service indicator DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G User Guide

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard. This
is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
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S448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Compartment...................... 185
Light ............................. 185
Cargo Light ............................ 185
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 187
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 185
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,273
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 442
Certification Label ....................... 358
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 381
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 321
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............210,404
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 87
Checks, Safety ........................... 87
Child Restraint .................... 76,77,82,84
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............81,82
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Climate Control ......................... 273
Clock ........................... 229,248,257Coin Holder
........................... 184
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 333
Compass ........................ 212,215,221
Compass Calibration .................. 215,222
Compass Variance .................... 214,223
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 219
Console .............................. 184
Console, Floor .......................... 184
Contract, Service ........................ 467
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 419
Coolant Capacity ..................... 443
Coolant Level ....................... 421
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 420
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 418
Inspection .......................... 417
Points to Remember .................. 421
Pressure Cap ........................ 420
476 INDEX

Service............................ 438
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 210
Side Marker ........................ 441
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 200
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......206,341
Traction Control ..................... 319
Turn Signal .............. 91,153,439,440,441
Voltage ............................ 204
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 198
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 187
Loading Vehicle ......................... 358
Tires .............................. 325
Locks ................................. 28
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 33
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 341 Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)
............................ 81,82
Lubrication, Body ....................... 413
Luggage Carrier ......................... 190
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 411
Maintenance Procedures ................... 406
Maintenance Schedule .................... 448
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 178
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 210,404
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ................... 445
Manual, Service ......................... 469
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 423
Methanol ............................. 352
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 212,219
Mirrors ................................ 97
Automatic Dimming ................... 98
Electric Powered ...................... 99
10
INDEX 483

Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 14
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 15
Service Assistance ....................... 465
Service Contract ......................... 467
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 210
Service Manuals ........................ 469
Setting the Clock .................. 229,248,257
Settings, Personal ........................ 224
Shift Lever Override ...................... 393
Shifting Automatic Transmission .............295,300
Shoulder Belts ........................... 43
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 284
Signals, Turn .............. 91,153,201,439,440,441
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 338
Spare Tire ....................... 333,334,382Specifications
Fuel (Gasoline) ...................... 351
Oil ............................... 408
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 160
Speedometer ........................... 200
Starting ............................... 291
Cold Weather ....................... 291
Engine Block Heater .................. 293
Engine Fails to Start .................. 292
Remote ............................ 26
Steering Power .......................... 307,308
Tilt Column ........................ 159
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 159
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 271
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 271
Storage ............................... 183
Storage Bin ............................ 183
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INDEX 487

Safety.......................... 320,329
Sizes ............................. 321
Spare Tire .......................... 382
Spinning ........................... 335
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 336
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 369
Torque Converter Clutch ................299,304
Towing ............................ 361,394
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 114
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 394
Guide ............................. 367
Recreational ........................ 377
Weight ............................ 367
Towing Assistance ....................... 114
Traction Control ...................... 204,314
Trailer Towing .......................... 361
Cooling System Tips .................. 376
Hitches ............................ 366
Minimum Requirements ................ 370 Trailer and Tongue Weight
.............. 369
Wiring ............................ 373
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 367
Trailer Weight .......................... 367
Transaxle ............................. 294
Automatic ......................... 294
Operation .......................... 294
Transfer Case ........................... 426
Fluid .......................... 426,445
Maintenance ........................ 426
Transmission ........................ 295,300
Automatic ....................... 295,300
Fluid ............................. 445
Maintenance ........................ 424
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 169
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 336
Trip Computer .......................... 212
10
INDEX 489