coolant level DODGE CALIBER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading below the red area of
the gauge shows that the engine cooling system
is operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a
higher than normal temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go
traffic, or when towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off untilthe pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on theH(red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning 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.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
144 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be
between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vaporcoming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.5 Gallons 51.0 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
All Gasoline Engines (Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine
Oil.)4.5 Quarts 4.26 Liters
Cooling System *
MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula), or
equivalent.7.2 Quarts 6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake/
clutch master cylinder, and manual transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
CAUTION!
Do not check the automatic transaxle fluid. It must
be check by a trained service technician every 15,000
miles and if required only the recommended fluid
be added. Refer to the section “Fluids, Lubricants
And Genuine Parts” for the proper fluid.
322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 220
Accelerator Pedal....................... 213
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 295
Adding Fuel.......................... 252
Adding Washer Fluid.................108,133
Additives, Fuel........................ 250
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 288
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 290
Air Conditioning Controls................ 198
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 203
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........290,291
Air Conditioning System..............198,290
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 234
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment...................... 49
Airbag Light...................... 52,62,145
Airbag Maintenance...................... 51
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Alarm System (Security Alarm).......... 24,145
Alignment and Balance.................. 240
All Wheel Drive (AWD).................. 217
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 195
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........294,316,317
Capacities........................... 316
Disposal............................ 296
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......... 117,220
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 303
Automatic Door Locks.................. 16,17
Automatic Transaxle........... 9,208,210,267,301
Fluid Level Check..................... 301
Interlock System.................... 14,212
Overheating......................... 267
Selection Of Lubricant................. 301
Shifting............................ 212
Special Additives..................... 301
Autostick ............................. 214
BallJoints ............................ 291
Battery ............................... 289
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 23
Belts,Drive ........................... 286
Beverage Cooler........................ 134
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 292
346 INDEX

Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 57
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts......... 56
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
Child Seat............................. 59
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 249
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 305
Climate Control........................ 198
Clock ....................161,164,170,181,192
Clutch ............................... 300
ClutchFluid ........................... 300
CoinHolder ........................... 127
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 197
Compact Spare Tire..................... 236
Compass............................. 160
Compass Calibration.................... 160
Compass Variance...................... 158
Console.............................. 127
Contract, Service....................... 340
Coolant (Antifreeze)..................316,317
Cooler, Beverage....................... 134
Cooling System........................ 294
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 295Coolant Level.....................294,297
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 296
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 294
Inspection........................... 297
Points to Remember................296,297
Pressure Cap........................ 296
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 294
CorrosionProtection .................... 303
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 288
CruiseLight ........................... 148
CupHolder ........................... 127
Customer Assistance.................... 338
Data Recorder, Event..................... 52
Dealer Service......................... 282
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 134
Defroster, Windshield............... 62,199,200
Delay(Intermittent)Wipers ............... 108
Detent ............................... 213
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 280
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 105
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 296
348 INDEX