2008 DODGE CALIBER check engine

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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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

steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” for correct
fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the correct change interval.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) Fluid
(CVTF+4). CVTF+4 is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
under Section 8.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
344 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

Cargo Load Floor........................ 150
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 150
Carrier, Luggage........................ 153
Catalytic Converter...................... 326
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 69
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............187,195
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 218
Cellular Phone........................ 80,219
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 359
Chains, Tire............................ 279
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 304
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 255
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 320
Child Restraint.......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 64
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 63
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Child Seat.............................. 66Clean Air Gasoline....................... 281
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 348
Climate Control......................... 219
Clock ........................186,189,197,210
Clutch............................... 342
Clutch Fluid........................... 342
CoinHolder ........................... 146
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 218
Compact Spare Tire...................... 266
Compass.............................. 184
Compass Calibration..................... 184
Compass Variance....................... 183
Console.............................. 146
Contract, Service........................ 375
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................360,361
Cooler, Beverage........................ 154
Cooling System......................... 335
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 337
384 INDEX

Brake Assist System.................... 130
Electronic Stability Program............... 131
Traction Control System................. 131
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 131
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 175
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 304
Jump Starting......................... 310
Towing ............................. 313
Emission Control System Maintenance......320,364
Engine............................. 69,318
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Checking Oil Level..................... 322
Cooling ............................. 335
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 284
Fuel Requirements..................... 281
Jump Starting......................... 310
Oil ...........................322,360,361Oil Change Interval.................... 324
Oil Filler Cap......................318,324
OilFilter ............................ 361
Oil Selection.......................... 324
Oil Synthetic......................... 325
Operation............................ 69
Overheating.......................... 302
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 35,69,284,334
Exhaust System......................... 334
Fabric Care............................ 348
Filler Location Fuel...................... 164
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 328
Engine Fuel.......................... 328
Engine Oil........................325,361
386 INDEX