steering DODGE CALIBER 2011 1.G Owner's Guide

CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE/
1st gear and REVERSE. Using minimal accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spin-
ning the wheels, is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol or Electronic Stability Control (ESC), turn the system
OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
386 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN or ACC
position, not in the LOCK position.
•Do not attempt to use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
390 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The range markings will consist of a crosshatch
zone that says SAFE or a crosshatch zone that says MIN
at the low end of the range and MAX at the high end of
the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the indicated range will result in the oil
level at the full end of the indicator range.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
1 Empty Empty
2 15 Amp
Lt Blue AWD/4WD Control
Module
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
Fuse Description
3 10 Amp
Red Rear Center Brake
Light Switch
4 10 Amp
Red Ignition Switch/
Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
5 20 Amp
Yellow Trailer Tow
6 10 Amp
Red Power Mirror/
Steering Control Sat-
ellite Radio/Hands-
Free Phone
7 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
8 30 Amp
Green Ignition Off Draw
9 40 Amp Green Power Seats
Integrated Power Module
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If
Equipped MOPAR
CVTF + 4
Manual Transmission – If Equipped MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

Once A Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Selection Of Lubricant................. 417
Special Additives ..................... 418
Automatic Transmission ................... 298
Gear Ranges ........................ 300
Autostick ............................. 302
B-Pillar Location ........................ 326
Battery ............................... 403
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 23
Belts, Seat .............................. 86
Beverage Cooler ........................ 182
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 405
Brake Assist System ...................... 314
Brake Fluid ............................ 437
Brake System ........................ 31 1,415
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 312,314
Master Cylinder ..................... 415
Parking ........................... 308 Warning Light
....................... 194
Brake, Parking .......................... 308
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 300
Brakes ............................. 31 1,415
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ....................... 429
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,429
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 435
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 435
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 394,401
Power Steering ...................... 308
Car Washes ............................ 420
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,353
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 176
Cargo Area Features ...................... 175
10
INDEX 467

Disposal of Used Coolant............... 413
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 410
Inspection .......................... 413
Points to Remember ................ 412,414
Pressure Cap ........................ 412
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 410
Corrosion Protection ..................... 419
Cruise Light ........................... 198
Cupholders ............................ 174
Customer Assistance ..................... 457
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 73
Dealer Service .......................... 398
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 181
Defroster, Windshield ................87,277,283
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 153
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 395
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 149 Dipsticks
Power Steering ...................... 308
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 413
Engine Oil ......................... 401
Door Locks ............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 158
Downshifting .......................... 297
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 137
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 303
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 304
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 95
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 168
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 314
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 314
10
INDEX 469

Engine Oil....................... 402,436
Flashers .............................. 372
Hazard Warning ..................... 372
Turn Signal .................... 88,199,431
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
Fluid Capacities ......................... 435
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................. 418
Power Steering ...................... 308
Fluid, Brake ........................... 437
Fluids ................................ 436
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 436
Fog Lights ....................... 148,200,430
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 142
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 386
Front Position Light ...................... 429 Fuel
.............................. 350,436
Adding ........................... 354
Additives .......................... 352
Capacity ........................... 435
Clean Air .......................... 350
Ethanol ........................... 351
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............192,354
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 192
Gasoline ........................... 350
Gauge ............................ 192
Light ............................. 192
Materials Added ..................... 352
Methanol .......................... 351
Octane Rating ....................... 350
Requirements ....................... 350
Tank Capacity ....................... 435
Fuel System Caution ..................... 355
Fueling ............................... 354
Fuses ................................ 424
10
INDEX 471

Steering........................ 307,308
Sunroof ........................... 165
Windows ........................... 33
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 437
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 59
Preparation for Jacking .................... 375
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 210
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 333
Radio Operation ........................ 274
Rear Fog Lights ......................... 431
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 35
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 142
Rear Window Defroster ................... 181
Rear Window Features .................... 180
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 180
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 73 Recreational Towing
...................... 370
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 350
Refrigerant ............................ 405
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 57
Remote Control Door Locks ......................... 18
Security Alarm ....................... 17
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 272
Remote Starting System .................... 24
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 429
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Replacement Parts ....................... 397
Replacement Tires ....................... 338
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 460
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 197
Restraints, Child ....................... 74,79
Restraints, Infant ......................... 75
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ............... 176
10
INDEX 477