child restraint DODGE CALIBER 2010 1.G User Guide

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren)
WARNING!
Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand
only those loads imposed by correctly-fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be
used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or for attaching
other items or equipment to the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor-
age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system
provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle seat belt, instead securing the child
restraint using lower anchorages and upper tether straps
from the child restraint to the vehicle structure. LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail-
able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail-
able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retrofit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re-
straint in any vehicle.
All three rear seating positions are capable of accommo-
dating LATCH-compatible child seats.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child seats with fixed lower attachments must be in-
stalled in the outboard positions only. If you are installing
LATCH-compatible child restraints in adjacent rear seat-
ing positions, you can use the LATCH anchors or the
vehicle’s seat belt for the outboard position, but you must
use the vehicle’s seat belt at the center position. If your
child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, you can only
install the child restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.
Please refer to “Installing the Child Restraint System” for
typical installation instructions.
You shouldNEVERinstall LATCH-compatible child
seats so that two seats share a common anchorage. If
installing seats in adjacent seating positions, or if your
child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, install the
restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.
Rear Seat LATCH Anchorages
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79

Installing the LATCH – Compatible child Restraint
System
We urge you to carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
are provided with the child restraint system.The lower anchorages are round bars, part of
the seat and body structure, and are readily
visible. In addition, there are tether strap an-
chorages behind each rear seating position,
located in the rear surface of the seat back.
These are round bars, located at the rear of the seat
cushion where it meets the seat back, and just visible
when you lean into the rear seat to install the child
restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger
along the intersection of the surfaces The lower strap hooks are passed over the top of each
bar, pushing aside the seat cover material
Many, but not all restraint systems will be
equipped with separate straps on each side,
with each having a hook or connector for
attachment to the lower anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-
facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.
Do not install child restraints using the LATCH system in
all three rear seating positions at the same time. You may
install three child restraints at the same time using the
LATCH system in the outboard seating positions and the
vehicle seat belt in the center position. Always use the top
tether, both with the vehicle seat belt or the lower
anchors.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

First loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the
tether strap so that you can more easily attach the hook or
connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next, attach the
lower hooks or connectors over the top of the seat cover
material. Then attach the tether strap to the anchorage
directly behind the seat where you are placing the child
restraint, being careful to route the tether strap to provide
the most direct path between the anchor and the child
restraint, routing it over the head restraint. Finally,
tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint
rearward and downward into the seat, removing slack in
the straps according to the child restraint manufacturer ’s
instructions.
NOTE:
•Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove the
slack in the strap.
•When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint. This
should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not
play with them. In addition, never leave unattended
children in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) to
secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). These types of
seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat
belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a
ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the
retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the
retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to
“Automatic Locking Mode” description under “Seat
Belts in Passenger Seating Positions” section. The chart
below defines the seating positions with an Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate.
Left Center Right
CRS Lock CRS Lock CRS Lock
First Row ALR
Second Row ALR ALR ALR Third Row
Installing a Child Restraint with an ALR:
1. To install a child restraint with ALR, first, pull enough
of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it
through the belt path of the child restraint. Slide the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” Next,
extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and
then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a ratcheting sound. This indicates
the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap
portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system
will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and
pull it tight if necessary.
•In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.
•If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.To attach a child restraint tether strap:
•Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat,
routing it over the head restraint.
•If necessary, move the seat forward to provide better
access to the tether anchor.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

•Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the
tether anchor and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer ’s
instructions.
NOTE: Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or could injure a passenger during panic braking
or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Light............................ 178
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 181
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 181
Cellular Phone ........................ 99,275
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 432
Chains, Tire ............................ 338
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 322
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............203,394
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .......................... 74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Child Seat .............................. 80
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 349
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 420 Climate Control
......................... 275
Clock ..................... 218,233,235,238,247
Clutch ............................... 413
Clutch Fluid ........................... 413
Coin Holder ........................... 176
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 333
Connector UCI ................................ 262
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 262
Console .............................. 176
Contract, Service ........................ 459
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 433,434
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 175
Cooling System ......................... 407
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 409
Coolant Level ...................... 408,411
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 411
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 408
468 INDEX

Radio, Satellite (Uconnectstudios)........... 268
Rear Fog Lights ......................... 429
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 35
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 142
Rear Window Defroster ................... 184
Rear Window Features .................... 183
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 183
Recreational Towing ...................... 369
Refrigerant ............................ 403
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 55
Remote Control Door Locks ........................... 18
Security Alarm ......................... 17
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 273
Remote Starting System .................... 25
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 427
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Replacement Parts ....................... 395 Replacement Tires
....................... 336
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 460
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 198
Restraint, Head ......................... 139
Restraints, Child ....................... 74,80
Restraints, Infant ......................... 75
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ............... 179
Rotation, Tires .......................... 338
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 87
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 89
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 460
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 86
Safety Information, Tire ................... 321
Safety Tips ............................. 85
Satellite Radio Antenna .................259,269
Satellite Radio (Uconnect studios)........... 268
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 438
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 422
10
INDEX 477

Seat Belt Reminder....................... 55
Seat Belts .............................. 87
Adjustable Shoulder Belt .................. 44
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ........ 44
And Pregnant Women ................... 56
Child Restraint ........................ 74
Front Seat ............................ 39
Inspection ............................ 87
Pretensioners .......................... 50
Rear Seat ............................. 39
Seat Belts (Sedan) ........................ 37
Seats ................................. 132
Adjustment .......................... 133
Heated ............................. 137
Lumbar Support ....................... 134
Rear Folding ......................... 142
Rear Folding (Sedan) ................... 142
Seatback Release ....................... 135
Tilting .............................. 135 Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)
................ 17
Selection of Oil ......................... 398
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 15
Service Assistance ....................... 457
Service Contract ......................... 459
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 203
Service Manuals ........................ 461
Setting the Clock .............218,233,235,238,247
Settings, Personal ........................ 211
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle .............. 297
Shoulder Belts ........................... 39
Side Airbag ............................. 67
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 286
Signals, Turn ...................... 89,200,429
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 304
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 338
478 INDEX