2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT brake light

NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on a uphill grade.You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
Parking Brake Lever
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5

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
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 wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance or
vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-Lock:
²the ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop)
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves
²brake pedal pulsations
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

²a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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5

WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
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NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............306
NBody Lubrication.....................306
NWindshield Wiper Blades................307
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............307
NExhaust System......................308
NCooling System.......................309
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......314
NFuel System Connections................314
NBrake System........................315
NManual Transaxle.....................317
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................318
mFuses/Integrated Power Module (IPM).......323mVehicle Storage........................327
mReplacement Bulbs......................327
mBulb Replacement......................327
NHeadlights/Front Parking/Front Turn Signal . . 327
NFog Lights..........................328
NTail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lights Ð Replacement..................328
NLicense Lights........................331
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........332
mFluids And Capacities...................333
mFluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts........334
NEngine.............................334
NChassis............................335
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
340 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 231
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 311
Adding Fuel........................... 268
Adding Washer Fluid.................. 118,147
Additives, Fuel......................... 266
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 302
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 304
Air Conditioning Controls................. 213
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 218
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............304,305
Air Conditioning System................213,304
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 247
Airbag................................ 44
Airbag Deployment....................... 52
Airbag Light.......................54,66,158
Airbag Maintenance....................... 53
Airbag, Side............................ 50
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............... 45
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............28,158Alignment and Balance................... 253
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 208
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........310,333,334
Capacities........................... 333
Disposal............................ 312
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............128,231
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 28
Appearance Care........................ 318
Automatic Door Locks...................19,20
Ball Joints............................. 306
Battery............................... 302
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 27
Belts, Drive............................ 299
Beverage Cooler........................ 148
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 306
B-Pillar Location........................ 242
Brake Assist System...................... 130
356 INDEX