Dodge Avenger (2020 year). Manual in english

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380

STARTING AND OPERATING

Starting

Replacement Parts

The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use

Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are

when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the

designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure

range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an

that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-

increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and

patible parts.

a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)

until the engine is fully warmed up.

CAUTION!

NOTE: Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is

Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol

beneficial for E-85 startability when the ambient tempera-

compatible components can damage your vehicle.

ture is less than 32°F (0°C).

Maintenance

Cruising Range

Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter

CAUTION!

than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel

Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your

consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon

vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and

(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease

may affect drivability.

by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.

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After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable

NOTE: If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the

over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the

replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s

surface.

CAUTION!

• Damage to the fuel system or emission control

system could result from using an improper fuel

tank filler tube cap (gas cap).

• A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Malfunc-

tion Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.

• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top

off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel

nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.

Tether Cable

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383

properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn

WARNING!

on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the

that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is

vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is

refueled.

being filled.

Loose Filler Cap Message

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is

in violation of most state and federal fire regula-

If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel

tions and doing so may cause the MIL to turn on.

filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a

“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the instrument

• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a

cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is

portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You

heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly

could be burned. Always place gas containers on

tightened. Press the trip odometer reset button to turn off

the ground while filling.

the message. If the problem persists, the message will

NOTE:

appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might

indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice

• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank

in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the

is full.

problem will turn the MIL off.

• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.

This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened

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STARTING AND OPERATING

VEHICLE LOADING

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Vehicle Certification Label

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.

This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total

Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to

load must be limited so that you do not exceed the

the drivers side B-Pillar or the rear of the driver’s door.

GVWR.

The label contains the following information:

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

• Name of manufacturer

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear

• Month and year of manufacture

axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or

rear GAWR.

• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front

• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear

WARNING!

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is

• Type of Vehicle

important that you do not exceed the maximum front

or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can

• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)

result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.

control of the vehicle and have a collision.

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385

Overloading

The load carrying components

(axle, springs, tires,

To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty

wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory

weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items

service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the

down low and be sure you distribute their weight as

front and rear GAWR.

evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before

driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you

The best way to figure out the total weight of your

have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within

vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for

the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.

operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that

Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect

it is not over the GVWR.

on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle

the brakes operate.

separately. It is important that you distribute the load

evenly over the front and rear axles.

TRAILER TOWING

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and

In this section you will find safety tips and information

shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension

on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do

components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s

with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully

GVWR.

review this information to tow your load as efficiently

and safely as possible.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,

ready for operation condition. The recommended way to

follow the requirements and recommendations in this

measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a

manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.

vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be

supported by the scale.

Common Towing Definitions

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

The following trailer towing related definitions will assist

you in understanding the following information:

The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle

and trailer when weighed in combination.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.

This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear

weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not

axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles

exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle

evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or

Certification Label” in

“Starting and Operating” for

rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-

further information.

tion Label” in

“Starting and Operating” for further

information.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all

cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-

porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its loaded and

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387

Weight-Carrying Hitch

WARNING!

A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue

It is important that you do not exceed the maximum

weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or

front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition

some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds

can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose

of hitches are the most popular on the market today and

control of the vehicle and have a collision.

they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized

trailers.

Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the

hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less

than 10% of the trailer load. You must consider this as

part of the load on your vehicle.

Frontal Area

The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the

maximum width of the front of a trailer.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

The following chart provides the industry standard for

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch In-

the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can

dustry Standards

tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy

10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)

Duty

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum

Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given

drivetrain.

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed

on your vehicle.

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389

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.

Max. Gross Trailer Wt.

Max. Trailer Tongue Wt.

Engine/Transmission

Max. Frontal Area

(GTW)

(See Note 1)

2.4L/Auto

11 sq.ft. (1.0 sq.m)

1,000 lbs (450 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

(See Note 2)

3.6L/Auto

22 sq.ft. (2.0 sq.m)

1,000 lbs (450 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

Note 1: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as

Note 2: Enclosed trailers or open utility trailers with

part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo,

front shields/guards are not recommended for use with

and it should never exceed the weight referenced on the

all four-cylinder engines with automatic transmission.

Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire

Please see your authorized dealer for additional infor-

Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for

mation.

further information.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer And Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in

the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your

vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the

rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side

which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.

Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of

many trailer collisions.

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on

your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the

weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.

• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

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391

NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the

CAUTION! (Continued)

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a

factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must

trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)

be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.

and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps

Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for

the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at

the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo

the heavier loads.

for your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

WARNING!

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these

train components the following guidelines are recom-

guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as pos-

mended:

sible:

• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and

CAUTION!

it will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle

that may be difficult for the driver to control. You

or other parts could be damaged.

could lose control of your vehicle and have a collision.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four

cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-

ratings are not exceeded:

age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,

1. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading

suspension, chassis structure, or tires.

Information” placard.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to

2. GTW

the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.

3. GAWR

Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-

enough slack for turning corners.

lized.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a

grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on

Towing Requirements — Tires

the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic

transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

the trailer wheels.

spare tire.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.

• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to

(Continued)

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393

“Tires - General Information” in “Starting and Oper-

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.

• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.

sures before trailer usage.

This could cause inadequate braking and possible

personal injury.

• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

before towing a trailer. Refer to

“Tires

- General

required when towing a trailer with electronically

Information” in

“Starting and Operating” for the

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with

proper inspection procedure.

a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires - General Infor-

brake controller is not required.

mation” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper tire

• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over

replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher

1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of

load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s

2,000 lbs (907 kg).

GVWR and GAWR limits.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

WARNING! (Continued)

in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

collision.

loaded, it should have its own brakes and they

should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring

could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher

brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,

stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for

motoring safety.

WARNING!

The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and

• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s

seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer

hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake

harness and connector.

system and cause it to fail. You might not have

brakes when you need them and could have a

NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s

collision.

wiring harness.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,

distance. When towing you should allow for addi-

but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.

tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle

Refer to the following illustrations.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips

If you REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45

minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,

matic transmission fluid and filter as specified for “po-

and backing up the trailer in an area located away from

lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the

heavy traffic.

“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance

Automatic Transmission

intervals.

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-

NOTE: Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed

ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, select the

transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans-

3 range (with four-speed transmission) or select a lower

mission does not require a fluid level check before

gear using the AutoStick® shift control (with six-speed

towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or transmis-

transmission).

sion malfunction, see your authorized dealer immedi-

ately for assistance.

NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle

under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-

AutoStick®

mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-

• When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the

sive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also

highest gear that allows for adequate performance and

provide better engine braking.

avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if

the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or

“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.

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• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous

Cooling System

driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-

To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-

sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to

heating, take the following actions:

a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road

conditions allow.

City Driving

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-

mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.

• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

Highway Driving

• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until

Reduce speed.

you can get back to cruising speed.

Air Conditioning

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

Turn off temporarily.

maximize fuel efficiency.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF the Ground

All Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

Dolly Tow

Front

Rear

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

Recreational Towing — All Models

3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmis-

sion in PARK.

Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels

are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a

4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following

tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

this procedure:

5. Release the parking brake.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

402

▫ Preparations For Jacking

407

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

402

▫ Jacking Instructions

407

▫ Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) —

▫ Road Tire Installation

415

If Equipped

403

JUMP-STARTING

417

WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE

▫ Preparations For Jump-Start

418

SPECIFICATIONS

404

▫ Jump-Starting Procedure

420

▫ Torque Specifications

404

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

422

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

405

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE

423

▫ Jack Location

406

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

424

▫ Spare Tire Stowage

406

▫ Without The Ignition Key

426

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402

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the

In any of the following situations, you can reduce the

instrument panel, below the radio.

potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-

tion.

Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning

flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-

• On the highways — Slow down.

tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming

• In city traffic

— While stopped, put transaxle in

traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and it should not

CAUTION!

be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage

vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for

your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull

other motorists.

over and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle,

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the

when safe. Turn the air conditioner off and wait until

Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even

the pointer drops back into the normal range. After

though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.

appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer

remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately,

NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers

and call for service.

may wear down your battery.

Dodge Avenger (2020 year). Manual in english - page 17