coolant temperature DODGE CALIBER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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 manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission 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 or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system. 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance 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 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 311
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 409
Adding Fuel ........................... 353
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 404
Additives, Fuel ......................... 351
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 400
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 402
Air Conditioning ........................ 276
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 276
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............402,403
Air Conditioning System .............276,280,402
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 331
Airbag .............................. 57,68
Airbag Deployment ....................... 69
Airbag Light ..................... 66,71,87,194
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 70
Airbag, Side ...................... 60,64,67,68Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........61,64,68
Alarm Light ........................... 201
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................259,269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........408,433,434
Capacities ........................... 433
Disposal ............................ 411
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 311
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 204
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 417
Assistance Towing ....................... 113
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 95
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 280
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,293,298,373,416
Fluid Level Check ..................... 416
Interlock System ....................... 300
466 INDEX

Fluid, Brake........................... 435
Fluid Capacities ......................... 433
Fluid Leaks ............................. 89
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 416
Power Steering ........................ 307
Fluids ................................ 434
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 434
Fog Lights ....................... 147,201,428
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 142
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 385
Front Position Light ...................... 427
Fuel .............................. 348,434
Adding ............................. 353
Additives ............................ 351
Capacity ............................ 433
Clean Air ............................ 349
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 193,353Filler Door (Gas Cap)
................... 193
Gasoline ............................ 348
Gauge .............................. 193
Light ............................... 193
Octane Rating ........................ 348
Requirements ......................... 348
Tank Capacity ........................ 433
Fuel System Caution ..................... 354
Fueling ............................... 353
Fuses ................................ 423
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 158
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............353,355,393
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 349
Gasoline (Fuel) ....................... 348,433
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 349
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 192
Fuel ............................... 193
10
INDEX 471

Snow Tires............................ 338
Spare Tire .......................... 333,374
Specifications Oil ................................ 398
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........155,199
Speedometer ........................... 193
Speedometer and Odometer ................ 190
Starting ............................... 293
Automatic Transmission ................. 293
Engine Fails to Start .................... 294
Manual Transmission ................... 293
Remote .............................. 25
Starting Procedures ...................... 293
Steering Power .............................. 307
Tilt Column .......................... 154
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . 273
Storage ............................... 427
Storage Bin ............................ 173 Storage, Vehicle
......................... 285
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 385
Sun Roof .............................. 165
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 98
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 57
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 399
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 196
Taillights .............................. 429
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 280
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......192,373
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 78
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 181
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 154
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 326
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 324
10
INDEX 479