brakes DODGE CALIBER 2009 1.G User Guide

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(this requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” for proper tire inflation
procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” for proper tire replacement procedures. Replac-
ing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not
increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
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CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4-pin and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle,
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
7-Pin Connector
1 — Battery5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
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•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do 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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
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30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L
PZEV).
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
36,000 Miles (60,000 km) or
36 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the
following: Dusty or off-road conditions.
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if
necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
42,000 Miles (70,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 387
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60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L PZEV).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 389
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84,000 Miles (140,000 km) or
84 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the
following: Dusty or off-road conditions.
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if
necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
90,000 Miles (150,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L
PZEV).
❏ Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. †
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 391
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L PZEV).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
126,000 Miles (210,000 km) or
126 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
394 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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144,000 Miles (240,000 km) or 144 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer
towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained speeds during hot
weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
150,000 Miles (250,000 km) or
150 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L
PZEV).
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
396 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives...................... 361
Autostick ............................. 257
Battery ............................... 348
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Belts, Seat .............................. 73
Beverage Cooler ........................ 160
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 350
B-Pillar Location ........................ 279
Brake Assist System ...................... 269
Brake Fluid ............................ 379
Brake, Parking .......................... 264
Brake System ........................ 265,359
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 266,269
Master Cylinder ....................... 359
Parking ............................. 264
Warning Light ........................ 178
Brakes ............................. 265,359Brake/Transmission Interlock
............... 254
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70
Bulb Replacement ..................... 371,372
Bulbs,Light .......................... 74,371
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 377
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 377
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 305
Oil (Engine) ....................... 340,346
Power Steering ........................ 263
Car Washes ............................ 363
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 72,305
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 155
Cargo Area Features ...................... 154
Cargo Compartment Light ............................... 154
CargoLight ............................ 154
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 156
INDEX 411
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