instrument panel DODGE CALIBER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

NOTE:For maximum airflow to the rear seat passen-
gers, the center instrument panel outlets can be aimed, so
that the left center outlet is directed toward the right rear
passenger and the right center outlet is directed toward
the left rear passenger.
Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the
system in any mode you select.
The fan speed increases as you
move the control from the left
(OFF) to the right position.
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the fan control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the
temperature of the air inside the
passenger compartment. The blue
area of the scale indicates cooler
temperatures while the red area
indicates warmer temperatures.
NOTE: If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser, located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4

Circulation Control
Use this button to choose between
outside air intake or recirculation
of the air inside the vehicle. A
light will illuminate when you are
in recirculate mode. Only use the
recirculate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial start
up in very hot or humid weather.
NOTE: Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position. NOTE:
Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
Air Conditioning (Normal)
Use this button to engage the Air
Conditioning. A light will illumi-
nate when the Air Conditioning
System is engaged.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning (MAX A/C)
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lights are illuminated and set
the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in Floor, Mix or
Defrost modes.
•See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Air Filtration System – If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
The filter media includes a particle filtration layer. The
filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel and agricul-
tural smells. The filter acts only on air coming from
outside the vehicle; it does not filter air inside the
passenger compartment.. The air filter change interval
coincides with engine oil and filter change intervals. As
with oil changes, the interval is shorter for heavy duty
service or dusty conditions. Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” in Section 7. See your authorized dealer for
service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
4

Operating Tips
242 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 glassNOTE: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 in headliner 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the Hazard Warning flasher switch
is activated, all directional turn signals will flash
on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency.
Press the switch a second time to turn off flashers.
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 the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to the H(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
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H(red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately 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
324 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may
be used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean, damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

General Information................. 18,112,301
General Maintenance ..................... 344
Glass Cleaning .......................... 366
Glove Compartment ...................... 160
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 310
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............308,310
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 83
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 260
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 324
Head Restraints ......................... 120
Headlights ............................ 372
Cleaning ............................ 366
High Beam .......................... 129
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 129
Passing ............................. 130
Replacing ........................... 372 Switch .............................. 126
Heated Seats ........................... 120
Heater ............................... 236
Hitches TrailerTowing ........................ 312
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 138
Hood Release .......................... 124
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 63
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 180
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 79
Instrument Cluster .................... 167,169
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 166
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 367
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 367
416 INDEX

Operation........................... 253
Overdrive ........................... 257
Selection of Lubricant ................... 361
Transmission Range Indicator ....................... 172
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 138
Transporting Pets ........................ 70
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 288
Trip Odometer .......................... 174
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 176
Turn Signals ...................... 128,177,373
uconnect (Hands-Free Phone) ............... 83
Understanding Your Instrument Panel ......... 166
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 406
Universal Transmitter ..................... 138
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 301 VanityMirrors ........................... 83
Vehicle Certification Label
................. 308
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 279,307,309
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 371
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 18
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 112
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 169
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 404
Washer, Adding Fluid ..................... 351
Washers, Windshield ..................... 132
Washing Vehicle ......................... 363
Water Driving Through ...................... 260
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 364
INDEX 425
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