2006 DODGE CALIBER engine

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with the advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) Brake Assist
System (BAS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All
four systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions, and are com-
monly referred to as ESP.
Traction Control System (TCS) Ð IF Equipped
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
Brake Assist System (BAS) Ð IF Equipped
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87
3

WARNING!
²BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
²The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a BAS-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 (Electronic Stability Program) Ð IF Equipped
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applyingthe brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº also flashes when TCS is active. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (If Equipped) is shared. It is located
in the front of the engine compartment on the passenger
side and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
Rear Window Defroster
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK Ð IF EQUIPPED
An optional dealer installed-roof rack with cross rails is
available through MOPAR for added cargo versatility.
Rear Wiper And Defroster Grid
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading below the red area of
the gauge shows that the engine cooling system
is operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a
higher than normal temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go
traffic, or when towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off untilthe pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on theH(red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111
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6. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to 2 gallons, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
7. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition switch is first turned ON and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on
or comes on while driving, it means that there is a
problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE
IMMEDIATELY.
8. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does
not come on during starting, stays on, or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
9. Theft Alarm Light Ð If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
10. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A
chime will sound if you have not pulled the
shoulder belt out of the retractor. This is a reminder to
ªbuckle upº. If you do not buckle up, the light will
remain on.
11. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition
switch is turned from the OFF to the ON position, and
the light will turn off after the engine is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
112 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL