2006 DODGE CALIBER Owners Manual

WARNING!
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions.
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ESP Operating Modes
The ESP system has 2 available operating modes.
ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever
the vehicle is started the ESP system will be in thismode. This mode should be used for most driving
situations. ESP should only be turned to ªPartial ESPº
for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial ESP Ð This mode is entered by momen-
tarily depressing the ªESP OFFº button. When
in ªPartial ESPº mode, the TCS portion of ESP
has been disabled, the thresholds for ESP acti-
vation are raised, and the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will
be illuminated. This mode is intended to be used for a
more spirited driving experience, or if the vehicle is in
deep snow, sand, or gravel conditions and more wheel
spin that ESP would normally allow is required. To turn
ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP OFFº
button.
WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89
3

NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial ESPº
mode by pressing the ªESP OFFº button. Once the
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial
ESPº mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momen-
tarily depressing the ªESP OFFº button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
²
The ªESP Indicator Lightº and the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lightº come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

POWER SUNROOF Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof switch is located in the reading lamp.WARNING!
²Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power sunroof while operating the power sunroof
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
²In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
²Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.Power Sunroof Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3

OPENING SUNROOF ± MANUAL
To open the sunroof, press and hold the switch rearward
to full open. Any release of the switch will stop the
movement and the sunroof will remain in a partial open
condition until the switch is pushed and held rearward
again.
OPENING SUNROOF ± EXPRESS MODE
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully, the stop automatically. This is called
Express Open. During Express Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
CLOSING SUNROOF ± MANUAL
To close the sunroof, press and hold the switch in the
forward position. Again, any release of the switch will
stop the movement and the sunroof will remain in a
partial close condition until the switch is pushed and
held forward again. To ensure sunroof is fully closed,
press and hold switch until sunroof has completely
stopped moving.
CLOSING SUNROOF ± EXPRESS MODE
Press the switch forward and release, and the sunroof
will close automatically from any position. The sunroof
will close fully and stop automatically. This is called
Express Close. During Express Close operation, any
movement of the switch will stop the sunroof.
PINCH PROTECT FEATURE
This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening of
the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an ob-
struction in the path of the sunroof is detected, the
sunroof will automatically retract. Next, press the switch
forward and release to Express Close.
PINCH PROTECT OVERRIDE
If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents closing,
press the switch forward and hold for two seconds after
the reversal occurs. This allows the sunroof to move
towards the close position.
NOTE:Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is
pressed.
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

VENTING SUNROOF ± EXPRESS
Press and hold the ªVº button, and the sunroof will open
to the vent position. This is called Express Vent, and will
occur regardless of the sunroof position. During Express
Vent operation, any movement of the switch will stop the
sunroof.
SUNSHADE OPERATION
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
IGNITION OFF OPERATION
The sunroof will also operate up to 45 seconds after the
ignition has been turned off. The sunroof operation will
be canceled if either of the front doors are opened during
the 45 second time period.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
There is a standard 12-volt power outlet in the instru-
ment panel and a 115 Volt (150 Watts Maximum) outlet in
the center console on SXT and R/T models for added
convenience. These outlets can power cell phones, elec-
tronics and other small appliances.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93
3

WARNING!
To Avoid Serious Injury or Death:
²Donotusea3ÐProng Adaptor.
²Do not insert any objects into the receptacles.
²Do not touch with wet hands.
²Close the lid when not in use.
²If this outlet is mishandled it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
Power Outlet 12 Volts
94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not
in use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
Power Outlet 115V (150 Watt)
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95
3

CONSOLE FEATURES
The floor console's sliding armrest moves forward 3
inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid
also includes a unique flip pocket for storing a phone or
an MP3 player. The bin inside the console can hold up to
10 CD jewel cases or other items securely out of sight.
A 115- volt outlet to power small electronics is on the
console and is standard on all models except the SE
model. For more information on this outlet refer to the
section ªPower Outletsº in this book.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light/Removable Self- Recharging
Flashlight ± If Equipped
The dual-function light is mounted in the headliner
above the cargo area to illuminate the cargo area, and
part of it snaps out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
when needed. The flashlight features two bright LED
light bulbs and is powered by rechargeable lithium
batteries when snapped back into place for convenience.
To operate the flashlight, press the switch once for high,
twice for low, and a third time to return to off.
Floor Console
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE