Dodge Avenger (2020 year). Manual in english — page 19

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426

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

• The towing distance must not exceed 15 mi (24 km).

flatbed towing vehicle is not available, wheel lift towing

equipment may be used. Rear towing (with the front

• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

wheels on the ground) is not allowed, as transmission

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must

damage will occur. If rear towing is the only alternative,

be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15

the front wheels must be placed on a towing dolly. Proper

mi (24 km), it must be towed with the front wheels OFF

towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the

the ground (using a flatbed truck, towing dolly, or

vehicle.

wheel lift equipment with the front wheels raised).

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than

ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-

15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can

age from improper towing is not covered under the

cause severe transmission damage. Such damage is

New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Without The Ignition Key

Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed

with the ignition in the LOCK/OFF position. Flatbed

towing is the preferred towing method. However, if a

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CONTENTS

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L

429

▫ Engine Oil Filter

438

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L

430

▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter

438

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .431

▫ Maintenance-Free Battery

439

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

431

▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance

440

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped

442

7

PROGRAMS

432

▫ Body Lubrication

443

REPLACEMENT PARTS

433

▫ Windshield Wiper Blades

444

DEALER SERVICE

433

▫ Adding Washer Fluid

444

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

434

▫ Exhaust System

445

▫ Engine Oil

435

▫ Cooling System

448

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429

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L

7

1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)

9 — Coolant Pressure Cap

2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)

10 — Engine Oil Dipstick

3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick

7 — Air Cleaner Filter

11 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

8—EngineOilFill

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L

1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

5 — Air Cleaner Filter

2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

6 — Engine Oil Dipstick

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

7 — Engine Oil Fill

4 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)

8—WasherFluidReservoir

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431

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II

CAUTION!

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors

further damage to the emission control system. It

the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic

could also affect fuel economy and driveability.

transmission control systems. When these systems are

The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions

operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent

tests can be performed.

performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-

• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,

sions well within current government regulations.

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system

will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It

will also store diagnostic codes and other information to

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

7

assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-

After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can

though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not

determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or

need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as

improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-

soon as possible.

played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until

a clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the

gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer

“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

persists, the message will appear the next time the

serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-

vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If

ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not

the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will

ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,

ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.

which you can use prior to going to the test station. To

check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

do the following:

PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do

an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.

not crank or start the engine.

Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-

start this test over.

nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction

2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON

Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not

position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part

on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II

of a normal bulb check.

system is ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II

system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently

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433

3.

Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is

happen:

ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal

vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced

• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then

before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail

return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF

your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine

the ignition or start the engine. This means that your

running.

vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should

not proceed to the I/M station.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully

Use of genuine MOPAR® parts for normal/scheduled

illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-

engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system

sure the designed performance. Damage or failures

7

is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

caused by the use of non-MOPAR® parts for mainte-

nance and repairs will not be covered by the New Vehicle

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your

Limited Warranty.

authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was

recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,

DEALER SERVICE

you may need to do nothing more than drive your

vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II

Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-

system to update. A recheck with the above test routine

nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service

may then indicate that the system is now ready.

operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

available which include detailed service information for

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance

attempting any procedure yourself.

services determined by the engineers who designed your

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control

vehicle.

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed

penalties being assessed against you.

“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components

which may require servicing or replacement in the future.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

You can be badly injured working on or around a

motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If

form repairs and service when necessary could

you have any doubt about your ability to perform a

result in more costly repairs, damage to other

service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-

components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-

chanic.

mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions

examined by an authorized dealer or qualified

repair center.

(Continued)

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435

fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level

CAUTION! (Continued)

before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will

that protect the performance and durability of your

give you an incorrect reading.

vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-

vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and

nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,

only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of

transmission, power steering or air conditioning.

the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the

range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-

Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle

ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a

Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of

crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the

component malfunction, use only the specified

range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one

fluid for the flushing procedure.

7

quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the

Engine Oil

range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of

the range marking.

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must

be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at

regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to

check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a

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Engine Oil Selection

CAUTION!

For best performance and maximum protection under all

Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine

types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only

will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil

recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet

pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This

the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill

cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil

Identification Symbol

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is

This symbol means that the oil has

time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

been certified by the American

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-

Petroleum Institute

(API). The

tion.

manufacturer only recommends

API Certified engine oils.

NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-

tervals exceed

10,000

miles

(16,000

km) or twelve

months, whichever occurs first.

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437

Lubricants that do not have both, the engine oil certifi-

CAUTION!

cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the

should not be used.

chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is

Engine Oil Viscosity — 3.6L Engine

not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

MOPAR® SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to Chrysler

Engine Oil Viscosity — 2.4L Engine

Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®, Shell

Helix® or equivalent. is recommended for all operating

MOPAR® SAE 5W-20 engine oil or equivalent Pennzoil®

temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature

or Shell Helix® is recommended for all operating tem-

starting and vehicle fuel economy.

peratures. This engine oil improves low temperature

starting and vehicle fuel economy.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended

7

engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended

engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-

engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on

partment” illustration in this section.

the engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Com-

partment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further

NOTE: MOPAR® SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to

information.

Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®,

Shell Helix® or equivalent may be used when SAE 5W-20

engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.

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439

Maintenance-Free Battery

WARNING!

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can

You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-

provide a measure of protection in the case of engine

tenance required.

backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air

cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary

NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment behind

for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is

the left front fender and is accessible without removing

near the engine compartment before starting the

the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located

in the engine compartment for jump-starting. Refer to

vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,

“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergen-

hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in

cies” for further information.

serious personal injury.

7

To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection

right and remove the inner fender shield.

The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters

varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be

WARNING!

used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR® engine air

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can

cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-

burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid

mended.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

CAUTION!

to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean

• It is essential when replacing the cables on the

over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid

battery that the positive cable is attached to the

splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-

positive post and the negative cable is attached to

diately with large amounts of water.

the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive

• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep

(+) and negative

(-) and are identified on the

flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use

battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the

a booster battery or any other booster source with

terminal posts and free of corrosion.

an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable

• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the

clamps to touch each other.

vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-

• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories

fore connecting the charger to the battery. Do not

contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands

use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

after handling.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

For best possible performance, your air conditioner should

be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the start

of each warm season. This service should include cleaning of

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441

the condenser fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension

WARNING! (Continued)

should also be checked at this time.

Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,

for further warranty information.

CAUTION!

• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant

Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning

under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal

system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-

injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant

tioning components. Such damage is not covered by

or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected

the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

should be done by an experienced technician.

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling

WARNING!

7

R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-

• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants

carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental

approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-

Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-

tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are

ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning

flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other

service be performed by authorized dealer or other

unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the

service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.

system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to

NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system

(Continued) PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped

3.

Disconnect the glove box door dampener from the slot on

the side of the box. This is done by grasping the damp-

Refer to the

“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper

ener connector (on the outside of the box) and the end of

maintenance intervals.

the connector pin (on the inside of the box) with your

thumb and forefinger and pulling outward while lightly

WARNING!

lifting upward on the door with your other hand. Once

disconnected, the dampener will retract underneath the

Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is

instrument panel if you release it.

operating or personal injury may result.

4.

Pivot the glove box downward.

The A/C Air Filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind

the glove box. Perform the following procedure to re-

5.

Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter

place the filter:

cover to the HVAC housing and remove the cover.

1. Open the glove box and remove all contents.

2. Push in on the sides of the glove box and lower the

door.

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443

CAUTION!

The A/C air filter is identified with an arrow to

indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure

to install the filter properly will result in the need to

replace it more often.

8. Reinstall the glove box door dampener and glove box.

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as

seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,

7

A/C Air Filter Replacement

tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-

6. Remove the A/C Air Filter by pulling it straight out of

cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as

the housing.

MOPAR® Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-

tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the

7. Install the A/C Air Filter with the arrow on the filter

application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should

pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter cover,

be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating

make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the cover.

excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular

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445

When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some

Exhaust System

washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into

blades clean. This will help blade performance.

the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system

system.

in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;

exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This

or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;

rating information can be found on most washer fluid

or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;

containers.

have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-

haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-

WARNING!

aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams

or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep

7

Commercially available windshield washer solvents

into the passenger compartment. In addition, have the

are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care

exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised

must be exercised when filling or working around

for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

the washer solution.

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WARNING!

CAUTION!

• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain

• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-

carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and

leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the

odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious

effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control

and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing

device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-

CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things

mance and cause serious damage to the engine.

To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further

• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your

information.

vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.

• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park

In the event of engine malfunction, particularly

over materials that can burn. Such materials might

involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of

be grass or leaves coming into contact with your

performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.

exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-

Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe

hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-

malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,

tact anything that can burn.

resulting in possible damage to the converter and

vehicle.

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447

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-

• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,

portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure

when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in

proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst

motion.

damage.

• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control

vehicle.

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed

• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires

against you.

disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning

testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough

engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe

idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.

and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop

7

the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.

Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-

tions, should be obtained immediately.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System

applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or

rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,

WARNING!

flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-

freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any

• When working near the radiator cooling fan,

accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently

disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition

spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the

switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-

face of the condenser.

ture controlled and can start at anytime the ignition

Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-

switch is in the ON position.

ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection

• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine

at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for

coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If

leaks.

you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,

do not open the hood until the radiator has had

Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill

time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system

If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible

pressure cap when the radiator is hot.

sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with

Coolant Checks

OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS-12106).

Check engine coolant

(antifreeze) protection every

Refer to the

“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper

12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where

maintenance intervals.