2008 DODGE CALIBER warning

parking brake is applied, there is a low brake fluid level
or there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake System Warning Light which will
turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder
has dropped below a specified level.
The Brake System Warning Light will remain on until the
cause is corrected.
NOTE:The Brake System Warning Light may flash
momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers which
change fluid level conditions. The vehicle should have
service performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the Brake System Warning
Light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
Vehicles equipped with ABS, are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on
along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
The operation of the Brake System Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4

turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The Brake System Warning Light will also turn on when
the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
28. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Button — If Equipped
Pushing this button will switch between the different
EVIC functions.29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages.
30. Transmission Over Temp Light — If Equipped
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transaxle oil may become
too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the
vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to the requested
speed. If the high speed is maintained, the overheating
will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — If EquippedThe Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the lower
left part of the cluster below the fuel and engine tem-
perature gauge. The EVIC consists of the following:
•System Status
•Vehicle information warning message displays
•Personal settings (customer programmable features)
•Compass heading
•Outside temperature display
•Trip computer functions
•UConnecthands-free communication system dis-
plays — If equipped
•Audio mode display
•Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
EVIC Location
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4

When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages.
•Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime)
•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Right Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single
chime)
•Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle Not in Park
(automatic transmissions) or vehicle is in motion
(manual transmissions).
•Left/Right Front Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph (1 km/h)
•Left/Right Rear Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph (1 km/h)
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
•Gate Ajar (with a single chime)
•Headlights On
•Key In Ignition
•Check TPM System
•Oil Change Required
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Change Oil” message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Replacement Tires.....................269
▫Alignment And Balance.................270

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................271
▫Base System — If Equipped..............273
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........275
▫General Information...................279

Tire Chains...........................279

Snow Tires...........................279

Tire Rotation Recommendations............280

Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Gasoline Engines.....................281
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................281▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............282
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................282
▫Materials Added To Fuel................283
▫Fuel System Cautions..................283
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............284

Adding Fuel..........................284
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............284
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............286

Vehicle Loading........................287
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......287

TrailerTowing .........................287
▫Common Towing Definitions.............287
▫Installing A Trailer Hitch................290
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
5

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. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission
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.
NOTE:If the key won’t turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
5

start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.
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.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:The Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle
(CVT) changes ratios in a continuous manner. This may
Automatic Shift Lever
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
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