2006 DODGE CALIBER Owners Manual

Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to
passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child
restraint systems having attachments for those anchor-
ages will continue to have features for installation in
vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage
of all of the available attachments provided with your
child restraint in any vehicle.
NOTE: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 and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat beltbehind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the
child restraint belt path and then buckle it. 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 should not be played with, and never leave
your child unattended in the vehicle.
Installing the Child Restraint System
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many,
but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector and a means for adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some
rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap with a hook and means for adjusting
the tension in the strap.
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In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
and tether straps so that you can more easily attach the
hook or connector to the lower and tether anchorages.
The tether strap should be routed under the center of the
head restraint and attached to the tether anchor on the
rear of the seat back. Then tighten all three straps as you
push the child restraint rearward and downward into the
seat.Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the child restraint system.
NOTE:If your child restraint seat is not LATCH
compatible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat
belts.
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.
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
²Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
Rear Seat Tether Anchors
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
²If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or 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 in
your new 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
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high
quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. The recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades are shown in Section
7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MIN-
ERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
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SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................66
NInside Day/Night Mirror Ð If Equipped......66
NOutside MirrorÐDriver's Side.............66
NOutside MirrorÐPassenger's Side...........67
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors............67
NVanity Mirrors Ð If Equipped.............69
NSun Visor Sliding Feature................69
mSeats................................69
NFront Seat Adjustment...................69
NManual Seat Height Adjustment Ð
If Equipped..........................70
NManual LumbarÐ If Equipped.............71NDriver's Seat Back Recline................71
NAdjustable Head Restraints...............72
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............72
NFolding Rear Seat......................74
NReclining And Folding Rear Seat Ð
If Equipped..........................75
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............76
mLights...............................77
NMap/Reading Lights....................77
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............77
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................78
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NDaytime Running Lights (DRL) Ð If Equipped..78
NLights-On Reminder....................79
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................79
NTurn Signals..........................79
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........80
NPassing Light.........................80
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........80
NWindshield Washers....................80
NMist Feature..........................81
NWindshield Wiper Operation..............82
NIntermittent Wiper System................82
NAdding Washer Fluid...................82
mTilt Steering Column.....................82
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......83
NTo Activate...........................84
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................84NTo Deactivate.........................84
NTo Resume Speed......................84
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................84
NManual Transaxle......................85
NTo Accelerate For Passing................85
mAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ± If Equipped..86
mElectronic Brake Control System -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð If Equipped
.........87
NTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . .87
NBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....87
NESP (Electronic Stability Program) Ð
If Equipped..........................88
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............91
NOpening Sunroof ± Manual...............92
NOpening Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NClosing Sunroof ± Manual................92
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE