overheating DODGE CALIBER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
Display—If 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.
31. Rear Fog Light Indicator
This light shows the rear fog lights are ON.32. Glow Plug Light — Diesel Engine Only
The glow plug light will illuminate when the
ignition key is first turned to the ON position.
Wait until the glow plug light turns OFF then start the
vehicle.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) – If Equipped
EVIC Location
152 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 corrosionprotection 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.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ratio. After Autostick is activated, the manual ratio
selected is displayed in the transmission ratio display
and tipping the lever to the (+) or (-) direction will cause
an upshift or downshift by one ratio.
Autostick is deactivated:
•
By holding the lever to (+) momentarily.
•When the shift lever is shifted out ofD.
•When in 6 position, touching the lever to the right.
•When heavy Anti-lock brake system (ABS) application
is detected.
Autostick General Information
•
If a ratio other than 1st is selected and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will
automatically select the 1st gear ratio.
•If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the
next higher ratio.
•If 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.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If 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
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................266

If Your Engine Overheats................266

Automatic Transaxle Overheating..........267

Jacking And Tire Changing...............268
▫Jack Location........................268
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................268
▫Preparations For Jacking................269▫Jacking Instructions....................269

Jump-Starting Procedures Due To
A Low Battery
........................272

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................274

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............275
▫With Ignition Key.....................275
▫Without The Ignition Key...............276
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.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — 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.
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
Hazard Warning Flasher
266 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 “H”, 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 “H”, 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 overheat in-
dicator 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 267
6

8. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
9. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” 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 (48 km/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 (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do 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!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 “A”. 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
“B”.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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