2008 DODGE CALIBER Engine

indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
EVIC Functions
EVIC Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4

To Set the Variance:with the ignition in the ON position,
with a short button press (less than one second) press and
release the EVIC button several times until you have
displayed the “Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” menu. Once in the “Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” menu,
press and release (less than one second) the EVIC button
several times until “Compass Variance” is highlighted.
The “Compass Variance” message and the current vari-
ance zone number will be displayed. To change the zone,
press and hold (longer than two seconds) the EVIC
button to increment the variance one step. Repeat as
necessary, with individual long (for at least one second)
EVIC button presses for each increment, until the desired
variance is achieved. To exit the Variance Programming,
press the EVIC button with a short (less than one second)
button press.NOTE:The factory default Zone is 8. During program-
ming, the Zone value will wrap around from Zone 15 to
Zone 1.
Compass Calibration
The Compass will automatically calibrate if the Cal
indicator is flashing, by driving around slowly (under 5
mph/8 km/h) in one or more complete circles in an area
free from large metallic objects or power lines, until the
Cal indicator turns off. If during normal use the compass
appears erratic, inaccurate or abnormal, you may wish to
manually calibrate the compass. Prior to calibrating the
compass, make sure the proper zone is selected.
To Manually Calibrate the Compass:start the engine
and leave the transmission in the PARK position. Using a
quick button press (less than one second), press and
release the EVIC button several times until the EVIC
displays the “Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” menu. Once in the “Personal
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
Air Conditioning (Normal)
Use this button to engage the Air
Conditioning. A light will illumi-
nate when the Air Conditioning
System is engaged.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
Air Conditioning (MAX A/C)
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lights are illuminated and set
the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in Floor, Mix or
Defrost modes.
•See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223
4

Air Filtration System – If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment.. The air filter change
interval coincides with engine oil and filter change
intervals. As with oil changes, the interval is shorter for
heavy duty service or dusty conditions. Refer to “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 7. See your authorized
dealer for service.
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................233
▫Manual Transmission..................233
▫Automatic Transmission................233
▫Normal Starting......................233
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................234
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................234
▫After Starting........................235

Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........235▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......237
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................237
▫Gear Ranges For Continuously Variable
Automatic Transaxle (CVT)..............237

AutoStick— If Equipped................239
▫AutoStickOperation..................240
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........241

Manual Transaxle — If Equipped...........242
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............243
5

▫Replacement Tires.....................269
▫Alignment And Balance.................270

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................271
▫Base System — If Equipped..............273
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........275
▫General Information...................279

Tire Chains...........................279

Snow Tires...........................279

Tire Rotation Recommendations............280

Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Gasoline Engines.....................281
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................281▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............282
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................282
▫Materials Added To Fuel................283
▫Fuel System Cautions..................283
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............284

Adding Fuel..........................284
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............284
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............286

Vehicle Loading........................287
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......287

TrailerTowing .........................287
▫Common Towing Definitions.............287
▫Installing A Trailer Hitch................290
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
5

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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
NOTE:If the key won’t turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever 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.
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
5

start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See Section 6
of this manual for jump-starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below
20°F Or
29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the
accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting” pro-
cedure.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING