locks .................... 31
▫Power Door Locks ..................... 32
▫Child Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors) ............................. 34
䡵Power Windows ........................ 35
▫Power Window Switches ................ 35
▫Auto Window Down — If Equipped ........ 36
▫Auto Window Up — If Equipped .......... 37
▫Reset Auto Up ....................... 37
▫Window Lockout Switch ................ 38
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
䡵Trunk Release ......................... 39
䡵Trunk Safety Warning .................... 39
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release .......... 40
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 43
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Rear Seat Belts ....................... 49
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners .................. 49
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert威).......................... 49
▫BeltAlert威Programming ................. 50
▫Automatic Locking Mode ................ 51
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ........... 51
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 51
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) -
Airbag ............................. 52
▫Airbag System Components .............. 53
▫Front Seat Airbag Features ............... 54
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls .... 60
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 66
▫Child Restraints ....................... 68
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 79
䡵Safety Tips ............................ 80
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 80
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 80
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................... 81
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE:
• If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition switch lock cylinder. If this
occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove
the key as described. If a malfunction occurs, the
system will trap the key in the ignition switch lock
cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inop-
erable. The engine can be started and stopped, but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 45 seconds after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either door will cancel this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either door will cancel this feature. The
time for this feature is programmable. For details, refer
to “Key-Off Power Delay,” under “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4
of this manual.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
• The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.
• With either front door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.
Locking Doors With The Key
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver’s door only.
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, refer to “Body
Lubrication” under “Maintenance Procedures” in Sec-
tion 7 of this manual.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE: A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the Vehicle Security Light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle
Security Light begins to flash after the bulb check, it
indicates that someone used an invalid key to start the
engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Key威from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil SpeedPass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain will not cause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other Radio Frequency
(RF) electronics will not cause interference with this
system.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key威has been programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
This PIN is required for authorized dealer replacement of
keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Sentry Key姞Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid Sentry Keys威by performing the following proce-
dure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tems memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting
your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an autho-
rized dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE