2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT brake

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
6

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

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
7

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
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.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brakefluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:The Brake Fluid Reservoir supplies fluid to both
the Brake System and the Clutch Release System. The
two systems are separated in the reservoir and a leak in
one system will not affect the other system. TheManual
TransaxleClutch Release System should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the Brake
Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for correct
fluid type.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard prolonged
braking. You could have an accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº
for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
7

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft tissue.
FUSES/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
An Integrated Power Module is located in the engine
compartment near the air cleaner assembly. This center
contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A label that
identifies each component may be printed on the inside
of the cover. Refer to ªEngine Compartmentº in this
section of the owner's manual for the underhood location
of the Integrated Power Module (IPM).
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
1 Empty Empty
2 15 Amp
Lt. BlueAWD/4WD ECU
Feed
3 10 Amp
RedCHMSL Brake Switch
Feed
4 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch Feed
5 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
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