transmission fluid DODGE CALIBER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
passH, the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
11. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195

27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
EquippedDuring sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transmission oil may be-
come too hot. If this happens, the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light will come on and
the vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic trans-
mission 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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
Continued operation with the Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light illuminated could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components causing a fire that may result in
personal injury.
28. High Beam Indicator This indicator shows that the high beam head-
lights are on. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display — If Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the EVIC messages.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 302
▫ Operation ......................... 302
▫ General Information .................. 303
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 304
▫ Acceleration ........................ 304
▫ Traction ........................... 304
 Driving Through Water ................. 305
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 305
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 305
 Power Steering ....................... 307
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 307
 Parking Brake ........................ 308
 Brake System ........................ 310 ▫
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 311
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 314
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 314
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 314
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 315
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 316
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 318
 Tire Safety Information ................. 321
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 321
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 324
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 325
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 326
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System ..................... 407
▫ Brake System ....................... 413
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) –
If Equipped ........................ 416
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 417
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 417
 Fuses .............................. 423
▫ Integrated Power Module (IPM) .......... 423
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 427
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 427 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 427
▫ Front Headlamps, Parking, And Turn Signal
Lamps ............................ 427
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 428
▫ Rear Tail, Turn Signal, And Backup Lamps . . 429
▫ License Lamps ...................... 431
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp ......... 432
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 433
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 434
▫ Engine ............................ 434
▫ Chassis ........................... 435
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission , the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system. The
two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in
one system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid which has been formulated with special
metal to metal friction coefficient additives to provide the
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission
as the chemicals can damage your transmission
components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip
and result in a complete transmission failure!
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

(CVTF+4). CVTF+4is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.
NOTE:
If contaminated with water, the fluid should be
changed immediately.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417