Dodge Caliber 2009 Owner's Manual
2009
OWNER’S MANUAL
CALIBER
VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler 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 LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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...............................9
...............................75
................................... 163
.................................................245
...............................................323
...............................................337
..................................................381
..........................................399
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
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10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
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
4 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 referencing 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威 parts, 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 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:
INTRODUCTION 5
1
6 INTRODUCTION
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures 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 appears on the vehicle
registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
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
䡵 A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With The Key ............. 15
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15
䡵 Sentry Key威 .......................... 15
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17
▫ General Information ................... 18
䡵 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
2
▫ To Set The Security Alarm ............... 19
▫ To Disarm The System ................. 19
▫ Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override ..... 19
䡵 Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped ........ 20
▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 21
▫ Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First
Press .............................. 21
▫ Illuminated Approach — If Equipped ....... 22
▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 22
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
▫ Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock ........ 22
▫ Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock . . 23
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫ Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 25
▫ General Information ................... 25
▫ RKE Transmitter Battery Replacement ....... 25
䡵 Door Locks ........................... 26
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 26
▫ Power Door Locks .................... 27
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors) — If Equipped .................. 31
䡵 Power Windows — If Equipped ............ 32
▫ Power Window Switches ................ 32
▫ Auto Down ......................... 33
▫ Window Lockout Switch ................ 34
䡵 Liftgate ............................. 34
䡵 Occupant Restraints ..................... 36
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 37
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 42
▫ Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
Operating Instructions .................. 43
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 46
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 47
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 48
▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) — Airbag .......... 49
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 62
䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 70
䡵 Safety Tips ........................... 71
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 71
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 72
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 73
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 73
2
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Vehicle Key
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
1. Place the shift lever in PARK.
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.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the ignition switch cylinder. If this occurs,
rotate the key to the right slightly,then remove the key as
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
2
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Manual Transmission
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (Accessory)
position.
2. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to
the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
Locking Doors With The 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 “Body Lubrication” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
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.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized 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 programmed 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
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
•
Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other
Radio Frequency (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 unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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. Duplication 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.
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 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 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 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.
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The new Sentry Key威 is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed 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.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the system’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 undesired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors, hood,
liftgate, and ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the Vehicle Security Alarm the horn
will sound for 30 seconds and flash the lights for 60 seconds. If the triggering device is not deactivated, the horn
will sound again after a five second delay for another
30 seconds. If the trigger remains present, this cycle will
repeat for up to five minutes.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
To Set The Security Alarm
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.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds. This
shows that the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During
this period, if a door is opened, the ignition switch is
turned ON, or the power door locks are unlocked in any
manner, the Vehicle Security Alarm will automatically
disarm. After approximately 16 seconds, the Vehicle
Security Light will flash slowly. This shows that the
Vehicle Security Alarm is fully armed.
To Disarm The System
Press UNLOCK on the RKE transmitter.
Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override
The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to
approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a handheld Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter
does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system.
Three Button RKE Transmitter
NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice
within five seconds to unlock all doors and liftgate. The
turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock
signal. The illuminated entry system will also turn on.
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First Press
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
•
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “RKE Unlock,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
•
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least four seconds, but no longer
than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK
button while still holding the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the
key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
2
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter while you are inside the vehicle will activate the
Vehicle Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle
Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound.
Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle
Security Alarm.
Illuminated Approach — If Equipped
This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds
when the doors are unlocked with the RKE transmitter.
The time for this feature is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the EVIC. Refer to “Illuminated Approach,” under “Personal Settings (CustomerProgrammable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter to lock all doors and liftgate. The turn signal lights
will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the
signal.
Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:
•
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Sound
Horn with Lock,” under “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
•
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds. Then, press the PANIC button while still holding
the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter with the
ignition switch in the LOCK position and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm. Opening a door with the VehicleSecurity
Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock
This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:
•
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Flash
Light With Lock,” under Personal Settings (CustomerProgrammable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
2
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
•
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than
10 seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button while
still holding the UNLOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the
key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm. Opening a door with the VehicleSecurity
Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
Using The Panic Alarm
To turn the Panic Alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the RKE transmitter for at
least one second and release. When the Panic Alarm is on,
the headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will
pulse on and off and the interior lights will turn on.
The Panic Alarm will stay on for three minutes unless
you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second
time or if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.
NOTE: When you turn off the Panic Alarm by pressing
the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
Programming Additional RKE Transmitters
Refer to Sentry Key威 “Customer Key Programming.”
If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.
General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions:
1. Weak batteries in the RKE transmitter. The expected
life of batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter,military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.
RKE Transmitter Battery Replacement
NOTE: Perchlorate Material – special handling may
apply. See “www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
2
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
1. If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,
remove the screw. With the RKE transmitter buttons
facing down, use a flat blade to pry the two halves of the
RKE transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the
elastomer seal during removal.
Separating RKE Transmitter Halves
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the RKE transmitter case, snap the two
halves together.
NOTE: If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,
reinstall and tighten the screw until snug.
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. Make sure the keys are not
inside the vehicle before closing the door.
Manual Door Lock Plunger
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.
(Continued)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
WARNING! (Continued)
•
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
from the ignition lock and lock your vehicle. Do
not leave unattended children in the vehicle or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause severe personal injuries 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.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is located on the driver’s door
panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate.
2
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: To prevent from locking the key in the vehicle,
the power door lock switch will not operate when the key
is in the ignition and either front door is open. A chime
will sound as a reminder to remove the key.
Driver Power Door Lock Switch
1 - Unlock 2 - Lock
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.
3. All doors are closed.
4. The throttle is pressed.
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h), and
6. The doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
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