2012 DODGE CALIBER Owners Manual

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
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 (engine OFF).
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.Shift Lever Override Access Cover6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 407

6. Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition WheelsOFFThe GroundAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWEDTrans in NEUTRAL
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Rear
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OKOK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

With Ignition Key
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission vehicles can be towed with the
front wheels elevated or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheelsOFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Manual Transmission
•
Manual transmission vehicles can be flat towed (all
four wheels on the ground) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL.
•Manual transmission vehicles can also be towed with
the front wheels elevated, or on a flatbed truck (all
wheels OFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow disabled vehicle if condition is
related to a clutch, transmission or other driveline
components. Damage to the drivetrain could result.
All Transmissions
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed (wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must
be in the ON/RUN 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 409

CAUTION!
Do not attempt to use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
410 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 413
 Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 414
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 415
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 415
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 416
 Replacement Parts ..................... 417
 Dealer Service ........................ 417
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 418 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 419
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 422
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 422
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 423
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 424
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 425
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 426
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 426
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 427
7

▫Cooling System ..................... 430
▫ Brake System ....................... 435
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) –
If Equipped ........................ 438
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 439
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 439
 Fuses .............................. 445
▫ Integrated Power Module .............. 445
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 449
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 449
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 450 ▫
Front Headlamps, Parking, And Turn Signal
Lamps ............................ 450
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 450
▫ Rear Tail, Turn Signal, And Backup Lamps . . 451
▫ License Lamps ...................... 453
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp ......... 454
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 455
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 456
▫ Engine ............................ 456
▫ Chassis ........................... 457
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

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