check engine DODGE CALIBER 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
358 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 the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance 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 system 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
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when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transaxle , 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. The manual
transaxle clutch 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 manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
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.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

(CVTF+4). CVTF+4 is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for the correct fluid type.
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 that 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 ofthe 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.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 383
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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.
•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.
384 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 266
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 355
Adding Fuel ........................... 305
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 351
Additives, Fuel ......................... 304
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 347
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 349
Air Conditioning ........................ 236
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 236
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 242
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............349,350
Air Conditioning System ................236,349
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 284
Airbag ................................ 49
Airbag Deployment ....................... 57
Airbag Light ....................... 59,73,171
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 59
Airbag, Side ............................ 55
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 50AlarmLight ........................... 171
Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 231
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........354,377,378
Capacities ........................... 377
Disposal ............................ 357
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 266
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 177
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 362
Assistance Towing ........................ 98
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 80
Automatic Door Locks ................... 28,29
Automatic Transaxle ........... 12,249,253,325,361
Fluid Level Check ..................... 361
Interlock System ....................... 255
Overheating .......................... 325
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 361
410 INDEX

Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 157
Cellular Phone ........................ 83,236
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 376
Chains, Tire ............................ 291
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 326
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 276
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............175,342
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 71
Checks, Safety ........................... 71
Child Restraint .......................... 62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 66
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 65
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Child Seat .............................. 68
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 302
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 364
Climate Control ......................... 236 Clock ........................
192,206,209,219
Clutch ............................... 359
Clutch Fluid ........................... 359
CoinHolder ........................... 152
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 235
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 286
Console .............................. 152
Contract, Service ........................ 403
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 377,378
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 160
Cooling System ......................... 353
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 355
Coolant Level ...................... 354,357
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 357
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 354
Inspection ........................... 357
Points to Remember ................. 356,358
Pressure Cap ......................... 356
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........... 354
412 INDEX

Emergency, In Case ofJacking ............................. 326
Jump Starting ......................... 331
Towing ............................. 334
Emission Control System Maintenance ......342,382
Engine ............................... 340
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
Checking Oil Level ..................... 344
Cooling ............................. 353
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 72,305
Fuel Requirements ..................... 301
Jump Starting ......................... 331
Oil ........................... 344,377,378
Oil Change Interval .................... 345
Oil Filler Cap ...................... 340,346
OilFilter ............................ 378
Oil Selection .......................... 345
Oil Synthetic ......................... 346
Overheating .......................... 324 Temperature Gauge
.................... 169
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 58
Event Data Recorder ...................... 59
Exhaust Gas Caution ............ 35,72, 305,351,352
Exhaust System ....................... 72,351
ExteriorLights .......................... 74
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 169
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 347
Engine Oil ........................ 347,378
Flashers .............................. 324
Hazard Warning ....................... 324
Turn Signal ...................... 74, 177,373
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 331
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 250
Fluid, Brake ........................... 379
Fluid Capacities ......................... 377
Fluid Leaks ............................. 74
414 INDEX

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator......................... 271,273
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 172
Exterior .............................. 74
Fog .......................... 128,177,372
Headlight Switch ...................... 126
Headlights ........................... 126
High Beam Indicator .................... 178
Instrument Cluster ..................... 126
License ............................. 375
Lights On Reminder .................... 127
Low Fuel ............................ 170
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 175
Map Reading ......................... 130
Oil Pressure .......................... 171
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 171
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 19,171
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 175
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 171Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)
........... 172
Traction Control ....................... 271
Turn Signal ................... 74, 126,128,373
Voltage ............................. 170
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 169
Loading Vehicle ...................... 307,309
Capacities ........................... 309
Tires ............................... 279
Locks Child Protection ........................ 31
Door ................................ 26
Power Door ........................... 27
Lubrication, Body ....................... 350
Lumbar Support ........................ 119
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 348
Maintenance, General ..................... 344
Maintenance Procedures ................... 344
Maintenance Schedule .................... 382
418 INDEX