Dodge Caliber User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................71
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 155
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................225
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................297
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................311
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................361
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................369
10
INDEX ....................................................................379
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged 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 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 dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, 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 rear 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 manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures, which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures,
which 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
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 or 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
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
mSentry Key ............................14
▫Replacement Keys ......................15
▫Customer Key Programming ..............16
▫General Information ....................17
mSteering Wheel Lock — Manual Transmission
Only .................................18
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......18
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
mDoor Locks ............................18
▫Manual Door Locks .....................18
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........20
▫“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................22
2

mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........24
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........24
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............25
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................26
▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........26
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........27
▫General Information ....................28
▫Battery Replacement ....................29
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........30
▫To Set The Alarm ......................30
▫To Disarm The System ...................30
▫Security System Manual Override ...........31
mLiftgate ...............................31
mPower Windows— If Equipped ..............33
▫Power Window Switches .................33
▫Auto Down ..........................33
▫Window Lockout Switch .................34
mOccupant Restraints ......................34
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................35
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....40
▫Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
Operating Instructions ...................41
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................44
▫Enhanced Driver And Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert) ......................45
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............46
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............46
▫Child Restraint ........................58
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........67
mSafety Tips ............................68
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................68
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................68
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................69
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The 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 from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
Ignition Key Removal
Manual Transaxle
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the
key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction 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!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended 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 key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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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. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
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.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key 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, which 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 (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key, which 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 (3) 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
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) 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 Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain will not cause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part is physically 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.
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 is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys 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 PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key 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 3
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” position within 15
seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, 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 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 indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and
then turn off.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do
not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer
for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key 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 undes-
ired operation.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

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 1/2 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.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
For personal security, and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well
as when you park and leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju-
ries and death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Door Lock Plunger
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

Power Door Locks — If Equipped
A door lock switch is located on the driver door panel.
Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Automatic Door Locks—If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission is in gear.
Power Door Lock Switch Location
Power Door Lock Switches
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE