checking oil DODGE CALIBER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

11. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
Refer to “Checking Engine Oil Level” under “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in Section 7.
12. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.Refer to “Temperature Gauge” in this Section for steps
that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition.
13. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
14. Tire Pressure Monitor Light — If Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 Service 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.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
7

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure an accurate fluid level reading.
Do not overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recom-
mended power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under-vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” in “Use Factory Settings” of the EVIC section
in this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in
the Instrument Cluster Descriptions section of this
manual.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.
•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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 365
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Brake Assist System.................... 130
Electronic Stability Program............... 131
Traction Control System................. 131
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 131
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 175
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 304
Jump Starting......................... 310
Towing ............................. 313
Emission Control System Maintenance......320,364
Engine............................. 69,318
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Checking Oil Level..................... 322
Cooling ............................. 335
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 284
Fuel Requirements..................... 281
Jump Starting......................... 310
Oil ...........................322,360,361Oil Change Interval.................... 324
Oil Filler Cap......................318,324
OilFilter ............................ 361
Oil Selection.......................... 324
Oil Synthetic......................... 325
Operation............................ 69
Overheating.......................... 302
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 35,69,284,334
Exhaust System......................... 334
Fabric Care............................ 348
Filler Location Fuel...................... 164
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 328
Engine Fuel.......................... 328
Engine Oil........................325,361
386 INDEX

Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 329
Maintenance, General..................... 322
Maintenance Procedures................... 322
Maintenance Schedule.................... 364
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 169,320
Manual, Service......................... 377
Manual Transaxle..................233,242,344
Downshifting......................... 243
Fluid Level Check...................344,345
Frequency of Fluid Change............345,346
Lubricant Selection..................344,345
Map/Reading Lights..................... 117
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 342
Mirrors ................................ 77
Electric Powered....................... 78
Outside.............................. 77
Rearview............................. 77Vanity ............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 271
Mopar Parts.........................321,376
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 117
Navigation Radio........................ 210
Navigation System....................... 210
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 281
Odometer............................. 168
Trip .............................168,170
Oil Change Indicator..................... 168
Oil, Engine.........................322,360
Capacity............................ 360
Change Interval....................... 324
Checking............................ 322
INDEX 391
10

Disposal............................ 325
Filter ............................... 325
Identification Logo..................... 324
Materials Added to..................... 325
Recommendation...................324,360
Synthetic............................ 325
Viscosity............................ 324
Oil Pressure Light....................... 166
Onboard Diagnostic System..............319,320
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 134
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 226
Overdrive............................. 239
Overheating, Engine...................... 302
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,377
PaintCare ............................. 346
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Parking Brake.......................... 244Passing Light........................... 121
Personal Settings........................ 179
Pets.................................. 68
Phone, Cellular.......................... 80
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 80
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 258
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 351
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors .............................. 78
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 144
Steering..........................250,332
Steering, Checking..................... 332
Sunroof............................. 141
Transfer Unit......................... 345
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 362
Power Transfer Unit...................... 345
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
392 INDEX