Dodge 2009 User manual

2009 NITRO

NITRO

Chrysler LLC

81-326-0913

First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

OWNER’S MANUAL

2009

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA

With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name

Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the

name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution there-

fore.

DRIVING AND ALCOHOL

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of

accidents.

Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood

alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are

drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking

driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.

WARNING!

Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your

perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,

and your judgment is impaired when you have been

drinking. Never drink and then drive.

This manual illustrates and describes the operation of

features and equipment that are either standard or op-

tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a

description of features and equipment that are no longer

available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please

disregard any features and equipment described in this

manual that are not on this vehicle.

Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in

design and specifications, and/or make additions to or

improvements to its products without imposing any

obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-

ously manufactured.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

.............................................................3

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................9

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

...............................79

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

................................... 169

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

.................................................255

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

...............................................353

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................................365

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

..................................................411

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

..........................................427

10

INDEX

....................................................................437

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

䡵 Introduction ...........................4

䡵 Rollover Warning ........................ 4

䡵 How To Use This Manual ..................5

䡵 Warnings And Cautions ...................7

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number ...............7

䡵 Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8

1

INTRODUCTION

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-

tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint

you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.

It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet

and various customer-oriented documents. You are

urged to read these publications carefully. Following the

instructions and recommendations in this manual will

help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored

in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain

with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will

be aware of all safety warnings.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized

dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained

technicians and genuine Mopar威 parts, and is interested

in your satisfaction.

ROLLOVER WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate

than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher

ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than

many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in

a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an

unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because

of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of

control it may roll over when some other vehicles may

not.

Do not attempt sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or other

unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle

control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result

in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal

injury. Drive carefully.

4 INTRODUCTION

Failure to use driver and passenger seat belts provided

is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.

government notes that the universal use of existing seat

belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more

each year and could reduce disabling injuries by two

million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person

is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing

a seat belt. Always buckle up.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section

contains the information you desire.

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual

contains a complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the

symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout

this Owner’s Manual:

Rollover Warning Label

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-

erating procedures that could result in an accident or

bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-

dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you

do not read this entire manual, you may miss important

information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the

left front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is

visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-

shield. This number also appears on the Automobile

Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on

your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION 7

1

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could

seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and

may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or

death.

8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A Word About Your Keys ................. 12

▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................ 13

䡵 Sentry Key威 ........................... 14

▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 15

▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 16

▫ General Information .................... 17

䡵 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17

▫ To Arm The System .................... 18

▫ To Disarm The System .................. 18

䡵 Illuminated Entry ....................... 19

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry .................... 19

▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 20

▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ........... 21

▫ Express Down Window Feature —

If Equipped.......................... 22

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 23

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ....... 23

2

▫ Battery Replacement ................... 23

▫ General Information .................... 24

䡵 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25

䡵 Door Locks ........................... 26

▫ Manual Door Locks .................... 27

▫ Power Door Locks ..................... 28

▫ Automatic Door Locks .................. 29

▫ Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit .......... 30

▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear

Doors) ............................. 31

䡵 Windows ............................. 32

▫ Power Windows ...................... 32

▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 36

䡵 Liftgate .............................. 36

䡵 Occupant Restraints ..................... 37

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 38

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 39

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 43

▫ Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped ..... 44

▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 44

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert威).......................... 45

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ........... 47

▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 47

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint Systems (SRS) ................. 48

▫ Child Restraint ....................... 65

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 75

䡵 Safety Tips ............................ 76

▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 76

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................. 76

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The

Vehicle ............................. 77

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The keys for your vehicle are double-sided. You can

insert the keys into the locks with either side up.

The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic

bag with the key code number on it. If you received your

keys without the bag, ask your authorized dealer to give

you the number. The key code can also be obtained by an

authorized dealer from your vehicle invoice.

Ignition Key Removal

Automatic Transmission

•

Place the shift lever in PARK.

•

Push the key and cylinder inward slightly and rotate

the key to the LOCK position.

•

Remove the key.

Vehicle Key

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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. Don’t leave the key in the

ignition. A child could operate power windows,

other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.

Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all

doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the

ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the

key.

Ignition Switch Positions

1 — Lock 3 — On

2 — Acc 4 — Start

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

2

NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds

when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC

position.

SENTRY KEY姞

The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System prevents unautho-

rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The

system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation

is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked

or unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded

electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized

vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-

grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate

the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two

seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the

engine.

NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also

considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the

ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

During normal operation, after turning on the ignition

switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three

seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the

bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the

electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light

begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that

someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.

Either of these conditions will result in the engine being

shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal

vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-

onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.

Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as

possible.

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

•

The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System is not compat-

ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.

Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting

problems and loss of security protection.

•

Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,

or any other transponder-equipped components on

the same key chain will not cause a key-related

(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-

cally held against the ignition key being used when

starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other

Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause inter-

ference with this system.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have

been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle

electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.

Once a Sentry Key威 is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot

be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove the Sentry Keys威 from the vehicle

and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-

tended.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided

with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is

required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-

plication of keys may be performed at an authorized

dealer or by following the customer key programming

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

2

procedure. This procedure consists of programming a

blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one

that has never been programmed.

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威 Immobilizer

System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an

authorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program

new Sentry Keys威 to the system by performing the

following procedure:

1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威 Transponder blank(s)

to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn

the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three

seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the

ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first

key.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within

15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In

addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.

Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and

remove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威 into the ignition switch.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within

60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.

In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.

To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle

Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and

then turn off.

The new Sentry Key威 is programmed. The Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-

grammed during this procedure.

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you

do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your

authorized dealer for details.

NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized

dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-

tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from

starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be

reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an

authorized dealer at the time of service to be

reprogrammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key威 system complies with FCC rules Part 15

and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is

subject to the following conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause undes-

ired operation.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle

doors, liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation.

When the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated, the system

provides both audible and visual signals. The horn will

sound repeatedly for three minutes, while the headlights

and taillights will flash for an additional 15 minutes.

NOTE: The Panic and Security alarms are quite differ-

ent. Please take a moment to activate the Panic and

Security modes to hear the differences in the horn. In case

one should go off in the future, you will need to know

which mode has been activated in order to deactivate it.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

2

To Arm the System:

Remove the keys from the ignition switch and exit the

vehicle. Lock the doors and liftgate by pressing the

power door LOCK switch or the LOCK button on the

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Close all the

doors.

The Vehicle Security Light (located in the instrument

cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds to signal

that the system is arming. During this 16 second pre-arm

period, opening any door or the liftgate will cancel the

arming process. If the system arms successfully, the

Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to

indicate the alarm is set. Manually locking the doors with

the door lock plunger (located on the inside of the doors)

or the driver’s door key lock cylinder will not arm the

system.

To Disarm the System:

Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter

or insert a valid Sentry Key威 into the ignition lock

cylinder and turn the key to the ON position.

The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect

your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where

the system will give you a false alarm. If the previously

described arming sequence has occurred, the system will

arm regardless of whether you are inside or outside the

vehicle. If you remain inside the vehicle and open a door,

the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system.

Manually unlocking the doors with the door lock plunger

(located on the inside of the doors) or the driver’s door

key lock cylinder will not disarm the system.

Tamper Alert

If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in

your absence, the horn will sound three times when you

unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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Dodge 2009 User manual

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