Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual

REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.

The right-hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. Pressing the top of the switch
will increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.

The button located in the center of the right-hand control
will switch modes to Radio or CD.

The left-hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. The function of the left-hand
control is different depending on which mode you are in.

The following describes the left-hand control operation in
each mode.

Radio Operation
Press the top of the switch to SEEK up for the next
listenable station. Press the bottom of the switch to SEEK
down for the next listenable station.

Remote Sound System Controls

236

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The button located in the center of the left-hand control
will tune to the next preset station that you have pro-
grammed in the radio preset pushbuttons.

CD Player
Press the top of the switch once to go to the next track on
the CD. Press the bottom of the switch once to go to the
beginning of the current track or to the beginning of the
previous track, if it is within one second after the current
track begins to play.

If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.

The button in the center of the left-hand switch changes
CD’s on the 6–Disc in-dash CD changer radio. This
button does not function for all other radios.

CD/DVD MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following
precautions:

1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.

2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.

3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.

4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.

5. Store the disc in its case after playing.

6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.

7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

237

NOTE:

If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-

lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e. scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have theft protection encoding. Try a
known good disc before considering disc player service.

RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.

CLIMATE CONTROLS

Climate Controls
The Climate Control System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.

238

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

䡵 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

䡵 Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 264

▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . 265

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 274
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 275

䡵 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

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . 287

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ Premium System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 292
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

▫ 2.4L Turbo Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 298
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 302

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

• The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is

pressed to the floor.

• If key won’t turn and steering wheel is locked, rotate

the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on the
locking mechanism and then turn the key.

Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.

250

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See Section 6
of this manual for jump-starting instructions.

Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the
accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting” pro-
cedure.

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

STARTING AND OPERATING

251

Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual - part 15