coolant temperature DODGE CALIBER 2011 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 the 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 autho-
rized dealership for service.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

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 409

•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.
412 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 freezing.
•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.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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) per-
formance, 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” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 312
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 411
Adding Fuel ........................... 354
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 406
Additives, Fuel ......................... 352
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 402
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 404
Air Conditioning ........................ 275
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 275
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............404,405
Air Conditioning System .............275,279,404
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 331
Airbag .............................. 59,69
Airbag Deployment ....................... 70
Airbag Light ..................... 67,73,86,193
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 72
Airbag, Side ........................ 63,66,69Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........64,66,69
Alarm Light ........................... 200
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................232,257
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 312
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 203
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........410,435,436
Capacities .......................... 435
Disposal ........................... 413
Appearance Care ........................ 419
Assistance Towing ....................... 111
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 279
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,293,373,417
Fluid Level Check .................... 418
Overheating ........................ 373
466 INDEX

Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)........... 158
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............354,356,395
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 435
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 350
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 350
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 191
Fuel .............................. 192
Odometer .......................... 196
Tachometer ......................... 195
Gear Ranges ........................... 300
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 387
General Information ................. 17,127,349
General Maintenance ..................... 398
Glass Cleaning .......................... 423
Glove Compartment ...................... 182
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 359
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............357,358Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)
.............. 97
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................ 304
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 372
Headlights ............................ 429
Cleaning ........................... 423
High Beam ......................... 149
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 149
Passing ............................ 149
Replacing .......................... 429
Switch ............................ 146
Heated Mirrors .......................... 96
Heated Seats ........................... 134
Heater ............................... 275
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 295
Hill Start Assist ......................... 316
472 INDEX

Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 401
System, Remote Starting .................... 24
Tachometer ............................ 195
Taillights .............................. 431
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 279
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......191,373
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 78
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 179
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 154
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 326
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 324
Tire Markings .......................... 320
Tire Safety Information .................... 320
Tires ............................ 88,330,463
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 337
Air Pressure ........................ 330 Chains
............................ 339
Changing .......................... 374
Compact Spare ...................... 334
General Information .................. 330
High Speed ......................... 333
Inflation Pressures .................... 331
Jacking ............................ 374
Life of Tires ........................ 337
Load Capacity .................... 326,327
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 341
Pressure Warning Light ................ 201
Quality Grading ..................... 463
Radial ............................ 333
Replacement ........................ 338
Rotation ........................... 340
Safety .......................... 320,330
Sizes ............................. 322
Snow Tires ......................... 339
Spare Tire .......................... 375
480 INDEX