Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual

• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as

octane enhancers, are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning.

• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

• Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to

prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.

300

STARTING AND OPERATING

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.

CAUTION!

• A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-

tion Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.

• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top

off” the fuel tank after filling.

Fuel Filler Door

STARTING AND OPERATING

301

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is

in violation of most state and Federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) to turn on.

NOTE:

Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you

hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.

If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL will come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle
is refueled.

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this manual. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer/trip
odometer RESET button to turn the message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System — OBD II” in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.

302

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)

Recreational Towing Chart

Recreational Towing Condition

Manual Transmission Vehicles

Four Wheel Flat Tow (all wheels on ground)

Yes

Two Wheel Dolly Tow (rear wheels on ground)

Yes

Flat Bed Tow (all wheels on bed of truck)

Yes

STARTING AND OPERATING

303

NOTE:

ONLY

vehicles equipped with MANUAL

TRANSAXLES

may be recreationally towed at any legal

highway speed, for any distance, if the MANUAL
TRANSAXLE

is in NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in

the ACC position.

CAUTION!

Rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage
to the transmission will occur if a rear wheel lift is
used when recreational towing.

304

STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
䡵 TIREFIT Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308

▫ TIREFIT Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ TIREFIT Kit Components & Operation . . . . . . 311

▫ Sealing a Tire With TIREFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312

䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

▫ With Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.

Press the switch and both cluster indicators and all front
and rear directional signals will flash. Press the switch a
second time to turn the flashers off.

Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.

If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher

may wear down your battery.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.

• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, put transaxle in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Hazard Warning Switch

306

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the pointer rises to the red mark (260 °F / 126.6 °C), the
instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop
the vehicle with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the
air conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the red
mark (260 °F / 126.6 °C) for more than a minute, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down

an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 260 °F
(126.6 °C), pull over and stop the vehicle with the
engine at idle, when safe. Turn the air conditioner off
and wait until the pointer drops back into the normal
range. After appropriate action has been taken, if the
pointer remains on the red mark (260 °F / 126.6 °C),
turn the engine off immediately, and call for service.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

307

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.

TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures in the tire tread can be sealed with
TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) should not
be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can be used in outside
temperatures down to approximately -4°F (-20°C).

TIREFIT Storage
The TIREFIT kit is located in the trunk.

TIREFIT Usage Precautions

NOTE:

• Replace the TIREFIT Sealant Bottle prior to the expi-

ration date (printed on the bottle label) to assure
optimum operation of the system.

TIREFIT Location

308

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

• When the TIREFIT Sealant is in a liquid form, clean

water, and a damp cloth will remove the material from
the vehicle or tire and wheel components. Once the
sealant dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.

• For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem

on the wheel is free of debris before connecting the
TIREFIT kit.

• You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle

tires. The kit also comes with two needles located in
the Accessory Storage Compartment (8) for inflating
sport balls, rafts, or like inflatable items. However, use
only the Black Air Pump Hose (6) and make sure the
Mode Select Knob (4) is in the Air Mode when
inflating such items to avoid injecting sealant into
them. The TIREFIT Sealant is only intended to seal
small punctures in the tire tread of a tire on this
vehicle.

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the

vehicle close to traffic. Pull far enough off the road
to avoid the danger of being hit when using the
TIREFIT kit.

• Do not use TIREFIT or drive the vehicle under the

following circumstances:

− If the cut or puncture in the tire tread is approxi-
mately 0.24 in. (6 mm) or larger.
− If the tire has any sidewall damage.
− If the tire has any damage from driving with
extremely low tire pressure.
− If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat
tire.
− If the wheel has any damage.
− If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or the
wheel.

(Continued)

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

309

WARNING! (Continued)

• Keep TIREFIT away from open flame or heat

source.

• TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have

the tire inspected and repaired or replaced after
using TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h)
until having the tire repaired or replaced.

• A loose TIREFIT kit thrown forward in a collision

or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the TIREFIT kit in the place
provided.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

WARNING!

• Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to

come in contact with hair, eyes, or clothing. TIRE-
FIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin: It causes skin, eye, and respira-
tory irritation. Flush immediately with plenty of
water if there is any contact with eyes or skin.
Change clothing as soon as possible, if there is any
contact with clothing.

• TIREFIT Sealant solution contains latex. In case of

allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician im-
mediately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water. Do not
induce vomiting! Consult a physician immedi-
ately.

• Use the gloves provided in the Accessory Storage

Compartment (8) when operating the TIREFIT kit.

