instrument panel DODGE CALIBER SRT 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Operating Tips
244 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 airflow 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 245
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.
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.
Press the switch and both cluster indicators and all front
and rear directional signals will flash. Press the switch a
second time to turn the 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
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 transaxle in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Warning Switch
306 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in 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 tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
car to wash them.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 125
Passing............................. 126
Replacing............................ 356
Switch.............................. 123
Heated Seats........................... 117
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 121
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................16,20
Infant Restraint.......................... 61
Information Center, Vehicle................. 174
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 77
Instrument Cluster....................163,164
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 161
Instrument Panel Cover................... 351
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 351Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 352
Interior Appearance Care.................. 349
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 128
Introduction............................. 4
Jump Starting.......................... 317
Key, Programming........................ 18
Key, Replacement........................ 17
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 16
Key-In Reminder......................... 15
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 20
Keys................................. 12
Kicker Sound System..................... 233
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 357
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 36
Latches
Hood............................... 121
398 INDEX

Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 168
Turbo Cool Down....................... 252
Turn Signals......................124,170,357
UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 81
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 161
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 389
Universal Transmitter..................... 134
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 296
Vanity Mirrors........................... 81
Variance, Compass....................... 185
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................... 275
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 355
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 19
Voice Recognition System (VR).............. 109
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description)... 164
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6Warranty Information..................... 386
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 337
Washers, Windshield..................... 128
Washing Vehicle......................... 348
Water
Driving Through...................... 255
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 349
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care................ 349
Wind Buffeting......................... 143
Window Airbag (Side Curtain)............... 49
Window Fogging........................ 245
Windows.............................. 32
Power............................... 32
Windshield Washers................127,128,337
Fluid............................... 337
Windshield Wipers....................127,336
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 128
406 INDEX