2010 DODGE CALIBER check engine

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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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 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
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As
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long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” 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 brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

(CVTF+4). CVTF+4is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.
NOTE:
If contaminated with water, the fluid should be
changed immediately.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
and even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 439

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S440 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 311
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 409
Adding Fuel ........................... 353
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 404
Additives, Fuel ......................... 351
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 400
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 402
Air Conditioning ........................ 276
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 276
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............402,403
Air Conditioning System .............276,280,402
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 331
Airbag .............................. 57,68
Airbag Deployment ....................... 69
Airbag Light ..................... 66,71,87,194
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 70
Airbag, Side ...................... 60,64,67,68Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........61,64,68
Alarm Light ........................... 201
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................259,269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........408,433,434
Capacities ........................... 433
Disposal ............................ 411
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 311
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 204
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 417
Assistance Towing ....................... 113
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 95
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 280
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,293,298,373,416
Fluid Level Check ..................... 416
Interlock System ....................... 300
466 INDEX

Cargo Light............................ 178
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 181
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 181
Cellular Phone ........................ 99,275
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 432
Chains, Tire ............................ 338
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 322
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............203,394
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .......................... 74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Child Seat .............................. 80
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 349
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 420 Climate Control
......................... 275
Clock ..................... 218,233,235,238,247
Clutch ............................... 413
Clutch Fluid ........................... 413
Coin Holder ........................... 176
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 333
Connector UCI ................................ 262
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 262
Console .............................. 176
Contract, Service ........................ 459
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 433,434
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 175
Cooling System ......................... 407
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 409
Coolant Level ...................... 408,411
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 411
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 408
468 INDEX