2006 DODGE CALIBER coolant level

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading below the red area of
the gauge shows that the engine cooling system
is operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a
higher than normal temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go
traffic, or when towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off untilthe pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on theH(red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111
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Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be
between the ªADDº and ªFullº lines, shown on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or highhumidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 259
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.5 Gallons 51.0 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
All Gasoline Engines (Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine
Oil.)4.5 Quarts 4.26 Liters
Cooling System *
MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula), or
equivalent.7.2 Quarts 6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add, if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 283
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²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
CAUTION!
Do not check the automatic transaxle fluid. It must
be check by a trained service technician every 15,000
miles and if required only the recommended fluid
be added. Refer to the section ªFluids, Lubricants
And Genuine Partsº for the proper fluid.
284 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 186
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 257
Adding Fuel.......................... 214
Adding Washer Fluid..................82,102
Additives, Fuel........................ 212
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 251
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 253
Air Conditioning Controls................ 164
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 168
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 253
Air Conditioning System..............164,253
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 199
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment...................... 48
Airbag Light......................50,61,112
Airbag Maintenance...................... 50
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Alarm System (Security Alarm)..........24,112
Alignment and Balance.................. 205
All Wheel Drive (AWD).................. 183
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 161
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........256,278,279Capacities........................... 278
Disposal............................ 258
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...........86,186
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 265
Automatic Door Locks..................16,17
Automatic Transaxle...........9,174,176,229,263
Fluid Level Check..................... 263
Interlock System....................14,177
Overheating......................... 229
Selection Of Lubricant................. 263
Shifting............................ 177
Special Additives..................... 264
Autostick............................. 179
Ball Joints............................ 254
Battery............................... 251
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 23
Belts, Drive........................... 249
Beverage Cooler........................ 103
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 254
B-Pillar Location....................... 194
Brake Assist System...................... 87
308 INDEX

Child Seat............................. 57
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 211
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 267
Climate Control........................ 164
Clock.......................128,131,137,148
Clutch............................... 262
Clutch Fluid........................... 262
Coin Holder........................... 96
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 163
Compact Spare Tire..................... 201
Compass............................. 127
Compass Calibration.................... 127
Compass Variance...................... 125
Console............................... 96
Contract, Service....................... 302
Coolant (Antifreeze)..................278,279
Cooler, Beverage....................... 103
Cooling System........................ 256
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 257
Coolant Level.....................256,259
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 258
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 256Inspection........................... 259
Points to Remember................258,259
Pressure Cap........................ 258
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 256
Corrosion Protection.................... 265
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 250
Cruise Light........................... 115
Cup Holder............................ 96
Customer Assistance.................... 300
Data Recorder, Event..................... 50
Dealer Service......................... 244
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 102
Defroster, Windshield..................61,165
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................ 82
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 242
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 80
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 258
Engine Oil.......................... 248
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Downshifting.......................... 182
310 INDEX