Dodge Avenger User manual

Avenger
OWNE R ’ S MANUAL
2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................. 87
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................145
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................241
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 329
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................347
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................401
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 419
10
INDEX ...................................................................429
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 a Warranty Information Booklet,
located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented
documents. Please take the time to read these publica-
tions carefully. Following the instructions and recom-
mendations 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 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 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
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left
front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the
windshield. This number also appears on engraved on
the front right door sill under door sill moulding and 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.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

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 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 .................. 18
▫To Arm The System ................... 19
▫To Disarm The System ................. 20
䡵Illuminated Entry — 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

▫Remote Open Window Feature — If
Equipped ........................... 26
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 26
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 26
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 26
▫General Information ................... 27
䡵Remote Start System — If Equipped ......... 28
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 28
䡵Door Locks ........................... 30
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 30
▫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 .......... 36
▫Reset Auto Up ....................... 37
▫Window Lockout Switch ................ 38
▫Using The Remote Open Windows Feature
With Key FOB – If Equipped ............. 38
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
䡵Trunk Release ......................... 39
䡵Trunk Safety Warning ................... 40
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release ......... 40
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 42
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 48
▫Rear Seat Belts ....................... 48
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode
— If Equipped ....................... 48
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 49
▫Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head
Restraints (AHR) ...................... 50
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 54
▫BeltAlert威Programming ................ 54
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 55
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 55
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) -
Airbags ............................ 56
▫Airbag System Components .............. 57
▫Advanced Front Airbag Features .......... 58
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 63
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 70
▫Child Restraints ...................... 72
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 83
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 84
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 84
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 84
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 85
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 86
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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.
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
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
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, 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 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 “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
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.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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 by an authorized dealer.
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
compatible with some aftermarket remote starting sys-
tems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle 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 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 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.
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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 undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors and trunk
for unauthorized entry and ignition switch for unautho-
rized operation.
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 and the
headlights, 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.
Rearming The System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn off the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

horn after three minutes, turn off all of the visual signals
after 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle Security Alarm will
rearm itself.
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
(one door must be open) or the LOCK button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter (doors can be
open or closed), and close all doors.
NOTE: The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you
lock the doors with the manual door lock plungers.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash for 16 seconds. This shows that the Vehicle
Security Alarm 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 Vehicle
Security Alarm will automatically disarm.
NOTE:
• During the 16 second arming period, if a door is
opened or the ignition switch is turned ON, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will automatically disarm.
• Once armed, the Vehicle Security Alarm 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 HomeLink威/Garage
Door Opener (if equipped).
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19