2008 DODGE CALIBER towing

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to “Maintenance”, Section 7 of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transaxle oil may
become too hot.
If this happens, the transmission overheat in-
dicator light will come on, and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to therequested speed. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will reoccur, as before, in a cyclic fashion.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
•The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
304 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and 1st gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated. All-wheel drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 313
6

All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not in
the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
axle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shifter housing that allows you to
insert your finger to override the system.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
7

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve.Do not attempt to clean the
old PCV valve.Check the ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent fuel filter replacement may be necessary. The
fuel filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Air Cleaner Element (Filter)
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” under Section 8.
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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