2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT Owners Manual

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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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

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
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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 dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPARtparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPARtparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
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