service interval DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to
fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
²Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag
system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function
properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for any advanced airbag system service. If your
seat including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced
in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat
attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If it is
necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for persons with
disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
²Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on
the right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may
cause the Occupant Classification System to be unable to cor-
rectly classify the right front occupant. This could allow the
passenger frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not
mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the
knee bolsters/ driver inflatable knee blocker.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system
yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it
has an airbag system.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
²The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The light comes on and remains on while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see list below) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment. Please note
that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction with other
data gathered during a complete accident investigation,
the electronic data may be used by DaimlerChrysler and
others to learn more about the possible causes of crashes
and associated injuries in order to assess and improve
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Circulation Control
Use this button to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. A lamp will illu-
minate when you are in recir-
culate mode. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid weather.
MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculate but-
tons at the same time.
NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE:Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor,
mix or defrost modes.
Air Filtration System ± If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment. The filter 's normal
service life is 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or one year. The air
filter change schedule coincides with that for engine oil
and filter. As with oil changes, the interval is shorter for
heavy duty service or dusty conditions. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
4

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 proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 245
7

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one quart of
oil when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-Road or desert operation.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule ªBÐAll
Enginesº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of this
manual.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If none of these apply to you, then change your engine
oil at every interval shown on schedule ªAº in the
maintenance schedule section of this manual.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection - Non ACEA Categories
For best performance and maxi-
mum protection under all types of
operating conditions, the manu-
facturer only recommends engine
oils that are API certified and
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395. These Certified Oils exhibit the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Certification
Symbol on the front of the oil container. This symbol
means that the oil has been tested, certified and licensed
by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to meet the oil
standards required by the manufacturers.
Engine Oil Selection - ACEA Categories
For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories
for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils that meet the require-
ments of ACEA A1/B1, A3/B4 or A3/B3.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap also states the recommended engine oil vis-
cosity grade for your engine.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, use only those oils that are certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API) to display the
symbol on the front of the container or the proper ACEA
category and show the recommended SAE viscosity
grade. Follow the maintenance schedule that describes
your driving type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 247
7

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Oil Requirements Ð Diesel Engines
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1qt (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary. The fuel
filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your dealer for
service.
Air Cleaner Element (Filter)
Under normal driving conditions, replace the filter at the
intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you drive
the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe conditions,
the filter element should be inspected periodically and
replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule
ªBº.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
CAUTION!
When servicing the battery, always reinstall the
battery thermowrap. The thermowrap provides bat-
tery heat protection and will extend overall battery
life. Failure to reinstall the thermowrap can result in
evaporative loss of the battery fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 251
7

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7

²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do 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 coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Lumbar Support........................ 71
Maintenance Free Battery................. 251
Maintenance, General.................... 245
Maintenance Procedures.................. 245
Maintenance Schedule................... 282
Schedule ªAº........................ 294
Schedule ªBº........................ 285
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)...................... 114,243
Manual, Service........................ 303
Manual Transaxle.................174,180,264
Downshifting........................ 182
Fluid Level Check..................264,265
Frequency of Fluid Change...........264,265
Lubricant Selection.................264,265
Map/Reading Lights..................... 77
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 262
Mirrors............................... 66
Electric Powered....................... 67
Outside............................. 66
Rearview............................ 66
Vanity.............................. 69Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 206
Mopar Parts........................244,302
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 77
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 59
Occupant Classification System (OCS)........ 43
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................ 29
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 211
Odometer............................. 114
Trip ............................. 114,115
Oil, Engine......................245,248,278
Capacity............................ 278
Change Interval...................... 246
Checking........................245,248
Disposal............................ 248
Filter.............................. 248
Materials Added to.................... 248
Recommendation..................247,278
Synthetic........................... 247
Viscosity............................ 247
Oil Pressure Light...................... 112
INDEX 315
10