warning DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

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 wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 261
7

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:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
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 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 for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
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.
262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer's recommended transmission
fluid which has been formulated with special metal to
metal friction coefficient additives to provide the propersteel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys. Refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedule located if section 8 of
this manual for the correct change interval for your type
of driving.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with Mopar Glass Cleaner or any commercial household-
type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner.Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window
equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear quarter
window equipped with the radio antenna. Do not use
scrapers or other sharp instruments which may scratch
the elements. When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not
spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Miles 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (170 000) (180 000) (190 000) (200 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. X
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. X
Rotate tires. X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct stowage. X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not done at 60 months. X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km)X
Inspect brake linings. X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace make-up air filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
** This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but not required to maintain the
emissions warranty.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
SCHEDULE ªAº 297
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 305
9

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
306 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Brake Fluid........................... 280
Brake, Parking......................... 183
Brake System.......................185,260
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................86,186
Hoses.............................. 261
Master Cylinder...................... 262
Parking............................ 183
Warning Light....................... 117
Brakes............................185,260
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 177
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 59
Bulb Replacement...................272,273
Bulbs, Light........................... 272
Calibration, Compass.................... 127
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 278
Capacities, Fluid....................... 278
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 214
Oil (Engine)......................241,247
Car Washes........................... 266
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 213
Cargo Area Cover....................... 98Cargo Area Features..................... 96
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 96
Luggage Carrier...................... 102
Cargo Light............................ 96
Cargo Load Floor....................... 99
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 99
Carrier, Luggage....................... 102
Catalytic Converter..................... 249
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 60
CD (Compact Disc) Player..........129,136,147
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance...... 163
Cellular Phone......................... 163
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 277
Chains, Tire........................... 209
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 230
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 191
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................... 243
Child Restraint......................... 52
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 56
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts......... 55
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
INDEX 309
10

Drive Belts............................ 249
Driver's Seat Back Tilt.................... 71
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 236
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 67
Electrical Power Outlets................... 93
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 83
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........... 88
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 119
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 230
Jump Starting........................ 234
Towing............................. 238
Emission Control System Maintenance....243,282
Engine............................... 241
Break-In Recommendations............... 59
Checking Oil Level.................245,248
Cooling............................ 256
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 213
Fuel Requirements.................... 211
Jump Starting........................ 234
Oil .......................245,248,278,279Oil Change Interval................... 246
Oil Filler Cap.....................241,247
Oil Filter............................ 279
Oil Selection......................... 247
Oil Synthetic......................... 247
Overheating......................... 228
Temperature Gauge.................... 111
Event Data Recorder..................... 50
Exhaust Gas Caution.............27,60,213,255
Exhaust System........................ 255
Filler Location Fuel...................... 111
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 251
Engine Fuel......................... 251
Engine Oil.......................248,279
Flashers.............................. 228
Hazard Warning...................... 228
Turn Signal.......................... 274
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 233
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 175
Fluid, Brake........................... 280
Fluid Capacities........................ 278
INDEX 311
10

Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 228
Head Restraints......................... 72
Headlights............................ 273
Cleaning............................ 268
High Beam........................80,117
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 80
Passing............................. 80
Replacing........................... 273
Switch.............................. 78
Heated Seats........................... 72
Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 219
Hood Release.......................... 76
Hoses............................... 260
Ignition................................ 9
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System (Spark Plug Wires)......... 249
Ignition Key Removal..................... 9
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................ 11,25
Infant Restraint......................... 52
Information Center, Vehicle............... 119
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 66Instrument Cluster...................109,111
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 108
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 268
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 268
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)........... 269
Interior Appearance Care................. 267
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).......... 82
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 230
Jack Operation......................230,231
Jacking Instructions..................... 231
Jump Starting......................... 234
Key, Programming....................... 12
Key, Replacement....................... 12
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer).................. 11
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System (Sedan).............. 19
Keys.................................. 9
Lane Change and Turn Signals.......... 116,274
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 30
INDEX 313
10