Dodge NITRO Owner's manual

Nitro

OWNE R ’ S MAN UAL

2 0 1 0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

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

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

............................. 85

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

..................................179

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

................................................275

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

............................................. 375

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

..............................................391

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

.................................................439

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

........................................ 459

10

INDEX

...................................................................469

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

Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group

LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision

workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all

essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.

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,

located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented

documents. Please take the time to read these publica-

tions carefully. Following the instructions and recom-

mendations 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 factory-trained tech-

nicians and genuine MOPAR威 parts, and cares about

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

4 INTRODUCTION

control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result

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

injury. Drive carefully.

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.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the

items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and

illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment

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

1

INTRODUCTION 5

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 is stamped into the right front

door sill (under the molding) and appears on the Auto-

mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window

on your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

Vehicle Identification Number

1

INTRODUCTION 7

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 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 14

▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 14

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 14

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 (RKE) .............. 19

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

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

2

▫ Remote Open Window Feature —

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

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

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 23

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

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

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

▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 25

䡵 Door Locks ........................... 27

▫ 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

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 43

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioner — If Equipped ....... 43

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 43

▫ Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode

— If Equipped ....................... 44

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 45

▫ Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head

Restraints (AHR) ...................... 45

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert威) ......................... 49

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 50

▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 50

▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) —

Airbags ............................ 51

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 69

▫ Child Restraint ....................... 71

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 81

䡵 Safety Tips ........................... 81

▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 81

▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 82

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................. 83

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ................... 84

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds

when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC

position.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering

wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-

out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved

approximately a half turn in either direction and the key

is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will lock.

To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel

With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one-

half revolution from the straight ahead position, turn

OFF the engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering

wheel slightly in both directions, until the lock engages.

To Release the Steering Wheel Lock

Insert the key in the ignition and turn the wheel slightly

to the right or left to disengage the lock.

NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage

the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to

disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage

the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

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.

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 by an authorized dealer.

NOTE: The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System is not

compatible with some aftermarket remote starting sys-

tems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting

problems and loss of security protection.

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.

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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

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.

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The new Sentry Key威 is programmed. The Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-

grammed during this procedure.

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 monitors the vehicle doors,

liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation. When

the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated, the alarm pro-

vides both audible and visual signals. The horn will

sound repeatedly for three minutes, while the headlights,

park lamps and/or turn signals will flash for an addi-

tional 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.

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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 Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During this

16 second pre-arm period, opening any door or the

liftgate will cancel the arming process. If the Vehicle

Security Alarm 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 Vehicle

Security Alarm.

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 is designed to protect your

vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the

Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If the

previously described arming sequence has occurred, the

Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Vehicle Security Alarm. 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 Vehicle Security Alarm.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

The interior lights come on when you open any door or

use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to un-

lock any door. They will remain on for approximately

30 seconds after all doors are closed then fade to off.

The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition

after you close all the doors.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and

liftgate or activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to

approximately 66 ft (20 m) using your Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter does not

need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.

NOTE:

•

For the remote starting feature (if equipped), refer to

“Remote Starting System” for further information.

•

Your vehicle’s RKE transmitter may have three or four

buttons depending on the optional features purchased

with your vehicle.

Three Button RKE transmitter

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

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