cooling DODGE CALIBER SRT 2009 1.G User Guide

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34°F
(-37°C) are anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze). The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to insure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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 (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If anti-
freeze needs to be added, contents of coolant recovery
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
•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.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check — 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 brake
fluid 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 “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.6 Gallons 51.5 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Turbo Engine (SAE 0W-40, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula),
or equivalent.7.5 Quarts 7.1 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
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Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 64
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Child Seat.............................. 68
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 297
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 349
Climate Control......................... 238
Clock.....................187,190,204,208,217
Coin Holder........................... 146
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 237
Compass Variance....................... 185
Console.............................. 146
Contract, Service........................ 385
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 252
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................359,360
Cooler, Beverage........................ 154
Cooling System......................... 339
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 341
Coolant Level......................340,343Disposal of Used Coolant................ 343
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 340
Inspection........................... 343
Points to Remember.................342,344
Pressure Cap......................... 342
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)........... 340
Corrosion Protection..................... 347
Cruise Light........................... 168
Cupholders............................ 146
Customer Assistance..................... 383
Data Recorder, Event...................... 58
Dealer Service.......................... 329
Defroster, Rear Window................... 153
Defroster, Windshield...................71,240
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 128
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 326
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 125
394 INDEX

Dipsticks
Power Steering........................ 258
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 343
Engine Oil........................... 332
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 28
Door Opener, Garage..................... 134
Downshifting.......................... 253
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.................... 116
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 254
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 255
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 79
Electrical Power Outlets................... 144
Electronic Brake Control System............. 264
Brake Assist System.................... 264Electronic Stability Program............... 265
Traction Control System................. 264
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 131
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 265
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 174
Emergency, In Case of
Jump Starting......................... 317
Towing............................. 320
Emission Control System Maintenance......327,364
Engine............................... 325
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Checking Oil Level..................... 329
Cooling............................. 339
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 300
Fuel Requirements..................... 296
Jump Starting......................... 317
Oil ...........................329,359,360
Oil Change Interval.................... 330
Oil Filler Cap......................325,331
INDEX 395
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