2008-2010 Dodge Avenger Service & Repair Manual
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2008 ENGINE
2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
DESCRIPTION
2.4L ENGINE
The 2.4 Liter (148 cu. in.) in-line four cylinder engine is a double over head camshaft design with mechanical
lash tappets and four valves per cylinder design. This engine is NOT free-wheeling; meaning that the pistons
will contact the valves in the event of a timing chain failure.
The cylinders are numbered from front of the engine to the rear. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
Fig. 1: Locating Engine Serial Number
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
The engine serial number (1) is located on the rear of the cylinder block behind the oil pan. The serial number is
visible with the oil pan in place. The serial number contains engine build date information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE TEST
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seating).
NOTE: Vehicle is equipped with at Global Powertrain Engine Controller (GPEC).
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water jacket.
Any causes for combustion/compression pressure loss.
1. Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO NOT install the pressure cap.
2. Start and operate the engine until it attains normal operating temperature, then turn the engine OFF.
3. Clean spark plug recesses with compressed air.
4. Remove the spark plugs.
5. Remove the oil filler cap.
6. Remove the air cleaner.
7. Calibrate the tester according to the manufacturer's instructions. The shop air source for testing should
maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379 kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) recommended.
8. Perform the test procedures on each cylinder according to the tester manufacturer's instructions. While
testing, listen for pressurized air escaping through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap opening.
Check for bubbles in the coolant.
9. All gauge pressure indications should be equal, with no more than 25% leakage per cylinder.
10. FOR EXAMPLE: At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pressure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be
maintained in the cylinder.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunctions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the engine starter motor is in good operating condition. Otherwise
the indicated compression pressures may not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
1. Check engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
2. Drive the vehicle until engine reaches normal operating temperature. Select a route free from traffic and
other forms of congestion, observe all traffic laws, and accelerate through the gears several times briskly.
3. Remove engine cover.
4. Disconnect coil electrical connectors and remove coils.
5. Remove all spark plugs from engine. As spark plugs are being removed, check electrodes for abnormal
firing indicators fouled, hot, oily, etc. Record cylinder number of spark plug for future reference.
6. Disconnect injector electrical connectors.
7. Be sure throttle blade is fully open during the compression check.
8. Insert compression gauge Adapter 8116 or the equivalent, into the #1 spark plug hole in cylinder head.
Connect the 0-500 psi (Blue) pressure transducer CH7059 with cable Adapters to the DRBIII®. For
Special Tool identification, see SPECIAL TOOLS .
9. Crank engine until maximum pressure is reached on gauge. Record this pressure as #1 cylinder pressure.
WARNING: Do not remove the pressure cap with the system hot and under pressure
because serious burns from coolant can occur.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
10. Repeat the previous step for all remaining cylinders.
11. Compression should not be less than 1034 kPa (150 psi) and not vary more than 25 percent from cylinder
to cylinder.
12. If one or more cylinders have abnormally low compression pressures, repeat the compression test.
13. If the same cylinder or cylinders repeat an abnormally low reading on the second compression test, it
could indicate the existence of a problem in the cylinder in question. The recommended compression
pressures are to be used only as a guide to diagnosing engine problems. An engine should not be
disassembled to determine the cause of low compression unless some malfunction is present.
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by routine
maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either mechanical (e.g, a strange noise), or performance (e.g, engine
idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL and the ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
diagnostic charts for possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
For fuel system diagnosis, see FUEL SYSTEM article.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be necessary for specific engine malfunctions that cannot be
isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts. Information concerning additional tests and diagnosis is provided
within the following:
Cylinder Compression Pressure Test. Refer to CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST .
Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test. Refer to CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE TEST .
Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis. Refer to CYLINDER HEAD GASKET .
Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis. Refer to INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS .
Mechanical Valve Tappet Noise Diagnosis. Refer to HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER NOISE
DIAGNOSIS .
Engine Oil Leak Inspection. Refer to ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION .
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VALVETRAIN NOISE 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.
1. Check and correct engine oil
level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Thick oil 3. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
- (b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
- (c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
4. Low oil pressure. 4. (a) Check and correct engine oil
level.
- (b) Check pressure regulating
valve.
5. Worn cam lobe. 5. Install new camshaft.
6. Worn tappet bucket. 6. Install new select fit tappet
bucket.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. Replace cylinder head.
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.
8. Grind valve seats and replace
valves.
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect
oil pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
-
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
- (c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Connecting rod journal out-of-
round.
6. Replace crankshaft or grind
surface.
7. Connecting rod out-of-round. 7. Replace connecting rod.
8. Misaligned connecting rods. 8. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect
oil pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
- (b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
- (c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear
on flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.
7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.
8. Tighten to correct torque.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Install new sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check sending unit and main
bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace balance shaft module.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect,
clean, or replace.
8. Excessive bearing clearance. 8. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.
1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or
porous metal part.
2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup
or threaded plug.
3. Replace as necessary.
OIL CONSUMPTION OR
SPARK PLUGS FOULED
1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as
necessary. Refer to DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING .
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install
new rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in
grooves.
4. Remove rings and check
grooves. If groove is not proper
width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or
damaged.
6. Replace seal(s).
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace as
necessary. Refer to DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING .
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.
2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. Check for
codes. (Refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information)
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed. (Refer
to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. Refer to
SPECIFICATIONS .
