2007 DODGE CALIBER steering wheel

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
NOTE:If key won’t turn and steering wheel is locked,
rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on
the locking mechanism and then turn the key.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the “START’” position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

•When shifting into P (Park), firmly move the lever all
the way forward until it stops.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
•You must depress the brake pedal to move the shift
lever out of the P (Park) position.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result. You must also depress the brake pedal.
“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
“D”
This should be used for most driving and provides the
best ratio for optimum driveability, fuel economy, and
performance.
“L” Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, the trans-
axle will ratio up only to prevent transaxle damage or
engine over speed while ratioing down will occur as
early as possible
Fuel Economy/Performance Operation Feature
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel economy/
performance operation feature. This feature provides a
noticeable detent (bump/step) in accelerator pedal
movement when the accelerator pedal is near full
throttle. Pressing the accelerator pedal past this detent
changes the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
calibration to amaximum performancemode. Keeping
the accelerator pedal before this detent keeps the vehicle
in an “economy mode” of operation. The change from
economy to performance is most noticeable at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short amount of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and
it does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

8. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
9. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
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 Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated; all-wheel-drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 275
6

Oil Pressure......................... 145
Rear Fog............................ 152
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 145
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 25
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 145
Traction Control...................... 119
Turn Signal.................103,105,149,312
Voltage ............................. 145
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 144
Loading Vehicle........................ 254
Tires ............................... 229
Locks
ChildProtection ....................... 18
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 292
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 134
Lumbar Support........................ 95
Maintenance Free Battery................. 289
Maintenance, General.................... 283
Maintenance Procedures.................. 283Maintenance Schedule................... 320
Schedule “A”........................ 332
Schedule “B”........................ 323
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................148,281
Manual, Service........................ 341
Manual Transaxle.................208,215,302
Downshifting........................ 217
Fluid Level Check..................302,303
Frequency of Fluid Change...........302,303
Lubricant Selection.................302,303
Map/Reading Lights.................... 102
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 300
Mirrors ............................... 69
Electric Powered....................... 70
Outside ............................. 69
Rearview............................ 69
Vanity .............................. 71
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 241
Mopar Parts........................282,340
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 103
INDEX 353
10

Snow Tires............................ 247
Spare Tire.......................236,237,268
Spark Plugs........................... 286
Specifications
Oil ................................ 285
Speed Control (Cruise Control)..........109,148
Speedometer.......................... 144
Speedometer and Odometer............... 142
Starting .............................. 208
Automatic Transmission................ 208
Engine Fails to Start................... 209
Manual Transmission.................. 208
Starting Procedures..................... 208
Steering
Power...........................223,291
TiltColumn ......................... 108
Wheel Lock.......................... 13
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls........................ 196
Storage.............................. 310
Stuck, Freeing......................... 274
Sun Roof............................. 122
Sun Visor Extension...................... 71Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 39
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 285
System, Navigation..................... 192
Tachometer........................... 144
Taillights............................. 312
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......144,267
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 57
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 24
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 24
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 130
TiltSteeringColumn .................... 108
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 229
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 228
TireMarkings ......................... 225
TireSafetyInformation ................... 225
Tires ........................... 62,233,342
Aging(LifeofTires) ................... 239
Air Pressure......................... 233
Alignment.......................... 240
Chains............................. 247
Changing........................... 268
Compact Spare....................... 236
INDEX 357
10