heating DODGE CALIBER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Pressing the switch once will select HIGH-level heating.
Pressing the switch a second time will select LOW-level
heating. Pressing the switch a third time will shut the
heating elements OFF.
When HIGH-level heating is selected, the heaters provide
a boosted heat level during the first four minutes of
operation after heating is activated. The heat output then
drops to the normal HIGH-level heating. If HIGH-level
heating is selected, the system will automatically switch
to the LOW-level heating after about 30 minutes of
continuous operation. At that time, the number of illu-
minated LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the
change. Operation on the LOW-level heating also turns
off automatically after about 30 minutes.
NOTE:If the HIGH-level heating setting is selected,
heat will be felt within two to three minutes.Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat
To fold the front passenger seat, lift the recliner handle to
full up position and push the seatback forward until it
rests on the cushion in the fold flat position.
Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat Control
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:There are 30 seconds in which to initiate the next
step after the “Learn” button has been pressed.
7. Return to the vehicle and press the programmed
HomeLinkbutton twice (holding the button for two
seconds each time). If the device is plugged in and
activates, programming is complete.
If the device does not activate, press the button a third
time (for two seconds) to complete the training.
If you have any problems, or require assistance, please
call toll-free 1–800–355–3515 or, on the Internet at
www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance.
To program the remaining two HomeLinkbuttons,
repeat each step for each remaining button. DO NOT
erase the channels.Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission – which may not be long enough for
HomeLinkto pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming
HomeLink” Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until HomeLink
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (if equipped) is shared. It is located
in the front of the engine compartment on the passenger
side and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
Rear Window Defroster
The push-button is located on the
bottom right side of the blower
control knob. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster.
An amber light shows that the
defroster is on.The defroster will automatically turn off after approxi-
mately ten minutes. For an additional five minutes of
operation, press the switch again. To prevent excessive
battery drain, use the defroster only when the engine is
operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
An optional authorized-dealer installed roof rack with cross
rails is available through Moparfor added cargo versatility.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The Brake System Warning Light will also turn on when
the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
28. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Button — If Equipped
Pushing this button will switch between the different
EVIC functions.29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages.
30. Transmission Over Temp Light — If Equipped
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transaxle oil may become
too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the
vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to the requested
speed. If the high speed is maintained, the overheating
will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. Moisture and ice can also accumulate
on the inside of the sheet metal and may result inheadliner and/or electronic component damage. For
maximum defogging, press the recirculation button until
recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Autostickis deactivated:
•By holding the shift lever to (+) momentarily
•When the shift lever is shifted out of DRIVE
•When in 6th position, touching the shift lever to the
right
•When heavy Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) applica-
tion is detected
AutostickGeneral Information
•
If a ratio other than 1st is selected and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will
automatically select the 1st gear ratio.
•If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the
next higher ratio.
•If a downshift would cause the engine to overspeed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
However. the CVT will stay in the manually selected
ratio.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
Autostickmode and the transmission will return to
the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
STARTING AND OPERATING 241
5

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage it
until you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put the trans-
mission in NEUTRAL and increase the engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Refer to “Cooling System” under “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in Section 7 of this manual for more information.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................302

If Your Engine Overheats.................302

Automatic Transaxle Overheating...........304

Jacking And Tire Changing................304
▫Jack Location........................305
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................305
▫Preparations For Jacking................305▫Jacking Instructions....................306

Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery..............................310

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................312

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................313
▫With Ignition Key.....................313
▫Without The Ignition Key...............314
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning 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
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the 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 the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. When safe, pull over and stop
the vehicle with the engine at idle. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Flasher
302 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES