2009 DODGE CALIBER SRT engine overheat

front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and 1st gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic Transaxle
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with
the front wheels elevated or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheels off the ground).
•All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must be towed on a
flatbed truck (all four wheels off the ground).
320 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system,
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for an oil
change or lubrication. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” in the “Safety Tips” section of this
manual.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 converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important 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.
338 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:•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
(Continued)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do 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 (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the “ADD”
and “FULL” lines, shown on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
7

Oil Filter............................ 360
Oil Selection.......................... 330
Overheating.......................... 306
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 57
Ethanol............................... 297
Event Data Recorder...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution............35,70,300,337,338
Exhaust System......................... 337
Filler Location Fuel...................... 164
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 332
Engine Oil........................332,360
Flashers.............................. 306
Hazard Warning....................... 306
Turn Signal........................170,357
Flooded Engine Starting................... 251
Fluid, Brake........................... 361Fluid Capacities......................... 359
Fluid Leaks............................. 72
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 345
Power Steering........................ 258
Fluids................................ 360
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 360
Fog Lights.......................124,171,356
Folding Rear Seat........................ 119
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 119
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 319
Front Position Light...................... 356
Fuel..............................296,360
Adding............................. 301
Additives............................ 299
Capacity............................ 359
Clean Air............................ 297
Ethanol............................. 297
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................164,301
396 INDEX

Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 296
Odometer............................. 167
Trip .............................167,168
Oil Change Indicator..................167,184
Oil, Engine.........................329,359
Capacity............................ 359
Change Interval....................... 330
Checking............................ 329
Disposal............................ 332
Filter............................... 332
Materials Added to..................... 332
Recommendation...................330,359
Viscosity............................ 331
Onboard Diagnostic System..............326,327
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 134
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 245
Overheating, Engine...................... 306
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,387Paint Care............................. 347
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 259
Passing Light........................... 126
Personal Settings........................ 181
Pets.................................. 69
Phone, Cellular.......................... 81
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 81
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 275
Power
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors.............................. 79
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 144
Steering..........................257,258
Sunroof............................. 140
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 361
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
INDEX 401
10