Dodge 2008 Caliber User manual

Caliber
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Caliber
81-226-0839 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2007 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................73
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 157
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................. 229
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................301
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ............................................... 315
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................363
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................371
10
INDEX ....................................................................381
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ............... 6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this manual contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual.
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — Manual Transmission
Only.................................15
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......15
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........15
䡵Sentry Key威...........................15
▫Replacement Keys ......................17
▫Customer Key Programming ..............17
▫General Information ....................18
䡵Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........19
▫To Set The Security Alarm ................19
▫To Disarm The Security Alarm System .......20
▫Security Alarm System Manual Override ......20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)— If Equipped .....20
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........21
2

▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................22
▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........23
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........23
▫General Information ....................25
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement ...........25
䡵Door Locks ............................26
▫Manual Door Locks .....................26
▫Power Door Locks .....................28
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) — If Equipped ...............31
䡵Power Windows — If Equipped .............32
▫Power Window Switches .................32
▫Auto Down ..........................33
▫Window Lockout Switch .................33
䡵Liftgate ...............................34
䡵Occupant Restraints ......................35
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................36
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....41
▫Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
Operating Instructions ...................42
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................45
▫Enhanced Driver And Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert威) .....................46
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............47
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Child Restraint ........................60
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........69
䡵Safety Tips ............................69
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................69
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................70
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................71
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys. Ask your
authorized dealer for these numbers and keep them in a
safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Manual Transmission
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position.
2. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to
the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the lock cylinder.
Vehicle Key
Ignition Key Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
1. Place the shift lever in PARK.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position.
3. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to
the LOCK position
4. remove the key from the lock cylinder.
NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. Refer to “Body Lubrication” under “Main-
tenance Procedures” in Section 7.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE: With the driver’s door open and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) will not function.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — MANUAL
TRANSMISSION ONLY
Your manual transmission vehicle is equipped with a
passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering
the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel
is moved no more than one-half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering
wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key威is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keys威from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program
new Sentry Keys威to the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15
seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE