traction control DODGE CALIBER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

(usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the
electronic data stored, unless ordered to download data
by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a
warrant). A copy of the data will be provided to the
custodial entity upon request. General data that does not
identify particular vehicles or crashes may be released for
incorporation in aggregate crash databases, such as those
maintained by the US government and various states.
Data of a potentially sensitive nature, such as would
identify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be
treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis-
closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by lawData Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Impact acceleration and angle
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Transmission gear selection
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
•Tire pressure monitoring system status
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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Garage Door Opener — If Equipped........112
▫Programming The Universal Transceiver.....113
▫“Rolling Code” Programming............114
▫Canadian Programming/
Gate Programming....................116
▫Operation...........................116
▫Reprogramming A Single Button..........116
▫Security............................116

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) –
If Equipped
..........................117

Electronic Brake Control System -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP — If Equipped
........118
▫Traction Control System (TCS) —
If Equipped.........................118
▫Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped....118
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program) —
If Equipped.........................119

Power Sunroof — If Equipped............122
▫Opening Sunroof – Manual..............123
▫Opening Sunroof – Express Mode..........123
▫Closing Sunroof – Manual...............123
▫Closing Sunroof – Express Mode..........123
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................123
▫Pinch Protect Override.................123
▫Venting Sunroof – Express...............124
▫Sunshade Operation...................124
▫Wind Buffeting.......................124
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................124
▫Ignition Off Operation..................124

Electrical Power Outlets.................124
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......126

Console Features......................127

Cargo Area Features....................128
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
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1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
HomeLinkis a trademark owned by Johnson Controls,
Inc.
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!
•Anti-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.
•The 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.
•The 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP — 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) — 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) — 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.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•BAS 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.
•The 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.
•The 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) — 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.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3

WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
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 “Partial ESP”
mode by pressing the “ESP OFF” button. Once the
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial
ESP” mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momen-
tarily depressing the “ESP OFF” 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 “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should bothgo out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lamp” 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:
•
The “ESP Indicator Light” and the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
20. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
— 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
— 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 — 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 “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/
BAS Warning Lamp” 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. The light will come on, for a
bulb check, when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for as
long as 3 seconds.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
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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.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 343
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Engine Oil.......................... 286
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Opener, Garage.................... 112
Downshifting.......................... 217
DriveBelts ............................ 286
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.................... 96
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 224
Economy............................. 213
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 70
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 124
Electronic Brake Control System............ 118
Brake Assist System................... 118
Electronic Stability Program............. 119
Traction Control System................ 118
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 119
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)......................... 152
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 268Jump Starting........................ 272
Towing ............................. 275
Emission Control System Maintenance....281,320
Engine............................... 279
Break-In Recommendations............... 61
Checking Oil Level.................... 283
Cooling ............................ 294
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 251
Fuel Requirements.................... 248
Jump Starting........................ 272
Oil ..........................283,316,317
Oil Change Interval................... 284
Oil Filler Cap.....................279,285
Oil Filter............................ 317
OilSelection ......................... 285
Oil Synthetic......................... 285
Overheating......................... 266
Temperature Gauge................... 144
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 50
Event Data Recorder..................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution............. 27,61,251,293
Exhaust System........................ 293
INDEX 349
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