overheating DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
28. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
ButtonÐIf Equipped
Pushing this button will switch between the different
EVIC functions.
29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
DisplayÐIf Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages.
30. Transmission Over Temp Light
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transaxle oil may be-
come too hot. If this happens, the transmis-
sion overheat indicator light will come on
and the vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic
transaxle cools down enough to allow a return to the
requested speed. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. For maximum defogging, press the
recirculation button until recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

²If a downshift would cause the engine to overspeed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
Mostly the CVT will stay in the manually selected
ratio, however.
²If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
²If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................228
mIf Your Engine Overheats................228
mAutomatic Transaxle Overheating..........229
mJacking And Tire Changing...............230
NJack Location........................230
NSpare Tire Stowage....................230
NPreparations For Jacking................231
NJacking Instructions....................231
mJump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery
..............................234
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............236
NAcceleration.........................236
NTraction............................236
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................237
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............238
NWith Ignition Key.....................238
NWithout The Ignition Key...............238
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.Hazard Warning Flasher
228 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle,
when safe. Turn the air conditioner off and wait until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. After
appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer
remains on the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transaxle oil may
become too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transaxle cools down
enough to allow a return to the requested speed. If the
high speed is maintained, the overheating will reoccur as
before in a cyclic fashion.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 229
6

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to ªrockº the
vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 30 mph (48km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don't let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 237
6

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 186
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 257
Adding Fuel.......................... 214
Adding Washer Fluid..................82,102
Additives, Fuel........................ 212
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 251
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 253
Air Conditioning Controls................ 164
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 168
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 253
Air Conditioning System..............164,253
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 199
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment...................... 48
Airbag Light......................50,61,112
Airbag Maintenance...................... 50
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Alarm System (Security Alarm)..........24,112
Alignment and Balance.................. 205
All Wheel Drive (AWD).................. 183
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 161
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........256,278,279Capacities........................... 278
Disposal............................ 258
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...........86,186
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 265
Automatic Door Locks..................16,17
Automatic Transaxle...........9,174,176,229,263
Fluid Level Check..................... 263
Interlock System....................14,177
Overheating......................... 229
Selection Of Lubricant................. 263
Shifting............................ 177
Special Additives..................... 264
Autostick............................. 179
Ball Joints............................ 254
Battery............................... 251
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 23
Belts, Drive........................... 249
Beverage Cooler........................ 103
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 254
B-Pillar Location....................... 194
Brake Assist System...................... 87
308 INDEX

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
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