2008 DODGE CALIBER SRT Owners Manual

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 build up 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.
216 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:
²Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
²See ªCirculation Controlº 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 217
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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
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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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................224
NManual Transaxle.....................224
NNormal Starting......................224
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below220ÉF Or229ÉC)................225
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................225
NAfter Starting........................226
NTurbocharger ªCool Downº..............226
mManual Transaxle Operation...............226NDownshifting........................227
mParking Brake.........................228
mBrake System..........................230
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð
If Equipped.........................231
mPower Steering........................233
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............234
NAcceleration.........................234
NTraction............................235
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mDriving Through Water..................235
NFlowing/Rising Water..................235
NShallow Standing Water.................236
mTire Safety Information...................237
NTire Markings........................237
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........241
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........242
mTires Ð General Information...............246
NTire Pressure.........................246
NTire Inflation Pressures.................247
NRadial-Ply Tires......................249
NTire Spinning........................250
NTread Wear Indicators..................250NLife Of Tire.........................251
NReplacement Tires.....................251
NAlignment And Balance.................253
mTire Chains...........................253
mSnow Tires...........................254
mTire Rotation Recommendations............254
mTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................255
NBase System ± If Equipped...............258
NPremium System ± If Equipped...........260
NGeneral Information...................263
mFuel Requirements......................264
N2.4L Turbo Engine.....................264
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

NReformulated Gasoline.................264
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............265
NMMT In Gasoline.....................265
NMaterials Added To Fuel................266
NFuel System Cautions..................266
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............267
mAdding Fuel..........................268
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............268NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............269
mVehicle Loading........................270
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......270
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 271
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................271
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
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