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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 249
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ...... 249
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .... 249
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 249
▫ Extremely Cold Weather (Below 20°F
Or 29°C) ......................... 250
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 250
▫ After Starting ....................... 251 
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped .......... 251
▫ 5–Speed Manual Transaxle .............. 251
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ............. 253
▫ Downshifting ....................... 253
 Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped ........ 253
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 254
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System ............................ 255
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 255
5

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 257
▫ Operation ......................... 258
▫ General Information .................. 258
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 259
▫ Acceleration ........................ 259
▫ Traction ........................... 259
 Driving Through Water ................. 260
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 260
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 260
 Power Steering ....................... 262
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 263
 Parking Brake ........................ 264
 Brake System ........................ 265 ▫
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped .......................... 266
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 268
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 269
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 269
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 270
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 270
 Tire Safety Information ................. 274
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 274
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 279
 Tires — General Information ............. 283
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 283
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 284
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 285
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 286
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped ....... 286
▫ Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped ........ 287
▫ TireSpinning ....................... 288
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 288
▫ LifeOfTire ........................ 289
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 290
 Tire Chains .......................... 291
 Snow Tires .......................... 291
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 292
 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..... 293▫
Base System ........................ 295
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ......... 297
▫ General Information .................. 301
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 301
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 302
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 302
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 302
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 303
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 304
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 304
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 305
 Adding Fuel ......................... 305
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 305
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
5

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 307
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 307
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 308
 TrailerTowing ........................ 310
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 310
▫ Installing A Trailer Hitch ............... 312
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 312
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 313 ▫
Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 314
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 315
▫ TowingTips ........................ 320
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 321
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 321
248 STARTING AND OPERATING