2008 DODGE CALIBER brakes

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 mi (805 km)
of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your
vehicle.
•During the first 500 mi (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 the
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tread Wear Indica-
tors” under “Tires–General Information” in Section 5
under for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4-pin and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” under Section 8.
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 would not 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 andbrittle 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.
Ensure 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7

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
10

Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 329
Maintenance, General..................... 322
Maintenance Procedures................... 322
Maintenance Schedule.................... 364
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 169,320
Manual, Service......................... 377
Manual Transaxle..................233,242,344
Downshifting......................... 243
Fluid Level Check...................344,345
Frequency of Fluid Change............345,346
Lubricant Selection..................344,345
Map/Reading Lights..................... 117
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 342
Mirrors ................................ 77
Electric Powered....................... 78
Outside.............................. 77
Rearview............................. 77Vanity ............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 271
Mopar Parts.........................321,376
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 117
Navigation Radio........................ 210
Navigation System....................... 210
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 281
Odometer............................. 168
Trip .............................168,170
Oil Change Indicator..................... 168
Oil, Engine.........................322,360
Capacity............................ 360
Change Interval....................... 324
Checking............................ 322
INDEX 391
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