2008 DODGE CALIBER coolant

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/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
•If 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 pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
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•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings, to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.5 Gal 51.0 L
Engine Oil-With Filter
All Gasoline Engines (use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil) 4.5 qts 4.26 L
Cooling System *
MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula), or equivalent. 7.2 qts 6.8 L
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar04884900AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043”)
Fuel Selection 87 Octane (R + M)/2
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
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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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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs.30,000 50 000 30
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).48,000 80 000 48
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
368 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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