2008 DODGE CALIBER brake fluid

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever 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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brakefluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
transaxle, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. Themanual
transaxleclutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake
fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” under
Section 8.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
NOTE:Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid which has been formulated with special metal to
metal friction coefficient additives to provide the proper
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) Fluid MoparCVTF + 4
Manual Transaxle Fluid MoparATF+4 MS9602
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid +4 or MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

if it has been six months since your last oil change and
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” in “Use Factory Settings” of the EVIC section
in this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in
the Instrument Cluster Descriptions section of this
manual.At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 365
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•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
366 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 247
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 337
Adding Fuel........................... 284
Adding Washer Fluid..................124,153
Additives, Fuel......................... 283
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 328
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 331
Air Conditioning Controls................. 219
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 225
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............331,332
Air Conditioning System................219,331
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 263
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 55
Airbag Light....................... 57,70,165
Airbag Maintenance....................... 57
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............... 49
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 19,165Alignment and Balance................... 270
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................... 244
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 216
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........336,360,361
Capacities........................... 360
Disposal............................ 338
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............128,247
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Appearance Care........................ 346
Assistance Towing........................ 93
Automatic Door Locks................... 28,29
Automatic Transaxle........... 13,233,235,304,343
Fluid Level Check...................... 344
Interlock System....................... 237
Overheating.......................... 304
Selection Of Lubricant................... 343
Shifting ............................. 237
Special Additives...................... 344
382 INDEX

Autostick............................. 239
BallJoints ............................. 332
Battery............................... 329
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Belts,Drive ............................ 326
Beverage Cooler........................ 154
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 333
B-Pillar Location........................ 258
Brake Assist System...................... 130
Brake Fluid............................ 362
Brake, Parking.......................... 244
Brake System........................246,341
Anti-Lock (ABS).................128,129,247
Hoses.............................. 341
Master Cylinder....................... 342
Parking............................. 244
Warning Light........................ 172
Brakes.............................246,341Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 237
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 69
Bulb Replacement....................... 355
Bulbs,Light ............................ 355
Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 360
Capacities, Fluid........................ 360
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 284
Oil (Engine).......................318,324
Car Washes............................ 347
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 284
Cargo Area Cover....................... 149
Cargo Area Features...................... 147
Cargo Compartment
Light ............................... 147
Luggage Carrier....................... 153
CargoLight ............................ 147
INDEX 383
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Flashers.............................. 302
Hazard Warning....................... 302
Turn Signal.......................... 356
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 309
Flooded Engine Starting................... 234
Fluid, Brake........................... 362
Fluid Capacities......................... 360
Fluid Leaks............................. 71
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 344
Fluids ................................ 361
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 361
Fog Lights....................... 119,171,356
Folding Rear Seat........................ 113
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 312
Fuel..............................281,361
Adding............................. 284
Additives............................ 283Capacity............................ 360
CleanAir ............................ 281
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................164,284
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 164
Filter ............................... 328
Gasoline............................ 281
Gauge.............................. 164
Hoses.............................. 340
Light ............................... 165
Octane Rating........................ 281
Requirements......................... 281
System Hoses......................... 340
Tank Capacity........................ 360
Fuel System Caution..................... 286
Fueling ............................... 284
Fuses................................ 351
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............284,286,319
INDEX 387
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