2011 DODGE CALIBER automatic transmission

WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.
Positive Battery Post6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 383

2. Remove the shift lever override access cover located
on the right side of the shift lever housing.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
without starting the engine.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.5. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, push and
hold the override release lever forward.
6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic Transmission
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with
the front wheels elevated or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheels
OFFthe ground).
•All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must be towed on a
flatbed truck (all four wheels OFFthe ground).
Shift Lever Override Access Cover
388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Manual Transmission
•
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 wheelsOFFthe ground).
All Transmissions
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed (wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must
be in the ON position, not the ACC position. Make
certain the transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the
PARK position for towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389

▫Exhaust System ..................... 407
▫ Cooling System ..................... 409
▫ Brake System ....................... 415
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) –
If Equipped ........................ 417
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 418
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 419
 Fuses .............................. 424
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 424
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 428
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 429 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 429
▫ Front Headlamps, Parking, And Turn Signal
Lamps ............................ 429
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 430
▫ Rear Tail, Turn Signal, And Backup Lamps . . 431
▫ License Lamps ...................... 433
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp ......... 434
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 435
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 436
▫ Engine ............................ 436
▫ Chassis ........................... 437
392 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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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
aclicking 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid which has been formulated with special
metal to metal friction coefficient additives to provide the
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission
as the chemicals can damage your transmission
components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.(Continued)7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip
and result in a complete transmission failure!
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
(CVTF+4). CVTF+4is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If
Equipped MOPAR
CVTF + 4
Manual Transmission – If Equipped MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437