Dodge Avenger (2014 year). Instruction — part 18

284

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
• Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

NOTE:

The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed

so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
• Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE:

For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there

is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.

• Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and

side window demist outlets.
• Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in

cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
• Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-

mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

285

• Air Conditioner Control

Press this button to turn on the air
conditioning during instruction operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air

conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
instruction compressor operation is selected.
• Recirculation Control

The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will temporarily put the system
in recirculation mode. This can be used when

outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high
humidity are present. Activating recirculation will cause
the LED in the control button to illuminate.

NOTE:

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK

position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may

lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in defrost, in order to improve
window clearing. Recirculation will be disabled auto-
matically if Defrost is selected.

• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows to

fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog, press the
Recirculation button to return to outside air. Some temp/
humidity conditions will cause captured interior air to
condense on windows and hamper visibility. For this
reason, the system will not allow Recirculation to be
selected while in defrost. Attempting to use the recircu-
lation while in Defrost will cause the LED in the control
button to blink and then turn off.

286

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you

can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press the
Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibil-
ity of window fogging.

Blower Control

For full automatic operation or for
automatic blower operation, turn the
blower knob to the AUTO position. In
instruction mode there are seven blower
speeds that can be individual selected.
In off position the blower will shut off.

Operating Tips

NOTE:

Refer to the chart at the end of this section for

suggested control settings for various weather conditions.

Summer Operation

The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
A solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
coolant that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

287

Standard MS-12106 and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.

Winter Operation

Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.

Vacation Storage

Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.

Window Fogging

Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.

NOTE:

Recirculate without A/C should not be used for

long periods as fogging may occur.

Side Window Demisters

A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

288

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Outside Air Intake

Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped

The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from entering
the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from outside the
vehicle and recirculated air within the passenger compart-
ment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service information or see
your authorized dealer for service. Refer to “Maintenance
Schedules” for filter service intervals.

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

289

Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions

290

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 STARTING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295
▫ Normal Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
▫ Extreme Cold Weather

(Below –20°F Or −29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299

䡵 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .299
䡵 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . .299

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301

▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .302
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission —

If Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302

▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE) —

If Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310

䡵 AUTOSTICK® — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . .318

▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318

䡵 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES . . . . . . . . .319

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320

5

䡵 DRIVING THROUGH WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . .320

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .321
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .321

䡵 POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323

䡵 PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324
䡵 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . .326
䡵 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .329

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . .329
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . .330
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . .331

▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And

ESC OFF Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334

䡵 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .335

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN). . . . . . . . . . .339
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . .340
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .341

䡵 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . .346

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .346
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .347
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .349
▫ Radial Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349
▫ Tire Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350

292

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .351
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .352
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .355
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356

䡵 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) . . . . . . .357
䡵 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . .358
䡵 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .359

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361
▫ Premium System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . .364
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .367

䡵 FUEL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .368

▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .368
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . .369
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . .369
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370
▫ Fuel System Cautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . .372

䡵 FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF

EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372

▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .373
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles

(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . .375

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

293

▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .376
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .376

䡵 ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .376

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .376
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .378

䡵 VEHICLE LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379

▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . . . . . .379
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . . . . . . . .379
▫ Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .380
▫ Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .380

䡵 TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .380

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . .381
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .384

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .384
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .386
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391

䡵 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND

MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .393

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .393
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models . . . . . . . . .394

294

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key

fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or

in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

Automatic Transmission

The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

295

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL

into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.

• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle

has come to a complete stop and the engine is at
idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

For Vehicles Not Equipped With Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission),

turn the ignition switch to the START

position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

For Vehicles Equipped With Tip Start (Six-Speed Trans-
mission),

turn the ignition switch to the START position

and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter
motor will continue to run, and it will disengage auto-
matically when the engine is running. If the engine fails
to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10
seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.

296

STARTING AND OPERATING

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or −29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster

cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.

Without Tip Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

297

the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15
seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
the floor.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Ex-
treme Cold Weather” procedures.

With Tip Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.

298

STARTING AND OPERATING

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warning effect on the engine.

The engine block heater cord is bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle

has come to a complete stop and the engine is at
idle speed.

(Continued)

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

299