310

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TIREFIT Kit Components & Operation

1. Sealant Bottle

2. Pressure Gauge

3. Air Pump Power Button

4. Mode Select Knob

5. Power Plug & Cable

6. Air Pump Hose (Black)

7. Sealant Hose (Clear with Yellow Cap)

8. Accessory Storage Compartment

Using the Mode Select Knob & Hoses

Selecting Air Mode

Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to this position
for air pump operation only. Use the Black Air
Pump Hose (6) when selecting this mode.

Selecting Sealant/Air Mode

Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to this position
to inject the TIREFIT Sealant and to inflate the
tire. Use the Sealant Hose (Clear hose with the
Yellow Cap) (7) when selecting this mode.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

311

Using the Air Pump Power Button

Push and release the button (3) once to turn
ON the TIREFIT kit. Push and release the
button (3) again to turn OFF the TIREFIT kit.

Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT

(A) Whenever You Stop to Use TIREFIT:

1. Turn ON the vehicle’s hazard warning flashers.

2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the
deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses (6) and (7) to reach the
valve stem and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground.
This will provide the best positioning of the kit when
injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and running the
air pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to place the
valve stem in this position before proceeding.

3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or
in Gear (manual transmission) and turn OFF the ignition.

4. Set the parking brake.

(B) Setting Up to Use TIREFIT:

1. Remove the gloves from the Accessory Storage Com-
partment (8) and place them on your hands.

Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to the

Sealant/Air Mode position.

3. Uncoil the Clear Sealant Hose (7) and then remove the
Yellow Cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.

4. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the
deflated tire.

312

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw
the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (7) onto the
valve stem.

6. Uncoil the Power Plug and Cable (5) and then insert
the plug into the vehicle’s power outlet.

NOTE:

Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or

nails) from the tire.

1. Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit.

2. After pressing the Air Pump Power Button
(3), the air pump should start to inflate the tire
and the sealant (white fluid) will flow from the
Sealant Bottle (1) through the Sealant Hose (7)

and into the tire. NOTE: Some sealant may leak out
through the puncture in the tire.

3. If the sealant Does Not Flow Through the Clear
Sealant Hose (7):

• Press the Air Pump Power Button (3) to turn OFF

the TIREFIT kit. Disconnect the Clear Sealant Hose
(7) from the valve stem. Make sure the valve stem is
free of debris. Reconnect the Clear Sealant Hose (7)
to the valve stem. Press the Air Pump Power Button
(3) to turn ON the TIREFIT kit.

• Turn the Mode Select knob to the Sealant/Air Mode.
• Connect the Power Plug (5) to a different power

outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning ON
the TIREFIT kit.

• The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous

use. Call for assistance.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

313

(D) After Injecting TIREFIT Sealant:

1. Allow the air pump to inflate the tire to the pressure
indicated on the tire pressure label on the driver-side
latch pillar. Check the pressure in the tire by looking at
the Pressure Gauge (2).

• If the tire inflates to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar) within

15 minutes, proceed to Step 2 of this procedure.

• If tire fails to inflate to 26 psi (1.8 bar) within

15 minutes, perform the procedure steps described
under “(G) Distributing TIREFIT Sealant to Better
Enable Tire Inflation.”

2. Press the Air Pump Power Button (3) to
turn OFF the TIREFIT kit.

3. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top of the
Sealant Bottle (1) and place the sticker on the steering
wheel.

4. Disconnect the Clear Sealant Hose (7) from the valve
stem, reinstall the Yellow Cap on the fitting at the end of
the hose, and place the TIREFIT kit in the vehicle.

CAUTION!

Failure to reinstall the Yellow Cap on the fitting at
the end of the Clear Sealant Hose (7) can result in
sealant contacting your skin, clothing, and the vehi-
cle’s interior. It can also result in sealant contacting
internal TIREFIT kit components causing permanent
damage to the kit.

(E) Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire
Drive the vehicle for approximately 5 miles (8 km) to
ensure distribution of the TIREFIT Sealant within the tire.

314

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have the
tire inspected and repaired or replaced after using
TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until
having the tire repaired or replaced. Failure to follow
this warning can result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.

(F) After Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire:

1. Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to the Air
Mode position.

2. Uncoil the Black Air Pump Hose (6) and connect it to
the valve stem.

3. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the Pressure
Gauge (2).

• If the pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 bar), the tire is

too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle further. Call for assistance.

• If the pressure is equal to or greater than 19 psi

(1.3 bar), but less than the level indicated on the tire
pressure label, proceed to Step 4 of this procedure.

• If the pressure is at the level indicated on the tire

pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar, proceed
to Step 5 of this procedure.

4. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar.

5. Disconnect the TIREFIT kit from the valve stem and
then reinstall the cap on the valve stem.

6. Place the TIREFIT kit in its proper storage area in the
vehicle.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

315

Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual - part 19