DODGE CALIBER SRT 2009 1.G Owners Manual

The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.
The controls are as follows:
Mode Control (Air Direction)
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution. You can select either
a primary mode, as identified by
the symbols, or a blend of two of
these modes. The closer the con-
trol is to a particular mode, the
more air distribution you receive
from that mode.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
Climate Control Location
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4

air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets and side
window demister outlets with a small amount
through the defrost outlet.
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demister outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demister outlets. Use this mode with
maximum fan and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the Air Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed.
This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To
improve fuel economy, use these modes only when
necessary.
Air Outlets
The airflow from each of the instrument panel outlets can
be adjusted for direction and turned on or off to control
airflow.
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.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 blower 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 airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
4

Circulation Control
Use this button to choose between
outside air intake or Recirculation
of the air inside the vehicle. A
lamp will illuminate when you
are in recirculate mode. Only use
the recirculate mode to tempo-
rarily 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 buildup 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 lamp 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.
242 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 lamps 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.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment. See the maintenance
schedule for the filter change interval. 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. See
your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
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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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 250
▫Normal Starting..................... 250
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or
-29°C)............................. 251
▫If Engine Fails To Start................. 251
▫After Starting....................... 252
▫Turbocharger “Cool Down”............. 252
Manual Transaxle...................... 252
▫Downshifting....................... 253Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 254
▫Acceleration........................ 254
▫Traction........................... 254
Driving Through Water.................. 255
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 255
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 255
Power Steering........................ 257
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 258
Parking Brake........................ 259
5

Brake System......................... 260
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped.......................... 261
Electronic Brake Control System........... 264
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 264
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 264
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 265
Tire Safety Information.................. 270
▫Tire Markings....................... 270
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 274
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 275
Tires — General Information.............. 279
▫Tire Pressure........................ 279▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 280
▫Radial-Ply Tires...................... 282
▫Tire Spinning....................... 282
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 283
▫Life Of Tire......................... 284
▫Replacement Tires.................... 284
Tire Chains.......................... 285
Snow Tires.......................... 286
Tire Rotation Recommendations............ 286
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..... 287
▫Base System........................ 290
▫Premium System — If Equipped.......... 292
▫General Information................... 296
248 STARTING AND OPERATING