DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
Instrument Panel Features................ 172
Instrument Cluster..................... 173
Instrument Cluster Description............ 174
Compass And Trip Computer — If Equipped . . 187
▫Control Buttons...................... 188
▫Trip Conditions...................... 188
▫Compass/Temperature Display........... 189Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —
If Equipped........................... 191
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays........................... 192
▫Oil Change Required.................. 193
▫Trip Functions....................... 194
▫Compass Display..................... 195
▫Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)........................... 1984

Sales Code REQ — AM/FM Stereo Radio And
6–Disc CD/DVD Changer (MP3/WMA AUX
Jack)................................ 200
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode....... 201
▫Operation Instructions - (Disc Mode For CD
And MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-Video) . . . 209
▫Notes On Playing MP3/WMA Files........ 211
▫List Button (Disc Mode For
MP3/WMA Play)..................... 213
▫Info Button (Disc Mode For MP3/WMA
Play)............................. 213
AM/FM/CD/DVD Multimedia System Radio
(RER/REN) – If Equipped................ 216
▫Operating Instructions — Voice Recognition
System (VR) — If Equipped............. 216▫Operating Instructions — Hands-Free
Communication (UConnect)—
If Equipped......................... 216
▫Clock Setting Procedure................ 216
Sales Code RES — AM/FM Stereo Radio With
CD Player (MP3 AUX Jack)................ 219
▫Operating Instructions — Radio Mode...... 219
▫Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD
And MP3 Audio Play.................. 222
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files............. 224
▫Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode.... 227
Sales Code RES/RSC — AM/FM Stereo Radio
With CD Player (MP3 AUX Jack) And Sirius
Radio............................... 227
▫Operating Instructions — Radio Mode...... 228
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD
And MP3 Audio Play.................. 233
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files............. 235
▫List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play)...... 238
▫Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play)...... 238
Satellite Radio — If Equipped
(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU Radios Only)..... 240
▫System Activation.................... 240
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID)......... 240
▫Selecting Satellite Mode................ 241
▫Satellite Antenna..................... 241
▫Reception Quality.................... 242
▫Operating Instructions — Satellite Mode.... 242▫Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................ 245
▫
Operating Instructions — Video Entertainment
System (VES)™ (If Equipped)
............ 245
Video Entertainment System™ (Sales Code
XRV) — If Equipped.................... 245
Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped........................... 246
▫Radio Operation..................... 247
▫CD Player.......................... 247
CD/DVD Maintenance.................. 247
Climate Controls...................... 248
▫Manual Air Conditioning And Heating
System............................ 248
▫Operating Tips...................... 252
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Air Outlet 6 - Glove Compartment 11 - Hazard Warning Flasher
2 - Instrument Cluster 7 - Climate Control 12 - Electronic Stability Control / Traction
Control Switch *
3 - Storage Tray 8 - Heated Seat Switch * 13 - Cigar Lighter / Power Outlet
4 - Center Air Outlet 9 - Rear Park Assist Switch * 14 - Storage Bin
5 - Radio 10 - Passenger Airbag Disable Light * If Equipped 172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when ignition
switch is in the ON position.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see Section 7
of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cool-
ing System Pressure Cap paragraph.
4. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.8 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
5. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulbcheck or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.
6. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
As temperatures rise and the gauge approachesH
,
this indicator will illuminate and a single chime
will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further over-
heating will cause the temperature gauge to passH, the
indicator will continuously flash and a continuous chime
will occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
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7. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
8. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that the headlights are on
high beam. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
9. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
10.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning Light /
Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light – If Equipped
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. 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 an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:The ESP Control System will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
11. TOW/HAUL Indicator — If Equipped
The TOW/HAUL button is located on the gear
shift bezel. This light will illuminate when the
TOW/HAUL button has been selected.
12. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a
continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
13. Transmission Temperature Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.14. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the
anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
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The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL