brake fluid DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2

NDaytime Running Lights (DRL) Ð If Equipped..78
NLights-On Reminder....................79
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................79
NTurn Signals..........................79
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........80
NPassing Light.........................80
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........80
NWindshield Washers....................80
NMist Feature..........................81
NWindshield Wiper Operation..............82
NIntermittent Wiper System................82
NAdding Washer Fluid...................82
mTilt Steering Column.....................82
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......83
NTo Activate...........................84
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................84NTo Deactivate.........................84
NTo Resume Speed......................84
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................84
NManual Transaxle......................85
NTo Accelerate For Passing................85
mAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ± If Equipped..86
mElectronic Brake Control System -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð If Equipped
.........87
NTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . .87
NBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....87
NESP (Electronic Stability Program) Ð
If Equipped..........................88
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............91
NOpening Sunroof ± Manual...............92
NOpening Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NClosing Sunroof ± Manual................92
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ignition key is turned to the ON position and may stay
on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
26. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the turn signal lever away from the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.27. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate
that the parking brake is applied, there is a low brake
fluid level or there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
4

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
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.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
5

WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short amount of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and
does not in any way damage the steering system.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING

NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............255
NExhaust System......................255
NCooling System.......................256
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......260
NFuel System Connections................260
NBrake System........................260
NAutomatic Transaxle...................263
NManual Transaxle.....................264
NRear Drive Assembly (Rda)± AWD Models
Only..............................264
NPower Transfer Unit (Ptu) ± AWD Models
Only..............................265
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................265
mFuses/Integrated Power Module (IPM)......269
mVehicle Storage........................272
mReplacement Bulbs.....................272
mBulb Replacement......................273
NHeadlights/Front Parking/Front Turn Signal . . 273
NFog Lights..........................273
NTail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lights Ð Replacement..................274
NLicense Lights........................276
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........277
mFluids And Capacities...................278
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts.......279
NEngine.............................279
NChassis............................280
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid MopartCVTF + 4
Manual Transaxle Fluid MopartATF+4 MS9602
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MopartGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MopartGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE