2009 DODGE CALIBER steering

CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approxi-
mately 8 in (20 cm) and then drop it. This should
secure both latches. Never drive your vehicle unless
the hood is fully closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever controls the operation of the
headlights, parking lights, turn signals, headlight beam
selection, instrument panel light dimming, interior lights,
the passing lights, and fog lights. The multifunction lever
is located on the left side of the steering column.
Headlights, Parking Lights and Instrument Panel
Lights
Turn the end of the multifunction lever to the first detent
for parking light operation. Turn the multifunction lever
to the second detent for headlight operation.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
The high beam headlights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights (DRL) at DRL intensity, which is a lower
intensity then the normal high beams. The DRL’s will
come on whenever the ignition is ON, the engine is
running, the headlight switch is off, the parking brake is
off, the turn signal is off, and the shift lever is in any
position except for PARK.
NOTE:The DRLs will automatically turn off when the
turn signals or Hazard Warning flashers are in operation
and automatically turn back on when the turn signals
and Hazard Warning flashers are not operating.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch
on the control lever. The lever is located on the
right side of the steering column.
Windshield Wiper Operation
Turn the end of the handle to select the desired wiper
speed.
Wiper Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
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TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the steering column, push down on the lever below
the multifunction lever. With one hand firmly on the
wheel, move the steering column up or down as desired.
Push the lever back up to lock the column firmly in place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, Electronic Speed Control takes over the
accelerator operation at speeds greater than 25 mph
(40 km/h). The Electronic Speed Control lever is located
on the right side of the steering wheel.
Tilt Steering Control
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed
weight over or behind the rear axle can cause the
rear of the vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
collision.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
Fold Down Speakers — If Equipped
When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down
off the trim panel to face rearward, for tailgating and
other activities.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch forward to the on position will
Fold-Down Speakers
158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The use of the Cooled Beverage Storage Bin is
for nonperishable beverages only.
To operate the beverage cooler, pull the slide control
about 0.5 in (12 mm) toward the passenger compartment.
This will allow cool air to enter the beverage cooler. To
shut off the beverage cooler when not in use, push the
slide control back 0.5 in (12 mm). This will prevent cool
air from entering the passenger compartment when in
heat mode.
Vehicles without air conditioning can use that space for
storage. The lower bin holds the Owner ’s Manual and
other important documents. Another storage bin is lo-
cated on the outboard side of the steering wheel and can
hold small items like parking cards for easy access.
Positioning Slide Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
3

Operating Instructions — uconnectphone (If
Equipped)
Refer to “uconnect phone” in Section 3.
Operating Instructions — Video Entertainment
System (VES)™ (If Equipped)
Refer to separate “Video Entertainment System (VES)™
Guide.”
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
The right-hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. Pressing the top of the switch
will increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.Remote Sound System Controls (Back View of Steering
Wheel)
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 257
▫ Operation ......................... 258
▫ General Information .................. 258
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 259
▫ Acceleration ........................ 259
▫ Traction ........................... 259
 Driving Through Water ................. 260
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 260
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 260
 Power Steering ....................... 262
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 263
 Parking Brake ........................ 264
 Brake System ........................ 265 ▫
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped .......................... 266
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 268
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 269
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 269
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 270
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 270
 Tire Safety Information ................. 274
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 274
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 279
 Tires — General Information ............. 283
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 283
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
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.
•If the key will not 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 — If Equipped
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
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