Dodge Avenger 2012 User manual

Avenger
Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL
2012
2012 Avenger
12D41-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
905541-Avenger-OM cover.indd 1 3/28/11 5:17 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
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 optional
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 Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any obliga-
tion upon itself to install them on products previously
manufactured.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group 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 ............................. 89
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................185
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................287
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 385
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................407
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................459
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 475
10
INDEX ...................................................................485
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
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
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 Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.
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

1
INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision 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 on the left
front corner of the instrument panel and is visible from
outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears stamped on the right front door sill
under the sill moulding and printed on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Stamped VIN Location
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15
▫Locking Doors With A Key .............. 15
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫General Information ................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫Rearming The System .................. 19
▫To Arm The System ................... 19
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
䡵Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 20
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 Panic Alarm ................. 25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 25
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Start System — If Equipped ......... 27
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 30
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 30
▫Power Door Locks .................... 31
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear
Doors ............................. 33
䡵Power Windows ....................... 34
▫Power Window Switches ................ 34
▫Auto Window Down — If Equipped ....... 35
▫Auto Window Up With Anti-Pinch
Protection— If Equipped ................ 36
▫Window Lockout Switch ................ 37
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
䡵Trunk Release ......................... 38
䡵Trunk Safety Warning ................... 39
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release ......... 39
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 43
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 49
▫Rear Seat Belts ....................... 50
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 51
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 52
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 52
▫Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
— If Equipped ....................... 52
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 56
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 57
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 57
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air
Bags .............................. 58
▫Air Bag System Components ............. 60
▫Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 60
▫Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 64
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 71
▫Child Restraints ...................... 72
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 83
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 84
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 84
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 85
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 86
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 88
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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.
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
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.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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, place the shift lever in PARK, 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 inoperable. 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
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON/RUN
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
The time for this feature is programmable. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
WARNING!
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the 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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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, neither the power door locks nor Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will function.
Locking Doors With A Key
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver’s door.
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 “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized 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.
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
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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 by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Always remove the Sentry Key威from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not com-
patible with some after-market remote starting
systems. Use of these systems may result in ve-
hicle starting problems and loss of security
protection.
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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.
Customer Key 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/RUN 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.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN 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/RUN 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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 unde-
sired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors and trunk
for unauthorized entry and ignition switch for unauthor-
ized operation. While the Vehicle Security Alarm is
armed, interior switches for door locks and decklid
release are disabled.
If something triggers the alarm, the Vehicle Security
Alarm will signal for about 18 minutes. For the first three
minutes, the horn will sound intermittently, the head-
lights will turn on, the park lamps and/or turn signals
will flash and the Vehicle Security Light in the cluster will
flash. Then the exterior lights will flash for another
15 minutes.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE