Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CONTENTS

䡵 Instrument Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
䡵 Turbo Boost Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
䡵 Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
䡵 Instrument Cluster Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
䡵 Electronic Vehicle Information Center

(EVIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

▫ EVIC Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
▫ Performance Pages — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 177
▫ Compass/Temperature/Audio — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

▫ Average Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
▫ Distance To Empty (DTE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
▫ Elapsed Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
▫ Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

▫ Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable

Features) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

䡵 Setting The Compass Variance And Compass

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

▫ Compass Variance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

䡵 Sales Code RES/RSC — AM/FM Stereo Radio

With CD Player (MP3 AUX Jack) And Sirius
Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

▫ Operating Instructions — Radio Mode . . . . . . 216
▫ Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD

And MP3 Audio Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
▫ List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . . . . . 227
▫ Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . . . . . 227

䡵 Satellite Radio — If Equipped

(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU Radios Only). . . . . 228

▫ System Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
▫ Electronic Serial Number/Sirius

Identification Number (ESN/SID) . . . . . . . . . 229

▫ Selecting Satellite Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

▫ Satellite Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
▫ Reception Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
▫ Operating Instructions — Satellite Mode . . . . 230
▫ Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone

(If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

▫ Operating Instructions — Video

Entertainment System (VES)™
(If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

䡵 Kicker威 High Performance Sound System With

Driver-Selectable Surround (DSS) –
If Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

䡵 Remote Sound System Controls —

If Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

▫ Radio Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
▫ CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

159

䡵 CD/DVD Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
䡵 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones . . . . . . . 238
䡵 Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

▫ Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
▫ Air Filtration System — If Equipped . . . . . . . 243
▫ Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES

1 - Air Outlets

5 - Glove Compartment

9 - Hazard Warning Flasher Switch

2 - Demisters

6 - Beverage Cooler

10 - Passenger Airbag Disable Light

3 - Instrument Cluster

7 - Storage Cubby

11 - Boost Gauge

4 - Radio

8 - Climate Controls

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

161

TURBO BOOST GAUGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a boost gauge that indi-
cates the intake manifold pressure relative to barometric
pressure. The engine management system in your vehicle
intelligently regulates intake manifold pressure based on
environmental (ambient) and engine operating condi-
tions.

Turbo Boost Gauge

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 Indicator

This indicates that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.

3. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading below the red (260 °F /
126.6 °C) 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, or in heavy
stop-and-go traffic.

If the pointer rises to the red mark (260 °F / 126.6 °C), the
instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal
range. If the pointer remains on the red mark (260 °F /
126.6 °C), 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.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

4. 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.

5. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.8 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.

6. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on 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, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the

vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.

7. Airbag Warning Light

This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check, when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while

driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

8. Vehicle Security Light — 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

165

9. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat

belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.

10. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine

is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

11. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches red (260°F/126.6°C), this indicator will

illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a
set threshold. Further overheating will cause the tem-
perature gauge to pass red (260°F/126.6°C), the indicator
will continuously flash and a continuous chime will
occur until the engine is allowed to cool.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.

12. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.

13. Odometer/Trip Odometer
This display indicates the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. Also, the cluster will display, replacing the
odometer/trip odometer, vehicle warning messages such
as: door/gate ajar and gASCAP (loose gas cap) and
Change Oil message.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instrument
cluster, all warnings including “door”, and “gATE” and Oil

Change Required will only be displayed in the EVIC display.
For additional information, refer to “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center — If Equipped” in Section 3.

Change Oil Message
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 indicator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time
you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Trip
Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil
change indicator system (after performing the scheduled
maintenance) refer to the following procedure.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

167

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Do not
start the engine.

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.

14. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON.

15. Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Reset Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. Trip A or Trip B
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and

hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles (0 km). The odometer must be in Trip Mode to
reset.

16. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light

This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition

key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the
shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and
your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is first turned ON and remain on

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.

17. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light

If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-

ditions, and do not switch off the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP), or Traction Control System (TCS).

18. Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

169

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE:

The light may flash momentarily during sharp

cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. 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 red brake 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 the Anti-Lock Brake System
(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.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then 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 light also will 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.

19. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a
continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.

20. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.

21. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light

The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignition

switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine running,

a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. 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 an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle

placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual - part 10