Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual

Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways. In
this mode, all TCS and ESP stability features are turned
OFF. To enter the “Full Off” mode, depress and hold the
ESP OFF switch for five seconds while the vehicle is
stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will
illuminate, and the

⬙ESP OFF⬙ message will display in the

vehicle odometer. Press and release the TRIP ODOM-
ETER button located on the instrument cluster to clear
this message. The “ESP OFF” message may appear in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4. To turn ESP ON again, momentarily depress the
ESP OFF switch.

WARNING!

In the ESP “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are cancelled. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.

NOTE:

When the ESP is switched OFF, a feature of the

system remains active. This feature controls wheel spin
across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip differential.
If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel
and allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. To improve the vehicle’s traction
when driving with tire chains, or when starting off in
deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the
ESP OFF switch.

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WARNING!

With the ESP switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.

ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the

ESP or BAS system, or both. 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 your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:

• The “ESP Indicator Light” and the “ESP/BAS Warning

Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System

will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking

sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

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269

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE:

• P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European-Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-

dards Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction and

Temperature Grades

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• LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact

spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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271

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards

= Temporary spare tire

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)

— Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

= Construction code

—

⬙R⬙ means radial construction

—

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

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EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

= Load Index

— A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

= Speed Symbol

— A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating conditions
— The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and
posted speed limits)

Load Identification:

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire
Extra Load (XL)

= Extra load (or reinforced) tire

Light Load

= Light load tire

C, D, E

= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load

— Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

— Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

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273

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire,
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the
date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard
side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

— This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire

safety standards and is approved for highway use

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—01 means the year 2001
— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year

in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed

on the driver’s side B-Pillar.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about
the:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can carry
3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

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275

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs
[295 kg]).

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.

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6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE:

• The following table shows examples on how to calcu-

late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations

and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.

• For the following example, the combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).

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277

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure.

Safety

WARNING!

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can

cause accidents.

• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-

sult in tire failure.

• Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion

shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.

• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-

lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect

vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.

(Continued)

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279

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-

hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.

• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-

mended cold tire inflation pressure.

Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.

Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability

Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.

Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.

The tire pressure should be checked and adjusted, and
the tires inspected for signs of wear or visible damage, at
least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated, even when they are under-inflated.

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap (if equipped). This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.

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Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after a three-hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.

Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.

Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.

Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire

inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.

Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. Do not reduce this normal pressure
buildup or your tire pressure will be too low.

Tire Pressures for High-Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original-equipment information, or an
authorized tire dealer, for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.

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WARNING!

High-speed driving, with your vehicle at or above
maximum load, is dangerous. The added strain on
your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).

Radial-Ply Tires

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never
combine them with other types of tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.

Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h),
or continuously for longer than 30 seconds, without
stopping.

Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in Section 6 of this
manual for additional information.

WARNING!

• Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gen-

erated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than

30 mph (48 km/h), or for more than 30 seconds
continuously, when you are stuck; and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original-equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.

1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire

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Dodge Caliber SRT (2009 year). Manual - part 17