checking oil DODGE CALIBER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do 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 me-
chanic.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283
7

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.
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.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Engine Oil Dipstick
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 — 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.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

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 “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add, if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 321
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Engine Oil.......................... 286
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Opener, Garage.................... 112
Downshifting.......................... 217
DriveBelts ............................ 286
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.................... 96
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 224
Economy............................. 213
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 70
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 124
Electronic Brake Control System............ 118
Brake Assist System................... 118
Electronic Stability Program............. 119
Traction Control System................ 118
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 119
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)......................... 152
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 268Jump Starting........................ 272
Towing ............................. 275
Emission Control System Maintenance....281,320
Engine............................... 279
Break-In Recommendations............... 61
Checking Oil Level.................... 283
Cooling ............................ 294
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 251
Fuel Requirements.................... 248
Jump Starting........................ 272
Oil ..........................283,316,317
Oil Change Interval................... 284
Oil Filler Cap.....................279,285
Oil Filter............................ 317
OilSelection ......................... 285
Oil Synthetic......................... 285
Overheating......................... 266
Temperature Gauge................... 144
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 50
Event Data Recorder..................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution............. 27,61,251,293
Exhaust System........................ 293
INDEX 349
10

Navigation Radio....................... 192
Navigation System...................... 192
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 61
Occupant Classification System (OCS)........ 44
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................ 28
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 248
Odometer............................ 147
Trip ............................147,148
Oil, Engine.........................283,316
Capacity............................ 316
Change Interval...................... 284
Checking........................... 283
Disposal............................ 286
Filter.............................. 286
Identification Logo.................... 285
Materials Added to.................... 286
Recommendation..................285,316
Synthetic........................... 285
Viscosity............................ 285
Oil Pressure Light...................... 145
Onboard Diagnostic System............280,281
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 112Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
OutsideAirIntake ...................... 204
Overdrive............................ 213
Overheating, Engine..................... 266
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)....... 4,341
PaintCare ............................ 303
Panic Alarm........................... 21
Parking Brake......................... 218
Passing Light.......................... 106
Performance........................... 213
Personal Settings....................... 155
Pets .................................. 60
Phone, Cellular......................... 72
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 72
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 229
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses).............. 307
Door Locks.......................... 15
Mirrors ............................. 70
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 124
Steering .........................223,291
Steering, Checking.................... 291
354 INDEX