roof DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owners Manual
Page 38 of 459
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting.
LIFTGATE
The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display located in the
odometer area displays the word “GATE” as an indica-
tion of when the liftgate is not completely closed. When
the vehicle is not moving, and the liftgate is not com-
pletely closed, the VF display will show the word
“GATE”. On EVIC equipped vehicles, “GATE AJAR” will
be displayed.If any other active warnings are present, they will be
shown in the VF display and will also continue to cycle.
If the vehicle is moving, three single chimes will sound if
the rear liftgate is open (one chime for each complete
display cycle). After this, the VF display will continue to
sequence only (no chimes).
If the trip/reset button is pressed while the VF warnings
are being displayed, the VF display will revert back to
only displaying the odometer/trip odometer mileage.
To open the liftgate, pull up (squeeze) on the handle and
lift. Manually unlocking the vehicle doors with the
plunger or a key in the lock cylinder will not unlock the
liftgate.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not have any accessory items installed which
will alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to
your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require
permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for instal-
lation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof
of the vehicle for any reason.
•Do not cover or place items on the airbag covers.
These items may cause serious injury during
inflation.
The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation that
are based on collision severity. Along with the seat belts,
the front airbags provide improved protection for the
driver and front passenger. Window bags also work with
seat belts to improve occupant protection.The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions.
NOTE:The passenger front airbag may not deploy even
when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant Classi-
fication System (refer toOccupant Classification System
in this section) has determined the passenger seat is
empty or is occupied by someone that is classified in the
childsize category. This could be a child, teenager, or
even a adult.
The window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side and rollover colli-
sions. In certain types of collisions, both the front and
side airbags may be triggered. But even in collisions
where the airbags deploy, you need the seat belts to keep
you in the right position for the airbags to protect you
properly.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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▫Mist Feature........................ 133
Tilt Steering Column................... 134
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped...... 135
▫To Activate......................... 135
▫To Set At A Desired Speed.............. 135
▫To Deactivate....................... 136
▫To Resume Speed.................... 136
▫To Vary The Speed Setting.............. 136
▫Manual Transmission.................. 137
▫To Accelerate For Passing............... 137
Rear Park Assist System — If Equipped...... 137
▫System Usage Precautions.............. 138
▫Enabling And Disabling The System....... 140▫System Operation.................... 141
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped........ 144
▫Programming HomeLink.............. 145
▫Gate Operator/Canadian Programming..... 148
▫Using HomeLink.................... 148
▫Reprogramming A Single HomeLink
Button............................ 149
▫Security........................... 149
▫Troubleshooting Tips.................. 149
▫General Information................... 150
Power Sunroof — If Equipped............. 150
▫Opening Sunroof - Express.............. 151
▫Opening Sunroof - Manual Mode......... 151
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
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▫Closing Sunroof - Express............... 151
▫Closing Sunroof - Manual Mode.......... 152
▫Pinch Protect Feature.................. 152
▫Pinch Protect Override................. 152
▫Venting Sunroof - Express.............. 152
▫Sunshade Operation................... 153
▫Wind Buffeting...................... 153
▫Sunroof Maintenance.................. 153
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 153
Electrical Power Outlet.................. 154
Power Inverter — If Equipped............ 156
Cupholders.......................... 158
Storage............................. 159▫Front Storage Compartment............. 159
▫Console Storage Compartment........... 159
Cargo Area Features.................... 160
▫Cargo Light........................ 160
▫Cargo Tie-Down Hooks................ 160
▫Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped......... 162
▫Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Go)
— If Equipped....................... 163
Rear Window Features.................. 165
▫Rear Window Wiper/Washer —
If Equipped......................... 165
▫Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped..... 166
Roof Ditch Applique — Non Functional...... 166
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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General Information
This device complies with FCC rules Part 15 and Industry
Canada RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation
NOTE:The transmitter has been tested and it complies
with FCC and IC rules. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user ’s authority to operate the
device.
The term IC before the certification/registration number
only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifica-
tions were met.
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof switch is located between the sun
visors on the overhead console.
Power Sunroof Switch
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WARNING!
•Never leave unattended children in a vehicle with
the key in the ignition switch. Occupants, particu-
larly unattended children, can become entrapped
by the power sunroof while operating the power
sunroof switch. Such entrapment may result in
serious injury or death.
•In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
•Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.
Opening Sunroof - Express
Press the switch rearward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will open automatically from any
position. The sunroof will open fully and stop automati-
cally. This is called Express Open. During Express Open
operation, any movement of the sunroof switch will stop
the sunroof.
Opening Sunroof - Manual Mode
To open the sunroof, press and hold the switch rearward
to full open. Any release of the switch will stop the
movement and the sunroof will remain in a partially
opened condition until the switch is pushed and held
rearward again.
Closing Sunroof - Express
Press the switch forward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will close automatically from any
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
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position. The sunroof will close fully and stop automati-
cally. This is called Express Close. During Express Close
operation, any movement of the switch will stop the
sunroof.
NOTE:To ensure the sunroof is fully closed, press and
hold the switch until the sunroof has completely stopped
moving.
Closing Sunroof - Manual Mode
To close the sunroof, press and hold the switch in the
forward position. Any release of the switch will stop the
movement and the sunroof will remain in a partially
closed condition until the switch is pushed and held
forward again.
Pinch Protect Feature
This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening of
the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an ob-
struction in the path of the sunroof is detected, thesunroof will automatically retract. Remove the obstruc-
tion if this occurs. Next, press the switch forward and
release to Express Close.
Pinch Protect Override
If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents closing,
press the switch forward and hold. This allows the
sunroof to move towards the closed position.
NOTE:Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is
pressed.
Venting Sunroof - Express
Press and release theVbutton within one-half second
and the sunroof will open to the vent position. This is
called Express Vent, and it will occur regardless of
sunroof position. During Express Vent operation, any
movement of the switch will stop the sunroof.
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, then open the front and rear
windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the
buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sun-
roof opening to minimize the buffeting or open any
window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Ignition Off Operation
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power sunroof switch
will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power sunroof
switch will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. For details, refer to “Delay Power Off to
Accessories Until Exit,” under “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” under “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
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Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped
The pushbutton for the rear window defroster is
located on the mode knob of the climate control
switch bank. Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the electric remote control heated mirrors
(optional). An amber light shows that the defroster is on.
The defroster will automatically turn off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of
operation, press the switch again. To prevent excessive
battery drain, use the defroster only when the engine is
operating.CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF DITCH APPLIQUE — NON FUNCTIONAL
The Roof Ditch Applique as provided on the vehicle is
non functional. Metal side rails and crossbars can be
purchased from Moparaccessories to proved a func-
tional roof rack system.
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
Check the straps frequently to be sure that the load
remains securely attached.
166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE: Metal rails/crossbarsare offered by Mopar
accessories. See your authorized dealer.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.
CAUTION!
•To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity.
Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as pos-
sible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, should be
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward loads.
This is especially true on large flat loads and may
result in damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167
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