Dodge Avenger User manual

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 ................................... 167
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................251
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................343
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................363
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................421
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................429
10
INDEX ....................................................................439
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance 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 instruc-
tions 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 reference 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 Mopartparts, 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 rear of this 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 manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

Common Icons
INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures that could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not
read this entire manual, you may miss important infor-
mation. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
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 or 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
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
mSentry Keyt...........................15
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Sentry KeytProgramming ................17
▫General Information ....................18
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........18
▫Rearming The System ...................18
▫To Arm The System .....................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................20
mIlluminated Entry System — If Equipped .......21
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........22
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................22
▫To Lock The Doors .....................24
▫To Unlatch The Trunk ...................25
▫Using The Express Down Windows Feature ....26
2

▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................26
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........26
▫Battery Replacement ....................26
▫General Information ....................27
mRemote Start System — If Equipped ..........28
▫How To Use Remote Start ................29
mDoor Locks ............................30
▫Manual Door Locks .....................30
▫Power Door Locks .....................32
▫“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................34
mPower Windows ........................35
▫Power Window Switches .................35
▫Auto Window Down — If Equipped .........36
▫Auto Window Up — If Equipped ...........36
▫Reset Auto Up ........................37
▫Window Lockout Switch .................38
▫Wind Buffeting ........................38
mTrunk Release ..........................39
mTrunk Safety Warning.....................39
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........40
mOccupant Restraints ......................40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................42
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....48
▫Rear Seat Belts ........................49
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................49
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................49
▫BeltAlerttProgramming .................50
▫Automatic Locking Mode ................51
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............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 Restraint ........................68
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........79
mSafety Tips ............................79
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................79
▫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 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 dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
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 Ignition Key Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• If you try to remove the key before you place the
selector lever in PARK, the key may become trapped
temporarily 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

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
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) 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. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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.
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 Alarm Indicator Light will
turn for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a
problem with the electronics. In addition, if the 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 Alarm Indicator Light turns during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer
than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the
electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keytfrom the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE:
• The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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 Keyts,
or any other transponder equipped components 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 RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
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 Keythas 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 PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one, which has never been
programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEYTPROGRAMMING
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder 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 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 position within 15 sec-
onds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addition,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keytinto the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the position within 60 sec-
onds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the indicator light will turn again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Keytis programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Sentry Keytsystem 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.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) system monitors the
doors and trunk for unauthorized entry and ignition
switch for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes, the horn will
sound intermittently and the headlights, park lights,
taillights and the indicator light in the cluster will flash.
Then the exterior lights will flash for another 15 minutes.
REARMING THE SYSTEM:
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after 3
minutes, turn off all of the visual signals after 15 minutes,
and then the system will rearm itself.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

TO ARM THE SYSTEM:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch
or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, and close all doors.
3. The indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash
rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the system is
arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the
ignition switch is turned ON, or the power door locks are
unlocked in any manner, the system will automatically
disarm. After 16 seconds, the indicator light will flash
slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.
NOTE:
• During the 16 second arming period, if a door is
opened or the ignition switch is turned ON, the system
will automatically disarm.
• Once armed, the system disables the unlock switch on
the driver door trim panel and passenger door trim
panel, the trunk release button on the instrument
panel, and the HomeLinkt/Garage Door Opener (if
equipped).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
Either press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter or insert a valid sentry key into the
ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the ON/START
position.
NOTE:
• The driver’s door key cylinder and the trunk button on
the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
system.
• The system remains armed during trunk entry. Press-
ing the trunk button will not disarm the system. If
someone enters the vehicle through the trunk and
opens any door, the alarm will sound.
• When the system is armed, the interior power door
lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where
the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the
previously described arming sequences has occurred, the
system will arm regardless of whether you are in the
vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
system.
If the alarm system is armed and the battery becomes
disconnected the system will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected. The exterior lights will flash, the
horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the
vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Tamper Alert
If the alarm was triggered, but the warning signals have
timed out, the park and taillights flash three times
(instead of the normal twice) when unlocking the vehicle
with a valid Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
alert the driver.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE