2009 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual - Page 266

264 STARTING AND OPERATING 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. Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on the lever. Also, place the shift lever in the PARK position (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE position (manual transaxle). To release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal, pull up slightly on the lever, then depress the button on the end of the lever and push the lever fully down toward the floor. NOTE: The parking brake lever will not release unless the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position. Parking Brake When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise, the load on the automatic transaxle locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.