Dodge Caliber (2012 year). Manual

▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . . 439
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439

䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445

▫ Integrated Power Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445

䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
䡵 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
䡵 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

䡵 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
䡵 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . 456

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L

1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

6 — 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)

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L

1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

6 — 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)

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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
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

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415

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 not be 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.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should
not

proceed to the I/M station.

b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine MOPAR

威 parts for normal/scheduled

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR

威 parts for maintenance

and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.

DEALER SERVICE

Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for

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417

your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.

(Continued)

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a

fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The range markings will consist of a crosshatch
zone that says SAFE or a crosshatch zone that says MIN
at the low end of the range and MAX at the high end of
the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the indicated range will result in the oil
level at the full end of the indicator range.

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419

CAUTION!

Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.

Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change

intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also states the recommended engine oil viscosity
grade for your engine.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on

engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.

Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.

Materials Added To Engine Oils
Do not add any supplemental materials, other than leak
detection dyes, to your engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be im-
paired by supplemental additives.

Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service

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421

station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.

Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. MOPAR

威 engine oil filters are high

quality oil filters and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.

WARNING!

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR

威 engine air

cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are
recommended.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance-Free Battery

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.

WARNING!

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can

burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep

flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.

• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories

contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.

• The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that

should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).

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423

CAUTION!

• It is essential when replacing the cables on the

battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.

• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in

the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants

approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.

• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant

under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental

Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.

NOTE:

Use only manufacturer approved A/C system

sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR

威 Spray White Lube or equivalent to assure

quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to

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425

hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR

威

Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild, nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking and smearing.

Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt

from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.

NOTE:

Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-

ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.

Adding Washer Fluid

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment (right rear side), and the fluid level
should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not engine coolant
(antifreeze).

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.

Exhaust System

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.

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Dodge Caliber (2012 year). Manual - part 26