2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT battery

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theredmark (260É), the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Flasher
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2. Return to Step 1 of ª(D) After Injecting TIREFIT
Sealantº and attempt to inflate the tire. However, this
time, if the tire fails to inflate to 26 psi (1.8 bar) within 15
minutes, the tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle further. Call for assistance.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW
BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way and may be damaged.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged
battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this proce-
dure carefully.
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously
injured.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place
manual transaxle in NEUTRAL and turn ignition to OFF
for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Remove the air intake duct covering the battery, using
the two finger screws on the cover.
5. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dis-
charged battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
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WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush the contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output that exceeds 12
volts.
6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the negative terminal of
the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good
contact.7. If the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3
seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START
position.
8. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
9. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol or ESP, turn the system OFF before attempting to
ªrockº the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
286 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to 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 ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle 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.
288 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð Gasoline Engines.....291
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........292
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............293
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................293
mReplacement Parts......................295
mAuthorized Dealer Service................295
mMaintenance Procedures..................296
NEngine Oil..........................296NDrive Belt ± Check Condition.............299
NSpark Plugs.........................300
NCatalytic Converter....................300
NCrankcase Emission Control System........301
NFuel Filter..........................302
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............302
NMaintenance-Free Battery................302
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............304
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............305
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð GASOLINE ENGINES
1 Ð Windshield Washer Fluid 4 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 7 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 10 Ð Coolant Bottle
2 Ð Power Steering Reservoir 5 Ð Power Distribution Center 8 Ð Radiator Cap
3 Ð Engine Oil Fill 6 Ð Battery 9 Ð Engine Oil DipstickMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

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
a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
reset button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
MIL is functioning and is not on when the engine
is running, and that the OBD system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
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