2008 Dodge Caliber Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Caliber
Rating:
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
5
INTRODUCTION
6
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
6
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
8
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
8
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
9
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
11
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
14
Ignition Key Removal
14
Locking Doors With The Key
16
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
16
STEERING WHEEL LOCK - MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY
16
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
17
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
17
SENTRY KEY
17
Replacement Keys
19
Customer Key Programming
19
General Information
20
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
21
To Set The Security Alarm
21
To Disarm The Security Alarm System
22
Security Alarm System Manual Override
22
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)- IF EQUIPPED
22
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate
23
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate
24
Using The Panic Alarm
24
To Turn Off Flash Lights With Lock
25
Programming Additional Transmitters
25
General Information
27
Transmitter Battery Replacement
27
DOOR LOCKS
28
Manual Door Locks
28
Power Door Locks
30
Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) - If Equipped
33
POWER WINDOWS - IF EQUIPPED
34
Power Window Switches
34
Auto Down
35
Window Lockout Switch
35
LIFTGATE
36
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
37
Lap/Shoulder Belts
38
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
43
Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
44
Seat Belt Pretensioners
47
Enhanced Driver And Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)
48
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
49
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag
50
Child Restraint
62
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
71
SAFETY TIPS
71
Exhaust Gas
71
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
72
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle
73
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
75
MIRRORS
79
Inside Day/Night Mirror - If Equipped
79
Outside Mirror - Drivers Side
79
Outside Mirror - Passengers Side
80
Power Mirrors - If Equipped
80
Vanity Mirrors - If Equipped
82
Sun Visor Sliding Feature
82
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED
82
Operation
84
Phone Call Features
91
UConnect System Features
94
Advanced Phone Connectivity
99
Things You Should Know About Your UConnect System
100
General Information
109
SEATS
109
Front Seat Adjustment
109
Manual Seat Height Adjustment - If Equipped
110
Manual Lumbar - If Equipped
111
Drivers Seatback Recline
111
Adjustable Head Restraints
112
Heated Seats - If Equipped
113
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat
114
Folding Rear Seat
115
Reclining Rear Seat - If Equipped
116
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
117
LIGHTS
118
Map/Reading Lights
119
Multifunction Control Lever
119
Headlights, Parking Lights and Instrument Panel Lights
120
Lights-on Reminder
121
Fog Lights - If Equipped
121
Turn Signals
122
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
123
Passing Light
123
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) - If Equipped
123
Functionality
123
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
124
Windshield Washers
124
Mist Feature
125
Windshield Wiper Operation
126
Intermittent Wiper System
126
Adding Washer Fluid
126
TILT STEERING COLUMN
127
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED
128
To Activate
128
To Set At A Desired Speed
129
To Deactivate
129
To Resume Speed
129
To Vary The Speed Setting
129
Manual Transaxle
130
To Accelerate For Passing
130
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) - IF EQUIPPED
130
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
131
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
131
Brake Assist System (BAS)
132
Traction Control System (TCS)
133
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
133
GARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
136
Programming HomeLink
137
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
140
Using HomeLink
141
Reprogramming A Single HomeLink Button
141
Security
141
Troubleshooting Tips
142
General Information
142
POWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED
143
Opening Sunroof - Manual
144
Opening Sunroof - Express Mode
144
Closing Sunroof - Manual
144
Closing Sunroof - Express Mode
144
Pinch Protect Feature
144
Pinch Protect Override
145
Venting Sunroof - Express
145
Sunshade Operation
145
Wind Buffeting
145
Sunroof Maintenance
146
Ignition Off Operation
146
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
146
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
148
CONSOLE FEATURES
148
CARGO AREA FEATURES
149
Cargo Light/Removable Self-Recharging Flashlight - If Equipped
149
Tonneau Cover - If Equipped
151
Removable Load Floor
152
Cargo Tie-Down Loops
152
Fold Down Speakers - If Equipped
153
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
154
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
154
Rear Window Defroster
155
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED
155
COOLED BEVERAGE STORAGE BIN/GLOVE COMPARTMENT - IF EQUIPPED
155
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
159
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
163
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - BASE
164
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - PREMIUM
165
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
166
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - If Equipped
177
Oil Change Required
178
EVIC Functions
179
Compass/Temperature/Audio
180
Average Fuel Economy
180
Distance To Empty (DTE)
181
Elapsed Time
181
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
181
Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
181
Setting The Compass Variance And Compass Calibration
185
Compass Variance
185
Compass Calibration
186
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
187
Radio Broadcast Signals
187
Two Types of Signals
187
Electrical Disturbances
188
AM Reception
188
FM Reception
188
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
188
Clock Setting Procedure
189
SALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY
189
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
190
Operating Instructions - CD Mode
193
Operating Instructions - Auxiliary Mode
195
Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone - If Equipped
196
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If Equipped
197
SALES CODE RAK - AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, VIDEO, MP3, and WMA CAPABILITIES
197
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
197
Operating Instructions - Tape Player
202
Seek Button
202
Fast Forward (FF)
202
Rewind (RW)
202
Tape Eject
202
SCAN Button
203
Changing Tape Direction
203
Metal Tape Selection
203
Pinch Roller Release
203
Noise Reduction
203
Operating Instructions - (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)
203
LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)
205
Notes On Playing MP3 Files
207
Operating Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Audio Play)
209
LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Play)
209
SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
212
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If Equipped
212
REC Setting the Clock
212
SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED
214
System Activation
215
Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)
215
Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, And RAK Radios
216
Selecting A Channel
217
Storing And Selecting Preset Channels
217
Using The PTY (Program Type) Button - If Equipped
217
PTY Button SCAN
217
PTY Button SEEK
218
Satellite Antenna
218
Reception Quality
218
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED
219
Radio Operation
219
CD Player
220
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
220
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
221
CLIMATE CONTROLS
221
Climate Controls
221
Air Filtration System - If Equipped
226
Operating Tips
227
STARTING AND OPERATING
231
STARTING PROCEDURES
235
Manual Transmission
235
Automatic Transmission
235
Normal Starting
235
Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20 degrees F Or -29 degrees C)
236
If Engine Fails to Start
236
After Starting
237
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED
237
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
239
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
239
Gear Ranges For Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
239
AUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED
241
Autostick Operation
242
Autostick General Information
243
MANUAL TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED
244
Recommended Shift Speeds
245
Downshifting
245
All Wheel Drive System - If Equipped
246
PARKING BRAKE
246
BRAKE SYSTEM
248
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If Equipped
249
POWER STEERING
252
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
253
ACCELERATION
253
TRACTION
253
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
254
FLOWING/RISING WATER
254
SHALLOW STANDING WATER
254
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
256
TIRE MARKINGS
256
TIRE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
259
TIRE LOADING AND TIRE PRESSURE
260
TIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION
264
Tire Pressure
264
Tire Inflation Pressures
265
Radial Ply Tires
267
Compact Spare Tire - If Equipped
268
Limited-Use Spare - If Equipped
268
Tire Spinning
269
Tread Wear Indicators
270
Life of Tire
270
Replacement Tires
271
Alignment and Balance
272
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED
273
Base System - If Equipped
275
Premium System - If Equipped
277
General Information
281
TIRE CHAINS
281
SNOW TIRES
281
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
282
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
282
GASOLINE ENGINES
283
Reformulated Gasoline
283
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
284
MMT In Gasoline
284
Materials Added To Fuel
285
Fuel System Cautions
285
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
286
ADDING FUEL
286
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
286
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
288
VEHICLE LOADING
289
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
289
TRAILER TOWING
289
Common Towing Definitions
289
Installing A Trailer Hitch
292
Trailer Hitch Classification
292
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
293
Trailer And Tongue Weight
293
Towing Requirements
295
Towing Tips
300
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
301
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
301
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
303
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
304
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
304
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
306
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
306
Jack Location
307
Spare Tire Stowage
307
Preparations For Jacking
307
Jacking Instructions
308
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY
312
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
314
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
315
With Ignition Key
315
Without The Ignition Key
316
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
317
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - GASOLINE ENGINES
320
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II
321
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
321
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
322
REPLACEMENT PARTS
323
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
323
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
324
Engine Oil
324
Drive Belt - Check Condition
328
Spark Plugs
328
Catalytic Converter
328
Crankcase Emission Control System
330
Fuel Filter
330
Air Cleaner Element (Filter)
330
Maintenance-Free Battery
331
Air Conditioner Maintenance
333
Power Steering - Fluid Check
334
Front Suspension Ball Joints
334
Body Lubrication
335
Windshield Wiper Blades
335
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
336
Exhaust System
336
Cooling System
337
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
342
Fuel System Connections
342
Brake System
343
Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
345
Manual Transaxle
346
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) - AWD/4WD Models Only
347
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - AWD/4WD Models Only
347
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
348
FUSES/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
353
VEHICLE STORAGE
357
REPLACEMENT BULBS
357
BULB REPLACEMENT
357
Headlights/Front Parking/Front Turn Signal
357
Fog Lights
358
Tail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup Lights - Replacement
358
License Lights
360
Center High-Mounted Stoplight
361
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
361
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
363
Engine
363
Chassis
364
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
365
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
366
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
366
Required Maintenance Intervals
369
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
373
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
375
Prepare For The Appointment
375
Prepare A List
375
Be Reasonable With Requests
375
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
375
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Customer Center
376
DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center
376
In Mexico contact
376
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)
377
Service Contract
377
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
378
MOPAR PARTS
378
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
378
In The 50 United States And Washington, D.C
378
In Canada
379
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
379
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
381
Treadwear
381
Traction Grades
381
Temperature Grades
382
INDEX
383
2008 Dodge Caliber Overview
Introduction
The 2008 Dodge Caliber emerges as a versatile hatchback that caters to drivers seeking a balance between style, performance, and practicality. With an eye-catching design and a spacious interior, the Caliber aims to attract those who want a compact yet functional vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend getaways alike. Its sporty stance and agile handling ensure a fun driving experience while promising an array of tech features to enhance passenger comfort.
Powertrains
The 2008 Dodge Caliber offers a range of powertrains to accommodate various driver preferences. The base model comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a commendable 148 horsepower, perfect for those seeking efficiency in urban settings. For those desiring a bit more oomph, an optional 2.0-liter engine cranks out 158 horsepower, while the performance-oriented R/T trim showcases a robust 2.4-liter engine, generating 172 horsepower. These engines are paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Trims
Features
The Caliber does not skimp on features, boasting an array of standard equipment, including air conditioning, keyless entry, and an impressive audio system. High-end trims offer amenities like leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced infotainment options, ensuring that every drive remains comfortable and enjoyable.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2008 Dodge Caliber serves as an essential guide, providing detailed information on vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. Owners can refer to this comprehensive document to enhance their understanding of the vehicle's features and ensure optimal performance over its lifespan.
User manual download
The Dodge Caliber owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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