DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth gear (OVERDRIVE). The
transmission will automatically shift from third gear into
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift into third gear.
NOTE:
The TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive.
Tow/Haul Button
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The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in second gear in any forward driving range.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off and turn the key to the LOCK
position.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear range will operate in the DRIVE
position. Have the transmission checked at your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
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Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – 4.0L Engine
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles/kilometers.
Gear Ranges
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever in the PARK position.
Shift Lever
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WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in REVERSE. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range is used for most city and highway driving.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the
shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing the selection
of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
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the transmission into third gear, the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down into
second gear or first gear, when needed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12 34D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the
left “D (-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift
to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fifth gear (OVERDRIVE). The trans-
mission will automatically shift from fourth gear to
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
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risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” later in this section.
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of
the engine and transmission.
During cold temperature operation, the transmission
may not downshift from second gear into first gear after
the initial first to second gear upshift.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off and turn the key to the LOCK
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at a calibrated speed at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of starting the engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions
The transfer case is operated by the transfer case switch
(located on the center console).
Transfer Case Switch
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The electronically shifted transfer case provides two
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive high range (4WD LOCK)
The electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions (dry hard surfaced roads).
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK position can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished
by rotating the transfer case switch to the desired posi-
tion. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for specific shifting
instructions. The 4WD LOCK position is designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only.
CAUTION!
•Driving in the 4WD LOCK position on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
•Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. Shifting while only
the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause
damage to the transfer case.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case. Tire rotation schedule should be followed
to balance tire wear.
Since four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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Shifting Procedure – Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case
NOTE:If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift. The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the
display under the tachometer) will flash until all the
requirements for the selected position have been met. To
retry a shift, return the control knob back to the original
position, make certain all shift requirements have been
met, wait five seconds and try the shift again.
2WD⇔ 4WD LOCK
Rotate the transfer case switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn-
ing the switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition key
must be in the ON position with the engine either
RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the ACC position.
NOTE:
•The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the
“4WD Indicator Light” (located in the display under
the tachometer) will flash. At this time, reduce speed
and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
•Delayed shifting out of 4WD LOCK may be experi-
enced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive loading.
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ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverabilityin tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
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