2009 DODGE CALIBER Owners Manual

CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Manual Transaxle
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•FWD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels
elevated.
•FWD or AWD vehicles can be towed on a flatbed truck
(all wheels off the ground).
All Transaxles
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not
in the LOCK position.
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 335
6

Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shift lever housing that allows you
to insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the ON position to use the override lever.
336 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 339
 Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 340
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 341
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 341
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 342
 Replacement Parts ..................... 343
 Dealer Service ........................ 343
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 344 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 344
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 347
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 347
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 348
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 349
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 350
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 350
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 351
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 351
7

▫Cooling System ..................... 353
▫ Brake System ....................... 359
▫ Automatic Transaxle (CVT) — If Equipped . . 361
▫ Manual Transaxle — If Equipped ......... 362
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 362
 Fuses .............................. 368
▫ Integrated Power Module (IPM) .......... 368
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 371
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 371
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 372 ▫
Headlights/Front Parking/Front
Turn Signal ......................... 372
▫ Fog Lights ......................... 372
▫ Tail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lights ............................ 373
▫ License Lights ...................... 375
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplight .......... 376
 Fluids And Capacities .................. 377
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 378
▫ Engine ............................ 378
▫ Chassis ........................... 379
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Integrated Power Module
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Battery (Under Cover)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Air Cleaner Filter 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Battery
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE