2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT engine overheat

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in
this section for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for 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 ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for yourcommunity. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be
between the ªADDº and ªFULLº lines, shown on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Break-In Recommendations................ 65
Checking Oil Level..................... 296
Cooling............................. 309
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 267
Fuel Requirements..................... 264
Jump Starting......................... 284
Oil ...........................296,333,334
Oil Change Interval.................... 297
Oil Filler Cap......................291,298
Oil Filter............................ 334
Oil Selection.......................... 297
Operation............................ 65
Overheating.......................... 274
Temperature Gauge..................... 157
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Ethanol............................... 265
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution..............31,65,267,308
Exhaust System......................... 308Filler Location Fuel...................... 157
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Engine Fuel.......................... 302
Engine Oil........................299,334
Flashers.............................. 274
Hazard Warning....................... 274
Turn Signal.......................... 328
Flooded Engine Starting................... 225
Fluid, Brake........................... 335
Fluid Capacities......................... 333
Fluid Leaks............................. 67
Fluids................................ 334
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 334
Fog Lights....................... 113,162,328
Folding Rear Seat........................ 107
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 107
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 286
Fuel..............................264,334
360 INDEX

MTBE/ETBE........................... 265
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 111
Navigation Radio........................ 202
Navigation System....................... 202
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 65
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 32
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 264
Odometer............................. 159
Trip .............................159,161
Oil Change Indicator..................160,175
Oil, Engine.........................296,333
Capacity............................ 333
Change Interval....................... 297
Checking............................ 296
Disposal............................ 299
Filter............................... 299
Materials Added to..................... 299Recommendation...................297,333
Viscosity............................ 298
Oil Pressure Light....................... 159
Onboard Diagnostic System..............292,293
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 122
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 220
Overheating, Engine...................... 274
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,352
Paint Care............................. 318
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 228
Passing Light........................... 115
Personal Settings........................ 173
Pets.................................. 64
Phone, Cellular.......................... 76
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............. 76
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 242
INDEX 365
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