2008 DODGE CALIBER Engine

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance 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 reference 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 Moparparts, 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 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.
4 INTRODUCTION

▫Child Restraint........................60

Engine Break-In Recommendations...........69

Safety Tips............................69
▫Exhaust Gas..........................69▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................70
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................71
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the 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.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. Refer to “Body Lubrication” under “Main-
tenance Procedures” in Section 7.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:With the driver’s door open and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) will not function.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — MANUAL
TRANSMISSION ONLY
Your manual transmission vehicle is equipped with a
passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering
the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel
is moved no more than one-half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering
wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized 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 pro-
grammed 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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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 Alarm Indicator 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 light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
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 Alarm Indicator 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 ser-
viced as soon as possible.NOTE:
•The Sentry KeyImmobilizer 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,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain willnotcause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally held against the ignition keybeing used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other 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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Disarm The Security Alarm System
1. Press UNLOCK on the RKE transmitter.
2. Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry Keywill
disarm the Security Alarm. A valid key is one that is
programmed to your vehicle. A valid key will disarm the
Security Alarm System; an invalid key will allow the
engine to run for two seconds and stop.
Security Alarm System Manual Override
The Security Alarm System will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)— IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances up to
66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held 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
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Use the following procedure to program additional RKE
transmitters if the vehicle is not equipped with Sentry
Key:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (fastening the seat belt will cancel
any chiming that may confuse you during this program-
ming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position.Do not start the
engine.
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter.
6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the PANIC button within six seconds.7. When a single chime is heard, release both buttons.
The chime is an indication that you have successfully
entered program mode. All RKE transmitters that are to
be programmed must be done so within 60 seconds of
when the chime is heard.
8. Using the RKE transmitter to be programmed, press
and release both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simul-
taneously.
9. A single chime will be heard.
10. Within four seconds of hearing the chime, press and
release the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.
11. A single chime will be heard.
12. Repeat steps 8 through 10 to program up to six
additional RKE transmitters.
13. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
•As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, the vehicle communication net-
work intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced Accident
Response System performs the following functions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes the hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lamps, which remain on as long
as the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE