power steering fluid DODGE CALIBER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 257
▫ Operation ......................... 258
▫ General Information .................. 258
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 259
▫ Acceleration ........................ 259
▫ Traction ........................... 259
 Driving Through Water ................. 260
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 260
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 260
 Power Steering ....................... 262
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 263
 Parking Brake ........................ 264
 Brake System ........................ 265 ▫
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped .......................... 266
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 268
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 269
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 269
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 270
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 270
 Tire Safety Information ................. 274
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 274
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 279
 Tires — General Information ............. 283
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 283
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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 areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s 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” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
5

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Integrated Power Module
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Battery (Under Cover)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Air Cleaner Filter 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Battery
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) MOPARCVTF + 4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transaxle MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4 or ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7

Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
384 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
10

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle .................... 361
Power Steering ........................ 263
Fluids ................................ 378
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 378
Fog Lights ....................... 128,177,372
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 123
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 333
Front Position Light ...................... 372
Fuel .............................. 301,378
Adding ............................. 305
Additives ............................ 304
Capacity ............................ 377
CleanAir ............................ 302
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 169,305
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 169
Gasoline ............................ 301
Gauge .............................. 169 Light ............................... 170
Octane Rating
........................ 301
Requirements ......................... 301
Tank Capacity ........................ 377
Fuel System Caution ..................... 307
Fueling ............................... 305
Fuses ................................ 368
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 138
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............305,307,341
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 302
Gasoline (Fuel) ....................... 301,377
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 302
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 169
Fuel ............................... 169
Odometer ........................... 174
Tachometer .......................... 170
Gearshift .............................. 255
INDEX 415
10