towing DODGE CALIBER SRT 2008 1.G User Guide

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................274
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................274
mTIREFIT Kit...........................276
NTIREFIT Storage......................276
NTIREFIT Usage Precautions..............277
NTIREFIT Kit Components & Operation......279
NSealing a Tire With TIREFIT..............280mJump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery..............................284
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................286
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................287
NWith Ignition Key.....................287
NWithout The Ignition Key...............288
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and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don't let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated; all-wheel-drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 287
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All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shifter housing that allows you to
insert your finger to override the system.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
288 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
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 manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).48,000 80 000 48
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs.102,000 170 000 102
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
342 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Customer Assistance..................... 347
Data Recorder, Event...................... 54
Dealer Service.......................... 295
Defroster, Rear Window................... 147
Defroster, Windshield...................66,214
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 117
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 292
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 114
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 312
Engine Oil........................... 299
Door Locks............................. 17
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 19
Door Opener, Garage..................... 122
Downshifting.......................... 227
Drive Belts............................ 299
Driver's Seat Back Tilt.................... 105Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 234
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................ 235
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 74
Electrical Power Outlets................... 138
Electronic Brake Control System............. 129
Brake Assist System.................... 130
Electronic Stability Program............... 131
Traction Control System................. 129
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....... 119
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 131
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 166
Emergency, In Case of
Jump Starting......................... 284
Towing............................. 287
Emission Control System Maintenance......293,338
Engine.............................65,291
INDEX 359
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Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 323
Door Locks........................... 18
Mirrors.............................. 74
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 138
Steering..........................233,305
Steering, Checking..................... 305
Sunroof............................. 134
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 335
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 44
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 42
Programmable Electronic Features............ 173
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Radial Ply Tires......................... 249
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 179Radio, Navigation....................... 202
Radio Operation...................181,188,211
Radio, Satellite.......................203,205
Radio (Sound Systems).................181,188
Rear Liftgate (Sedan)...................... 29
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 107
Rear Window Defroster................... 147
Rear Window Features.................... 146
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 146
Recorder, Event Data...................... 54
Recreational Towing...................... 271
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 264
Refrigerant............................ 305
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 43
Remote Control
Door Locks........................... 22
Security Alarm......................... 28
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan)............... 22
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 209
366 INDEX

System, Navigation...................... 202
Tachometer............................ 158
Taillights.............................. 328
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......157,275
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 60
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 28
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 28
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 144
Tilt Steering Column..................... 118
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 242
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 241
Tire Markings.......................... 237
Tire Safety Information.................... 237
TIREFIT.............................. 276
Tires ............................67,246,353
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 251
Air Pressure.......................... 246
Alignment........................... 253Chains.............................. 253
General Information.................... 246
High Speed.......................... 249
Inflation Pressures..................... 247
Life of Tires.......................... 251
Load Capacity.....................242,243
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 255
Quality Grading....................... 353
Radial.............................. 249
Replacement......................... 251
Rotation............................. 254
Safety...........................237,246
Sizes............................... 239
Snow Tires........................... 254
Spinning............................ 250
Tread Wear Indicators................... 250
Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 287
Recreational.......................... 271
INDEX 369
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