brake DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Transmission gear selection
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time including babies and children. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children
from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an
adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s
Manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use
the restraint that is correct for your child:
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap can become
so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how
strong you are. The child and others could be badly
injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a
proper restraint for the child’s size.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pressing the SET lever.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pulling the Electronic
Speed Control lever toward you, “CANCEL”, or normal
brake or clutch pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate speed control without erasing the set speed
memory. Pressing the ON/OFF button or turning off the
ignition switch erases the set speed memory.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RESUME
ACCEL lever up and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the Electronic Speed Control is on, speed can be
increased by pushing up and holding RESUME ACCEL.
Release the lever when the desired speed is reached, and
the new speed will be set.Tapping RESUME ACCEL once will result ina1mph
(2 km/h) speed increase. Each time the lever is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the lever three times will
increase speed by 3 mph (6 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while Electronic Speed Control is on,
push down and hold SET DECEL. Release the lever when
the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be
set.
Tapping the SET DECEL lever once will result ina1mph
(2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the lever is tapped,
speed decreases.
NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control system has been
designed to shut down if multiple speed control switch
functions are operated simultaneously in order to ensure
proper operation. If this occurs, the system can be
reactivated by pushing the Electronic Speed Control lever
ON/OFF button and resetting the desired vehicle set
speed.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
15. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever
is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If
the light remains lit with the engine running your vehicle
will usually be drivable, however, see an authorized dealer
for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when
the engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough
idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
The light will come on when the ignition is first turned ONand remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
16. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
The yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP) /
Traction Control System (TCS) indicator light in
the speedometer area illuminates with the key in
the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN posi-
tion. It should go out with the engine running. TheESP/
TCS Indicator Lightstarts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESP system becomes active. TheESP/TCS
Indicator Lightalso flashes when TCS is active. If the
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightbegins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light”
becomes illuminated when the ESP Off button has been
pressed or ESP is only partially available, caused by lack of
engine management or brake thermal model.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
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17. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
18. SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator — If Equipped
The “SERV 4WD Indicator Light” will come on
when the ignition key is turned to the ON
position and will stay on for two seconds. If the
light stays on or comes on during driving, it
means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.19. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
20. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates when the fog lights are On.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 259
â–«Normal Starting..................... 259
â–«Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or
–29°C)............................ 259
â–«If Engine Fails To Start................. 260
â–«After Starting....................... 262
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped......... 262
Automatic Transmission................. 262
â–«Brake/Transmission Interlock System...... 263â–«Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override........................... 264
â–«4–Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L
Engine)............................ 265
â–«5–Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L
Engine)............................ 270
â–«Gear Ranges........................ 271
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 275
â–«MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time
Transfer Case....................... 275
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â–«Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case....................... 276
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 277
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 278
â–«When To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range...... 278
â–«Driving Through Water................ 278
â–«Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 279
â–«Hill Climbing....................... 280
â–«Traction Downhill.................... 281
â–«After Driving Off-Road................ 281
Power Steering........................ 282
â–«Power Steering Fluid Check............. 283
Parking Brake........................ 284Anti-Lock Brake System................. 285
Electronic Brake Control System........... 288
â–«Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 288
â–«Traction Control System (TCS)........... 289
â–«Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 290
â–«Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 291
â–«Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 292
â–«ESP/BAS Warning Lamp............... 295
Tire Safety Information.................. 296
â–«Tire Markings....................... 296
â–«Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 300
â–«Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 301
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Normal Starting
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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