2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT instrument panel

Operating Tips
218 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 glassNOTE: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. 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219
4

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 air flow 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.
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.
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theredmark (260É), the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Flasher
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with Mopar Glass Cleaner or any commercial household-
type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner.
Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window
equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear quarter
window equipped with the radio antenna. Do not use
scrapers or other sharp instruments which may scratch
the elements. When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not
spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 76
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 235
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 274
Head Restraints......................... 106
Headlights............................ 327
Cleaning............................ 321
High Beam........................ 114,165
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 114
Passing............................. 115
Replacing............................ 327
Switch.............................. 111
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 122
Hood Release.......................... 109
Hoses................................ 314
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................13,29
Infant Restraint.......................... 57
Information Center, Vehicle................. 166
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 73
Instrument Cluster....................156,157
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 155
Instrument Panel Cover................... 322
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 322
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 323
Interior Appearance Care.................. 321
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 117
Introduction............................. 4
Jump Starting.......................... 284
Key, Programming........................ 15
Key, Replacement........................ 14
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 13
362 INDEX

Traction.............................. 235
Transaxle
Manual..........................224,226
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 27
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 122
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transporting Pets........................ 64
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 250
Trip Odometer.......................... 159
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 161
Turbo Cool Down....................... 226
Turn Signals...................... 114,162,328
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 76
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 155
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 353
Universal Transmitter..................... 122Unleaded Gasoline....................... 264
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 314
Vanity Mirrors........................... 76
Variance, Compass....................... 176
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................243,270
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 327
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 28
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster
Description)........................... 157
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 350
Washer, Adding Fluid.................. 118,147
Washers, Windshield..................... 115
Washing Vehicle......................... 319
370 INDEX