traction control DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child's size.
Infants And Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat owner's manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:
²Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NDaytime Running Lights (DRL) Ð If Equipped..78
NLights-On Reminder....................79
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................79
NTurn Signals..........................79
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........80
NPassing Light.........................80
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........80
NWindshield Washers....................80
NMist Feature..........................81
NWindshield Wiper Operation..............82
NIntermittent Wiper System................82
NAdding Washer Fluid...................82
mTilt Steering Column.....................82
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......83
NTo Activate...........................84
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................84NTo Deactivate.........................84
NTo Resume Speed......................84
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................84
NManual Transaxle......................85
NTo Accelerate For Passing................85
mAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ± If Equipped..86
mElectronic Brake Control System -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð If Equipped
.........87
NTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . .87
NBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....87
NESP (Electronic Stability Program) Ð
If Equipped..........................88
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............91
NOpening Sunroof ± Manual...............92
NOpening Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NClosing Sunroof ± Manual................92
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ± IF
EQUIPPED
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with the advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) Brake Assist
System (BAS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All
four systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions, and are com-
monly referred to as ESP.
Traction Control System (TCS) Ð IF Equipped
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
Brake Assist System (BAS) Ð IF Equipped
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87
3

WARNING!
²BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
²The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user 's safety
or the safety of others.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Ð IF Equipped
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applyingthe brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº also flashes when TCS is active. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial ESPº
mode by pressing the ªESP OFFº button. Once the
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial
ESPº mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momen-
tarily depressing the ªESP OFFº button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
²
The ªESP Indicator Lightº and the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lightº come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

20. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
Ð If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS
Ð if equipped.
21. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
22. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are
ON.
23. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is com-
bined with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS
Warning Lampº comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warning Lampº comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in
either the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has
been driven several miles at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
24. All-Wheel-Drive Failure Indicator Light
This light monitors the All-Wheel-Drive
(AWD) system.
When lit solid:There is an AWD system fault. AWD
performance will be at a reduced level. Service the AWD
system soon.
When blinking:The AWD system is temporarily dis-
abled due to overload condition.
25. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) Ð If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) described elsewhere in this
manual. This light will come on when the
116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
236 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 305
9

Latches
Hood............................... 76
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 211
Life of Tires........................... 204
Liftgate (Sedan)......................... 26
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer............ 101
Light Bulbs........................... 272
Lights..............................61,77
Airbag.........................50,61,112
Back-Up............................ 274
Brake Warning....................... 117
Bulb Replacement..................... 273
Cargo ............................... 96
Center Mounted Stop.................. 277
Daytime Running...................... 78
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 77
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 88
Engine Temperature Warning............ 113
Fog ...........................79,116,273
Headlight Switch...................... 78
Headlights........................... 78
High Beam Indicator................... 117
Instrument Cluster..................... 78License............................. 276
Lights On Reminder.................... 79
Low Fuel........................... 112
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 114
Map Reading......................... 77
Oil Pressure......................... 112
Rear Fog............................ 119
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 112
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 25
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 112
Traction Control....................... 88
Turn Signal...................77,79,116,274
Voltage............................. 112
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 111
Loading Vehicle........................ 217
Tires ............................... 194
Locks
Child Protection....................... 18
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 254
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 102
314 INDEX