Dodge Avenger (2020 year). Manual in english

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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM

WARNING!

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics

brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-

from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the

tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist

traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The

System (BAS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All

ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those re-

systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and

sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on

control in various driving conditions and are commonly

very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capa-

referred to as ESC.

bilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which

This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control

could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of

under adverse braking conditions. The system controls

others.

hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and

Traction Control System (TCS)

help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.

This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of

the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake

pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine

power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and

stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to

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a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin

pressure unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake

across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is

pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.

spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the

brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine

WARNING!

torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.

• The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-

This feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in

ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase

the “Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability

braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the

Control (ESC)” in this section of this manual.

condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the

Brake Assist System (BAS)

traction afforded.

• The BAS cannot prevent collisions, including those

The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking

resulting from excessive speed in turns, following

capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The sys-

another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.

tem detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the

rate and amount of brake application and then applies

• The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must

optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous

braking distances. The BAS complements the Anti-Lock

manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or

Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly

the safety of others.

results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of

the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure

during the stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal

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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

WARNING!

This system enhances directional control and stability of

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the

the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-

natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,

rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying

nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing

the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-

road conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, in-

acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power

cluding those resulting from excessive speed in

may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the

turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-

desired path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to deter-

planing. ESC also cannot prevent accidents resulting

mine the vehicle path intended by the driver and com-

from loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate

pares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual

driver input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,

path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the

and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capa-

brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting

bilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be

the oversteer or understeer condition.

exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which

• Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than

could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

others.

• Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

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337

ESC Operating Modes

intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand,

or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESC

The ESC system has two available operating modes:

would normally allow is required to gain traction.

Full On

This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever

the vehicle is started the ESC system will be in this mode.

This mode should be used for almost all driving situa-

tions. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” for

specific reasons as noted below.

Partial Off

This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC

Off” switch (located in the lower switch bank below the

heater/air conditioning controls). When in “Partial Off”

mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the limited slip

ESC Off Switch

feature described in the TCS section, has been disabled

and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will be illuminated.

All other stability features of ESC function normally, with

the exception of engine power reduction. This mode is

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To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off”

NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving

switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of

with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or

operation.

gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”

mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situa-

WARNING!

tion requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off”

mode is overcome, turn ESC on again by momentarily

When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of

pressing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while

ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in

the vehicle is in motion.

the TCS section) has been disabled and the “ESC Off

ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And

Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Par-

ESC OFF Indicator Light

tial Off” mode, the engine power reduction of TCS is

disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered

by the ESC system is reduced.

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator

Light” in the instrument cluster will come on

when the ignition switch is cycled to the ON

position. It should go out with the engine

running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator

Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a

malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this

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339

light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the

NOTE:

vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at

• The

“ESC Off Indicator Light” and the

“ESC

speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-

rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem

mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

diagnosed and corrected.

• Each time the ignition is cycled ON, the ESC system

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-

will be ON even if it was cycled off previously.

cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as

the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active.

• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also

when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop

flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/

when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver

Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during ac-

that caused the ESC activation.

celeration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little

throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and

The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the

driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially

off.

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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

NOTE:

Tire Markings

• P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”

molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-

tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European-Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have

the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with

the section width. The letter P is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric

tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards

4 — Maximum Load

letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-

Code (TIN)

ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction and

Temperature Grades

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• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

emergency use only. Temporary high pressure com-

standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded

pact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into

into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:

T145/80D18 103M.

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

....blank

= Passenger car tire based on European design standards

LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards

T or S = Temporary spare tire

31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)

215 = Section width in millimeters (mm)

65 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)

— Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5 = Section width in inches (in)

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EXAMPLE:

R = Construction code

— R means radial construction

— D means diagonal or bias construction

15 = Rim diameter in inches (in)

Service Description:

95 = Load Index

— A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

H = Speed Symbol

— A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to

its load index under certain operating conditions

— The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under

specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and

posted speed limits)

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EXAMPLE:

Load Identification:

....blank

= Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire

Extra Load (XL) = Extra load (or reinforced) tire

Light Load (LL) = Light load tire

C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load— Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure— Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for

this tire

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall

tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire,

the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard

however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires

side of the tire.

with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the

date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

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EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT = Department of Transportation

— This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire

safety standards and is approved for highway use

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

— 03 means the 3rd week

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

— 01 means the year 2001

— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the

year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located

behind the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after

the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less

than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a three hour period. Inflation

pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or

kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible

cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation

pressure is molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure

Pressure

as shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A paper label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the

vehicle’s loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and

the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.

