If your Dodge Avenger has problems with the heat or issues starting it might be more common than you think. This post covers the top 5 problems owners experience with the 2nd generation 2008 to 2014 Dodge Avenger.
Top 5 Issues with the 2nd Gen Dodge Avenger (2008 to 2014)
1. Ignition Coil Failure
Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coils
- Rough running engine
- Check engine light for a misfire code
- Flashing check engine light
How to Fix Ignition Coil Failure
Replace the ignition coils. The ignition coils are located on top of the engine. They give the spark plug its spark. We recommend replacing the spark plugs at the same time.
2. Throttle Body Failure
Symptoms of Throttle Body Failure
- Erratic idle with the car at a stop
- Low idle with the car at a stop
- Engine stalling
- Check engine light for a throttle body code
How to Fix Throttle Body Problems on the 2008 to 2014 Dodge Avenger
The throttle body is located near the intake manifold.
Cleaning the throttle body might fix this problem, but it is usually solved by replacing the throttle body.
3. Blower Motor Failure
Symptoms of Blower Motor Failure
- No heat or air flows from the vents
- Knocking, ticking, or whirring noise from the glove compartment with the heat or A/C on
Causes of Heating Problems on the 2008 to 2014 Dodge Avenger
Problems with the heat in the 2nd gen Avenger are usually from blower motor failure.
How to Fix the Blower Motor
Remove the blower motor and check for debris like pine needles. Remove any debris. If the blower motor is defective, replace it.
4. Alternator Failure
Symptoms of Alternator Failure
- Battery light turns on while driving
- Car not starting
Causes of Starting Problems
If you drive the car for too long with the battery light on, it will eventually die and not start. The car may also not start from from the battery holding an improper charge, which on the 2nd gen Avenger is usually from alternator failure.
How to Fix Starting Problems
The alternator is located underneath the power steering pump.
Test the battery. If the battery is in good condition, the alternator is likely not charging the battery and causing it to fail.
Read more about how to test if the alternator or battery is causing starting problems
5. Thermostat Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat
- Heat is not working
- Check engine light with a thermostat-related code
- Engine overheating
Causes of a Bad Thermostat
The thermostat is known to fail on the 2nd gen Dodge Avenger and usually triggers a check engine light. A failed thermostat may also be the cause of the heat not working. While rare, if the thermostat is stuck closed, the engine may overheat.
How to Fix a Bad Thermostat
It’s possible to just replace the thermostat, but we recommend replacing both the thermostat and housing, since the housing can break down and crack over time.
2nd Generation Dodge Avenger Model Years
- 2008 Dodge Avenger
- 2009 Dodge Avenger
- 2010 Dodge Avenger
- 2011 Dodge Avenger
- 2012 Dodge Avenger
- 2013 Dodge Avenger
- 2014 Dodge Avenger
Related Content
- The Battery or Alternator?
- Car Battery Keeps Dying?
- Blower Motor Making Noise? [Expert advice: diagnose & fix]
- No Heat in Your Car Or Truck?
- Throttle Body Cleaning Tips [Expert Advice]
- How to Diagnose an Engine Misfire
- P0300 code: Mechanic advice to diagnose and fix
- How to Test If an Ignition Coil Is Bad
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