2012 DODGE CALIBER check engine light

does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213

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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435

Once A Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid and Filter Changes............... 439
Fluid Level Check .................... 438
Fluid Type ......................... 438
Gear Ranges ........................ 307
Special Additives ..................... 438
Autostick ............................. 312
B-Pillar Location ........................ 337
Battery ............................... 423
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Belts, Seat .............................. 89
Beverage Cooler ........................ 192
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 425
Brake Assist System ...................... 325
Brake Fluid ............................ 457
Brake System ........................ 321,435
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 322,325
Master Cylinder ..................... 435
Parking ........................... 319 Warning Light
....................... 204
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 306
Brakes ............................. 321,435
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 86
Bulb Replacement ..................... 449,450
Bulbs, Light .......................... 91,449
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 455
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 455
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 367
Oil (Engine) ................... 413,414,421
Power Steering ...................... 318
Car Washes ............................ 440
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............88,367
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 187
Cargo Area Features ...................... 185
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INDEX 487

Cargo CompartmentLight ............................. 185
Cargo Light ............................ 185
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 189
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 189
Cellular Phone ....................... 101,279
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 454
Chains, Tire ............................ 351
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 390
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 333
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ............................. 212,416
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 87
Checks, Safety ........................... 87
Child Restraint ........................ 76,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 80
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Child Seat .............................. 81
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 363 Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 442
Climate Control ......................... 280
Clock ........................... 227,247,256
Clutch ............................... 435
Clutch Fluid ........................... 435
Coin Holder ........................... 184
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 279
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 345
Connector UCI .............................. 270
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 270
Console .............................. 184
Contract, Service ........................ 479
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 455,456
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 192
Cooling System ......................... 430
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 431
Coolant Level .................... 430,433
488 INDEX

Brake Assist System................... 325
Electronic Stability Program ............. 328
Traction Control System ................ 326
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 162
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 328
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 215
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 390
Jump Starting ....................... 401
Towing ............................ 408
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 416
Engine ............................ 413,414
Block Heater ........................ 302
Break-In Recommendations .............. 86
Checking Oil Level ................... 419
Cooling ........................... 430
Exhaust Gas Caution ................88,367
Fuel Requirements .................... 363
Jump Starting ....................... 401 Oil .........................
419,455,456
Oil Change Interval ................... 420
Oil Filler Cap .................. 413,414,421
Oil Filter ........................... 456
Oil Selection ........................ 420
Oil Synthetic ........................ 421
Overheating ........................ 388
Temperature Gauge ................... 201
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 72
Ethanol ............................... 364
Event Data Recorder ...................... 75
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 38,88,367
Exhaust System ....................... 88,427
Exterior Lights .......................... 91
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 202
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 422
Air Conditioning ..................... 292
490 INDEX

Engine Oil....................... 422,456
Flashers .............................. 388
Hazard Warning ..................... 388
Turn Signal .................... 91,209,451
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 301
Fluid Capacities ......................... 455
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 438
Power Steering ...................... 318
Fluid, Brake ........................... 457
Fluids ................................ 456
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 456
Fog Lights ....................... 154,210,450
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 147
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 147
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 405
Front Position Light ...................... 450
Fuel .............................. 363,456Adding
........................... 367
Additives .......................... 365
Capacity ........................... 455
Clean Air .......................... 363
Ethanol ........................... 364
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............202,367
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 202
Gasoline ........................... 363
Gauge ............................ 202
Light ............................. 202
Materials Added ..................... 365
Methanol .......................... 364
Octane Rating ....................... 363
Requirements ....................... 363
Tank Capacity ....................... 455
Fuel System Caution ..................... 368
Fueling ............................... 367
Fuses ................................ 445
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INDEX 491