checking oil DODGE CALIBER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
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. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully 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
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, 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 crosshatch zone that says MIN
at the low end of the range and MAX at the high end of
the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
and even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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 the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.8
M A I
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 439

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 318
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 206
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 374
Jump Starting ......................... 380
Towing ............................. 386
Emission Control System Maintenance ......394,438
Engine ............................... 392
Block Heater ......................... 295
Break-In Recommendations ................ 84
Checking Oil Level ..................... 397
Cooling ............................. 407
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 86,352
Fuel Requirements ..................... 348
Jump Starting ......................... 380
Oil ........................... 397,433,434
Oil Change Interval .................... 398
Oil Filler Cap ...................... 392,399
Oil Filter ............................ 434 Oil Selection
.......................... 398
Oil Synthetic ......................... 399
Overheating .......................... 372
Temperature Gauge .................... 192
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 68
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 36,86,352
Exhaust System ....................... 86,405
Exterior Lights .......................... 89
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 193
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 400
Air Conditioning ...................... 286
Engine Oil ........................ 400,434
Flashers .............................. 372
Hazard Warning ....................... 372
Turn Signal ...................... 89,200,429
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 380
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
470 INDEX

Maintenance Free Battery.................. 401
Maintenance, General ..................... 396
Maintenance Procedures ................... 396
Maintenance Schedule .................... 438
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 203,394
Manual, Service ......................... 461
Manual Transaxle .................. 293,296,417
Downshifting ......................... 297
Fluid Level Check ..................... 417
Frequency of Fluid Change ............... 417
Lubricant Selection ..................... 417
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 150
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 413
Mirrors ................................ 95
Automatic Dimming ..................... 95
Electric Powered ....................... 97
Heated .............................. 98
Outside .............................. 96
Rearview ............................. 95 Vanity
............................... 98
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 339
Mopar Parts ......................... 395,460
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 146
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 84
Occupant Restraints ..................... 64,69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........37,60,61,64,68
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 348
Odometer ............................. 197
Trip ............................. 197,199
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 198
Oil, Engine ......................... 397,433
Capacity ............................ 433
Change Interval ....................... 398
Checking ............................ 397
Disposal ............................ 399
10
INDEX 475