2008 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual - Page 246

244 STARTING AND OPERATING To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to 2nd or 1st gear when descending a steep grade. When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade, downshift early so that the engine will not be overburdened. All Wheel Drive System - If Equipped This feature provides full time, on-demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The system is automatic with no driver gear selection or additional driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels to equalize front and rear wheel speeds. The greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the rear wheels. Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch and performance characteristics. PARKING BRAKE When the parking brake is applied with the ignition ON, the Brake Light in the instrument cluster will come on. NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is on. It does not show the degree of brake application. If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has returned to a stop.