2011 DODGE CALIBER child seat

seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint. 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 that they should not
play with them. In addition, never leave unattended
children in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) to
secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). These types ofseat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat
belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a
ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the
retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the
retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to
“Automatic Locking Mode” description under “Seat
Belts In Passenger Seating Positions” section. The chart
below defines the seating positions with an Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate.
Driver Center Passenger
CRS Lock CRS Lock CRS Lock
First Row N/A N/A ALR
Second Row ALR ALR ALR Third Row N/A N/A N/A
•N/A — Not Applicable
•ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81

Installing a Child Restraint with an ALR:
1. To install a child restraint with ALR, first, pull enough
of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it
through the belt path of the child restraint. Slide the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” Next,
extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and
then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a ratcheting sound. This indicates
the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.
2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap
portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system
will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and
pull it tight if necessary.•In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.
•If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
•Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat,
routing it over the head restraint.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•If necessary, move the seat forward to provide better
access to the tether anchor.
•Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the
tether anchor and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer ’s
instructions.NOTE:
Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
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.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or could injure a passenger during panic braking
or in an accident.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof switch is located in the reading light.WARNING!
•Never leave children in a vehicle with the key in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power sunroof while operating the power sunroof
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
•In a collision, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
•Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow your fingers, other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.Power Sunroof Switch
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 165

Cargo Tie-Down Loops
There are two D-rings installed in the cargo area for
securing cargo.
WARNING!
•Cargo tie-down loops are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision
a loop could pull loose and allow the child seat to
come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed
weight over or behind the rear axle can cause the
rear of the vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
collision.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179

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. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
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.
•If the key will not 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 – If Equipped
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 pressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
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STARTING AND OPERATING 293

Cargo CompartmentLight ............................. 175
Cargo Light ............................ 175
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 178
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 179
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,274
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 434
Chains, Tire ............................ 339
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 322
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............202,396
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Restraint .......................... 74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Child Seat .............................. 79
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 350 Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 421
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ........................... 218,237,246
Clutch ............................... 415
Clutch Fluid ........................... 415
Coin Holder ........................... 174
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 334
Connector UCI ........................... 260,265
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....260,265
Console .............................. 174
Contract, Service ........................ 459
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 435,436
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 182
Cooling System ......................... 409
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 411
Coolant Level .................... 410,413
468 INDEX

Steering........................ 307,308
Sunroof ........................... 165
Windows ........................... 33
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 437
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 59
Preparation for Jacking .................... 375
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 210
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 333
Radio Operation ........................ 274
Rear Fog Lights ......................... 431
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 35
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 142
Rear Window Defroster ................... 181
Rear Window Features .................... 180
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 180
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 73 Recreational Towing
...................... 370
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 350
Refrigerant ............................ 405
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 57
Remote Control Door Locks ......................... 18
Security Alarm ....................... 17
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 272
Remote Starting System .................... 24
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 429
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Replacement Parts ....................... 397
Replacement Tires ....................... 338
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 460
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 197
Restraints, Child ....................... 74,79
Restraints, Infant ......................... 75
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ............... 176
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INDEX 477