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. (Refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information)
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
ENGINE STALLS OR IDLES
ROUGH
1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold
gasket, and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
5. Contamination in Oil Control
Valve (OCV).
5. Remove OCV and inspect for
contamination. Replace OCV if
contaminated.
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped
plugs.
1. Clean plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
4. Incorrect valve timing. 4. Correct valve timing.
5. Leaking cylinder head gasket. 5. Replace cylinder head gasket.
6. Low compression. 6. Test compression of each
cylinder.
7. Burned, warped, or pitted
valves.
7. Replace valves.
8. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system.
8. Perform exhaust restriction test.
Install new parts (refer to
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING ), as
necessary.
9. Faulty ignition coil(s). 9. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION
1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped
spark plugs.
1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in Fuel System. 2. Clean fuel system and replace fuel
filter.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak. If an oil
leak source is not readily identifiable, the following steps should be followed:
1. Do not clean or degrease the engine at this time because some solvents may cause rubber to swell,
temporarily stopping the leak.
2. Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
3. Using a black light, inspect the entire engine for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area of oil
leak. If the oil leak is found and identified, repair as necessary.
4. If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at various speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and repeat
inspection.
5. If the oil leak source is not positively identified at this time , proceed with the AIR LEAK
DETECTION TEST METHOD as follows:
Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on
the cover.
Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and regulator to the dipstick tube.
Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5 psi maximum while applying soapy water at the
suspected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable test pressure that provides the best bubbles
which will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is detected and identified, repair per service
3. Burned, warped, or pitted
valves.
3. Replace valves.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
ENGINE MISSES AT HIGH
SPEED
1. Dirty or incorrect spark plug
gap.
1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Faulty ignition coil(s). 2. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Dirty fuel injector(s). 3. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
4. Contamination in fuel system. 4. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to more than 20.6 kPa (3
psi) of test pressure.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
information procedures.
6. If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply. Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the PCV
valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed to next step.
7. Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various speeds
approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the engine, a more
involved inspection is necessary. The following steps should be followed to help pinpoint the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal area:
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Raise the vehicle.
3. Remove torque converter or clutch housing cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil. Use a
black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is present in this area, remove transmission for further
inspection.
Circular spray pattern generally indicates seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
Where leakage tends to run straight down, possible causes are a porous block, oil gallery cup plug,
bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for these
items.
4. If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crankcase as previously described in 5 under ENGINE OIL LEAK
INSPECTION.
5. If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is detected
between the crankshaft and seal while slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the crankshaft seal
surface is damaged. The seal area on the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches that can be
polished out with emery cloth.
6. For bubbles that remain steady with shaft rotation, no further inspection can be done until disassembled.
7. After the oil leak root cause and appropriate corrective action have been identified, replace component(s)
NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick tube to block location; remove the tube,
clean and reseal using Mopar® Stud & Bearing Mount (press fit tube
applications only), and for O-ring style tubes, remove tube and replace the O-
ring seal.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft polishing is necessary to
remove minor nicks and scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is
especially machined to complement the function of the rear oil seal.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
as necessary.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
ENGINE CORE AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS
CYLINDER HEAD CORE PLUGS
Fig. 2: CORE HOLE PLUG REMOVAL
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Using a blunt tool (3) such as a drift and a hammer, strike the bottom edge of the cup plug (5). With the cup
plug rotated, grasp firmly with pliers or other suitable tool (2) and remove plug (5).
Thoroughly clean inside of cup plug hole in cylinder head. Be sure to remove old sealer. Lightly coat inside of
cup plug hole with Mopar® Stud and Bearing Mount (or equivalent). Make certain the new plug is cleaned of
all oil or grease. Using proper drive plug, drive plug into hole so that the sharp edge of the plug is at least 0.5
mm (0.020 in.) inside the lead-in chamfer.
It is not necessary to wait for curing of the sealant. The cooling system can be refilled and the vehicle placed in
service immediately.
CYLINDER BLOCK MAIN OIL GALLERY PLUGS
CAUTION: Do not drive cup plug into the casting as restricted cooling can result and
cause serious engine problems.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
Fig. 3: GALLERY PLUG
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Use Mopar® Brake Parts Cleaner (or equivalent) sparingly to clean plug and block.
2. Coat plug threads with Mopar® Thread Sealant (or equivalent).
3. Install plug (2). The plug (2) is correctly installed when it is protruding 1 mm to flush with the block boss
face (1).
ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION
Fig. 4: Identifying Proper Gasket Surface Preparation Procedures
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
CAUTION: Excessive use of brake parts cleaner to clean threads in block could cause
#5 main bearing failure.
2008 Dodge Avenger SE
2008 ENGINE 2.4L (GPEC) - Service Information - Avenger & Sebring
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$33.99
The DODGE AVENGER Service Repair Manual 2008-2010 is a valuable resource for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. It offers detailed instructions and diagrams tailored to the 2008-2010 models of the DODGE AVENGER, covering a wide range of repair and maintenance procedures.
Key features of this manual include:
- Comprehensive coverage of all major systems and components
- Step-by-step instructions for disassembly and reassembly
- Detailed illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding
- Troubleshooting guides to help diagnose and resolve issues
- Recommended maintenance schedules and procedures
- Wiring diagrams for electrical systems
Whether you need to perform routine maintenance or tackle complex repairs, the DODGE AVENGER Service Repair Manual 2008-2010 equips you to address vehicle issues confidently, ultimately saving time and money. Take control of your car's maintenance and repairs by getting your copy today.