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Tire And Loading Information Placard

3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.

4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and

spare tires.

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed

the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You

will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you

adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire

inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading

Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section

of this manual.

NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

Tire And Loading Information Placard

gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear

This placard tells you important information about the:

axles must not be exceeded. For further information on

GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

“Vehicle Loading” in this section.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.

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To determine the maximum loading conditions of your

The resulting figure equals the available amount of

vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of

cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or

“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will

XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the

The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and

amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity

trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed

is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 lbs (68 kg) = 750 lbs

the weight referenced here.

(340 kg), and 1400 lbs (635 kg) - 750 lbs (340 kg) =

650 lbs [295 kg]).

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit

Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-

being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not

pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or

safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load

XXX kg” on your vehicle’s placard.

capacity calculated in step 4.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and

passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-

sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.

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NOTE:

• For the following example, the combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs

• If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your

(392 kg).

trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-

ing table shows examples on how to calculate total

load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your

vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-

ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration

purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating

and load carry capacity of your vehicle.

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Safety

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading

WARNING!

can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can

increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the

cause collisions.

recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never

• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-

overload them.

sult in over-heating and tire failure.

• Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can

Tire Pressure

cause damage that result in tire failure.

• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect ve-

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and

hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in

satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary

loss of vehicle control.

areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-

lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

(Continued)

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stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of

WARNING! (Continued)

sluggish response or over responsiveness in the steering.

• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle

to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the

NOTE:

right or left.

• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause

• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-

erratic and unpredictable steering response.

mended cold tire inflation pressure.

• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the

Economy

vehicle to drift left or right.

Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear pat-

Tire Inflation Pressures

terns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the

patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier

driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side

tire replacement. Under-inflation also increases tire rolling

door.

resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.

At least once a month:

Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability

• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality

Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.

pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual

Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable

ride. Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the

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judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires

Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range

may look properly inflated even when they are under-

of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with

inflated.

temperature changes.

• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.

Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per

12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind

CAUTION!

when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in

the winter.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-

Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the

ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent

outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire

moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,

inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),

which could damage the valve stem.

which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always

outside temperature condition.

“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure

Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)

is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not

during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure

been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1

build up or your tire pressure will be too low.

mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire

inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-

tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.

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Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation

Radial Ply Tires

The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and

WARNING!

within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-

tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires

speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very

on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle

important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle

poorly. The instability could cause a collision. Al-

loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-

ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never

tion. Refer to your authorized tire dealer or original

combine them with other types of tires.

equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe operat-

ing speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.

Tire Repair

If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it

WARNING!

meets the following criteria:

High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-

• The tire has not been driven on when flat.

mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your

• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire

tires could cause them to fail. You could have a

(sidewall damage is not repairable).

serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the

maximum capacity at continuous speeds above

• The puncture is no greater than ¼ (6 mm).

75 mph (120 km/h).

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Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and

Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped

additional information.

Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry

Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have

conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or

experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced imme-

on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be

diately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and

aware these tires are not designed for winter or cold

service description (Load Index and Speed Code).

driving conditions. For more information, contact a au-

thorized dealer. Summer tires do not contain the all

Tire Types

season designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on

All Season Tires — If Equipped

the tire sidewall.

All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (spring,

Use summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may

summer, fall and winter). Traction levels may vary be-

adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.

tween different all season tires. All season tires can be

Snow Tires

identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on

the tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four;

Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires

failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and

during the winter. Snow tires can be identified by a

handling of your vehicle.

mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.

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If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and

Run Flat Tires — If Equipped

type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only

Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles

in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the

(80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation

safety and handling of your vehicle.

pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what

Run Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire

was originally equipped with your vehicle and should

inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a

not be operated at sustained speeds over

mph

Run Flat tire reaches the run flat mode it has limited

(120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to

driving capabilities and needs to be replaced immedi-

original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for

ately. A Run Flat tire is not repairable.

recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold

It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full

tire inflation pressures.

capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat

While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid

mode.

and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be

See the tire pressure monitoring section for more infor-

poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-

mation.

hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be

checked before using these tire types.

Dodge Avenger (2020 year). Manual in english - page 15