check oil DODGE CALIBER SRT 2008 1.G User Guide

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers 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 ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking and smearing.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.2. Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem-
bly down along the arm. Gently place the wiper arm on
the windshield.
3. Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
Windshield Washer Reservoir
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment,
be sure to check the fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not
radiator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid
reservoir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth
or towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
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NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp 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 brakefluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE: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. TheManual
TransaxleClutch 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 manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for correct
fluid type.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 339
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²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
340 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Break-In Recommendations................ 65
Checking Oil Level..................... 296
Cooling............................. 309
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 267
Fuel Requirements..................... 264
Jump Starting......................... 284
Oil ...........................296,333,334
Oil Change Interval.................... 297
Oil Filler Cap......................291,298
Oil Filter............................ 334
Oil Selection.......................... 297
Operation............................ 65
Overheating.......................... 274
Temperature Gauge..................... 157
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Ethanol............................... 265
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution..............31,65,267,308
Exhaust System......................... 308Filler Location Fuel...................... 157
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Engine Fuel.......................... 302
Engine Oil........................299,334
Flashers.............................. 274
Hazard Warning....................... 274
Turn Signal.......................... 328
Flooded Engine Starting................... 225
Fluid, Brake........................... 335
Fluid Capacities......................... 333
Fluid Leaks............................. 67
Fluids................................ 334
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 334
Fog Lights....................... 113,162,328
Folding Rear Seat........................ 107
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 107
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 286
Fuel..............................264,334
360 INDEX

Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 22
Keys................................. 12
Lane Change and Turn Signals...........162,328
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 33
Latches
Hood............................... 109
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 264
Life of Tires............................ 251
Liftgate (Sedan).......................... 29
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer............. 146
Light Bulbs............................ 327
Lights..............................67,110
Airbag..........................54,66,158
Back-Up............................. 328
Brake Warning........................ 161
Bulb Replacement...................... 327
Cargo .............................. 141Center Mounted Stop................... 332
Daytime Running...................... 115
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 111
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator...........................131,133
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 159
Fog .......................... 113,162,328
Headlight Switch...................... 111
Headlights........................... 111
High Beam Indicator.................... 165
Instrument Cluster..................... 111
License............................. 331
Lights On Reminder.................... 112
Low Fuel............................ 158
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 164
Map Reading......................... 110
Oil Pressure.......................... 159
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 158
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 29
INDEX 363
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MTBE/ETBE........................... 265
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 111
Navigation Radio........................ 202
Navigation System....................... 202
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 65
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 32
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 264
Odometer............................. 159
Trip .............................159,161
Oil Change Indicator..................160,175
Oil, Engine.........................296,333
Capacity............................ 333
Change Interval....................... 297
Checking............................ 296
Disposal............................ 299
Filter............................... 299
Materials Added to..................... 299Recommendation...................297,333
Viscosity............................ 298
Oil Pressure Light....................... 159
Onboard Diagnostic System..............292,293
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 122
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 220
Overheating, Engine...................... 274
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,352
Paint Care............................. 318
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 228
Passing Light........................... 115
Personal Settings........................ 173
Pets.................................. 64
Phone, Cellular.......................... 76
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............. 76
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 242
INDEX 365
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Replacement Bulbs....................... 327
Replacement Keys........................ 14
Replacement Parts....................... 295
Replacement Tires....................... 251
Reporting Safety Defects................... 351
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........160,175
Restraints, Child.......................56,63
Restraints, Infant......................... 57
Retractable Cargo Area Cover............... 143
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack)................. 148
Rotation, Tires.......................... 254
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 66
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 67
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 351
Safety Information, Tire................... 237
Safety Tips............................. 65
Satellite Radio.......................203,205
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 208Schedule, Maintenance.................... 338
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 323
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 43
Seat Belts
Adjustable Shoulder Belt.................. 38
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 38
And Pregnant Women................... 44
Child Restraint......................... 56
Front Seat............................ 33
Pretensioners.......................... 42
Rear Seat............................. 33
Reminder............................ 158
Seat Belts (Sedan)........................ 32
Seats................................. 103
Adjustment.......................... 103
Head Restraints....................... 106
Lumbar Support....................... 105
Rear Folding......................... 107
Rear Folding (Sedan).................... 107
INDEX 367
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