Dodge Caliber 2012 User manual

Caliber
OWNER’S MAN U A L
2012

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
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 optional
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 Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any obliga-
tion upon itself to install them on products previously
manufactured.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group 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 ............................. 91
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................193
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................293
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 383
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................407
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................455
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 471
10
INDEX ...................................................................481
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
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
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 Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

1
INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision 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 is stamped into the
right front body, on the right front seat crossmember
under the carpet. This number also appears on the
vehicle registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Right Front Body VIN Location
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Locking Doors With A Key .............. 14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫General Information ................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫To Arm The System ................... 18
▫Rearming The System .................. 19
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
▫Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override ..... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 21
▫Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First
Press .............................. 21
▫Illuminated Approach — If Equipped ....... 22
2

▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 22
▫Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock ........ 22
▫Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock . . 23
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 24
▫General Information ................... 24
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 25
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 26
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 26
䡵Door Locks ........................... 29
▫Power Door Locks .................... 30
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors) — If Equipped .................. 32
䡵Power Windows — If Equipped ............ 34
▫Power Window Switches ................ 34
▫Auto-Down ......................... 35
▫Window Lockout Switch ................ 35
䡵Liftgate ............................. 36
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 37
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 41
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 46
▫Lap/ Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
With A Mini-Latch And Buckle ............ 47
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 50
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 51
▫Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 51
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Energy Management Feature ............. 52
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 53
▫Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
— If Equipped ....................... 53
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 57
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 58
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 59
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air
Bags .............................. 59
▫Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 62
▫Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 66
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 73
▫Child Restraints ...................... 74
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 85
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 86
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 86
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 87
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 88
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 89
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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
1. Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (Accessory)
position.
3. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to
the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 switch cylinder. If this occurs,
place the shift lever in PARK, rotate the key to the right
slightly, then remove the key as described. If a malfunc-
tion occurs, the system will trap the key in the ignition
cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inoperable.
The engine can be started and stopped but the key cannot
be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON/RUN
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

WARNING! (Continued)
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
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 A Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key to the right. To unlock the door, turn
the key to the left. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
and the ignition position is LOCK or ACC, sounds a
signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE: With the driver’s door open and the key in the
ignition, the power door locks will not lock and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized 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.
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 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 Vehicle Security 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 Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

CAUTION!
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
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 unat-
tended.
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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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/RUN 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.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security 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/RUN position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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
reprogrammed.
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.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors, liftgate,
and ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
When the alarm is activated, the interior switches for
door locks are disabled. The Vehicle Security Alarm
provides both audio and visual signals, the horn will
sound, the headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals
will flash repeatedly for three minutes. If the disturbance
is still present (driver’s door, passenger door, other doors,
ignition) after three minutes, the parking lights and tail
lights will flash for an additional 15 minutes.
To Arm The System
1. Remove the key from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door LOCK
switch or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
and close all doors.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE