power steering fluid DODGE CALIBER 2011 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
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.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 302
▫ Operation ......................... 302
▫ General Information .................. 303
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 303
▫ Acceleration ........................ 303
▫ Traction ........................... 304
 Driving Through Water ................. 304
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 305
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 305
 Power Steering ....................... 307
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 308
 Parking Brake ........................ 308 
Brake System ........................ 311
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 312
 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) ......... 317
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 319
 Tire Safety Information ................. 320
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 320
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 324
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 steer-
ing 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.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 307

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 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.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 399

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If
Equipped MOPAR
CVTF + 4
Manual Transmission – If Equipped MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
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, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

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.
8
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S442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Selection Of Lubricant................. 417
Special Additives ..................... 418
Automatic Transmission ................... 298
Gear Ranges ........................ 300
Autostick ............................. 302
B-Pillar Location ........................ 326
Battery ............................... 403
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 23
Belts, Seat .............................. 86
Beverage Cooler ........................ 182
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 405
Brake Assist System ...................... 314
Brake Fluid ............................ 437
Brake System ........................ 31 1,415
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 312,314
Master Cylinder ..................... 415
Parking ........................... 308 Warning Light
....................... 194
Brake, Parking .......................... 308
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 300
Brakes ............................. 31 1,415
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ....................... 429
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,429
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 435
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 435
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 394,401
Power Steering ...................... 308
Car Washes ............................ 420
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,353
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 176
Cargo Area Features ...................... 175
10
INDEX 467

Engine Oil....................... 402,436
Flashers .............................. 372
Hazard Warning ..................... 372
Turn Signal .................... 88,199,431
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
Fluid Capacities ......................... 435
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................. 418
Power Steering ...................... 308
Fluid, Brake ........................... 437
Fluids ................................ 436
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 436
Fog Lights ....................... 148,200,430
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 142
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 386
Front Position Light ...................... 429 Fuel
.............................. 350,436
Adding ........................... 354
Additives .......................... 352
Capacity ........................... 435
Clean Air .......................... 350
Ethanol ........................... 351
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............192,354
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 192
Gasoline ........................... 350
Gauge ............................ 192
Light ............................. 192
Materials Added ..................... 352
Methanol .......................... 351
Octane Rating ....................... 350
Requirements ....................... 350
Tank Capacity ....................... 435
Fuel System Caution ..................... 355
Fueling ............................... 354
Fuses ................................ 424
10
INDEX 471

Steering........................ 307,308
Sunroof ........................... 165
Windows ........................... 33
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 437
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 59
Preparation for Jacking .................... 375
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 210
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 333
Radio Operation ........................ 274
Rear Fog Lights ......................... 431
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 35
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 142
Rear Window Defroster ................... 181
Rear Window Features .................... 180
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 180
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 73 Recreational Towing
...................... 370
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 350
Refrigerant ............................ 405
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 57
Remote Control Door Locks ......................... 18
Security Alarm ....................... 17
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 272
Remote Starting System .................... 24
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 429
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Replacement Parts ....................... 397
Replacement Tires ....................... 338
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 460
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 197
Restraints, Child ....................... 74,79
Restraints, Infant ......................... 75
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ............... 176
10
INDEX 477