2007 DODGE CALIBER Brakes

malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7

B-Pillar Location....................... 229
Brake Assist System..................... 118
Brake Control System, Electronic........... 118
BrakeFluid ........................... 318
Brake, Parking......................... 218
Brake System.......................219,298
Anti-Lock (ABS)................... 117,220
Hoses.............................. 299
Master Cylinder...................... 300
Parking............................ 218
Warning Light....................... 150
Brakes............................219,298
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 211
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 61
Bulb Replacement....................310,311
Bulbs,Light ........................... 310
Calibration, Compass.................... 160
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 316
Capacities, Fluid....................... 316
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 252
Oil (Engine)......................279,285Car Washes........................... 304
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 251
Cargo Area Cover...................... 130
Cargo Area Features..................... 128
Cargo Compartment
Light .............................. 128
Luggage Carrier...................... 134
CargoLight ........................... 128
Cargo Load Floor....................... 130
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 130
Carrier, Luggage....................... 134
Catalytic Converter..................... 287
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 61
CD (Compact Disc) Player..........162,169,180
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance...... 197
Cellular Phone....................... 72,198
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 315
Chains, Tire........................... 247
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 268
Chart,TireSizing ....................... 226
Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 281
Child Restraint......................... 54
INDEX 347
10

Oil Pressure......................... 145
Rear Fog............................ 152
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 145
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 25
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 145
Traction Control...................... 119
Turn Signal.................103,105,149,312
Voltage ............................. 145
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 144
Loading Vehicle........................ 254
Tires ............................... 229
Locks
ChildProtection ....................... 18
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 292
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 134
Lumbar Support........................ 95
Maintenance Free Battery................. 289
Maintenance, General.................... 283
Maintenance Procedures.................. 283Maintenance Schedule................... 320
Schedule “A”........................ 332
Schedule “B”........................ 323
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................148,281
Manual, Service........................ 341
Manual Transaxle.................208,215,302
Downshifting........................ 217
Fluid Level Check..................302,303
Frequency of Fluid Change...........302,303
Lubricant Selection.................302,303
Map/Reading Lights.................... 102
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 300
Mirrors ............................... 69
Electric Powered....................... 70
Outside ............................. 69
Rearview............................ 69
Vanity .............................. 71
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 241
Mopar Parts........................282,340
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 103
INDEX 353
10