fuel cap DODGE CALIBER 2012 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
2. Fuel Door Reminder This indicates that the fuel filler door is located
on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank. 4. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/kph).
5. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.8 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
6. Charging System Light This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
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13. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
14. Odometer / Trip Odometer Display Area
This display indicates the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
NOTE:U.S. Federal regulations require that upon trans-
fer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the pur-
chaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. If your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced,
the repair technician should leave the odometer reading
the same as it was before the repair or service. If s/he
cannot do so, then the odometer must be set at zero, and
a sticker must be placed in the door jamb stating what the
mileage was before the repair or service. It is a good idea
for you to make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/service, so that you can be sure that it is
properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker is accurate if
the odometer must be reset at zero.
Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
door
............................. Door Ajar
gATE ............................. Gate Ajar
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHANgE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
HOTOIL ............... Engine Oil Temp Too Hot
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the in-
strument cluster, all warnings including “door” and
“gATE” and “CHANgE OIL” will only be displayed in
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the EVIC display. For additional information, refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If
Equipped”.
gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
LoW tirE
When tire pressure is low, the odometer display will
toggle between LoW and tirE for three cycles.HOTOIL
When this message is displayed there is a engine over-
temperature condition. When this condition occurs, the
“HOTOIL” message will be displayed in the odometer
along with a chime.
Refer to “Engine Oil Overheating” under in “What To Do
In Emergencies”.
noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and
fuse locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.
CHANgE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHANgE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213

▫MMT In Gasoline .................... 365
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 365
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 366
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 367
 Adding Fuel ......................... 367
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 367
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 369
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 369
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 370
 Trailer Towing ........................ 372
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 372▫
Installing A Trailer Hitch ............... 374
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 375
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 376
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 377
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 378
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 383
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome,
Etc.) ................................ 385
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ............................ 385
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 367

After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could
let impurities into the fuel system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is being filled.(Continued)
Fuel Filler Door
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and Federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the MIL to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that cap is properly tight-
ened.
•If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the odometer/trip odometer RESET
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 369

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo-
nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all
loose items securely before driving. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes
operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. This
could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 413
 Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 414
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 415
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 415
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 416
 Replacement Parts ..................... 417
 Dealer Service ........................ 417
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 418 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 419
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 422
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 422
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 423
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 424
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 425
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 426
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 426
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 427
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