DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum fan and temperature (Hot) settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the fan switch is not in the A/C position. This dehumidi-
fies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve fuel
economy, use these modes only when necessary.Circulation Control
Press the mode control knob
to activate the recirculation
mode. A lamp (in the knob)
will illuminate when you are
in recirculate mode. Press the
knob again to deactivate the
system. Only use the recircu-
lation mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial start up in very hot or humid
weather.
NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculation mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the recirculation
mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because of
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 231
4

moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE:Recirculation mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
Air Conditioning Operation
Press the temperature control
knob to activate the air condi-
tioning mode. A lamp will
illuminate when the Air Con-
ditioning System is engaged.
Press the knob again to deac-
tivate the system.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
232 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
N (Neutral) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 233
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................239
▫Manual Transmission..................239
▫Automatic Transmission................239
▫Normal Starting......................239
▫Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C).................240
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................240
▫After Starting........................242

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........243
Manual Transmission — If Equipped.........243
▫6-Speed Manual Transmission............243

Automatic Transmission..................247
▫Shift Lock Manual Override — If Equipped . . . 248
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......249
▫4–Speed Automatic Transmission
(3.7L Engine)........................249
▫5–Speed Automatic Transmission
(4.0L Engine)........................254
▫Gear Ranges.........................255
5

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............259
▫Mp 143 Single-Speed Part-Time
Transfer Case — If Equipped.............259
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case...................261
▫Mp 140 Single-Speed Full-Time
Transfer Case — If Equipped.............262

On-Road Driving Tips...................262

Parking Brake.........................263

Anti-Lock Brake System..................265

Power Steering........................268

Tire Safety Information...................269
▫Tire Markings........................269
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........272▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........274

Tires — General Information...............278
▫Tire Pressure.........................278
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................279
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation....281
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................281
▫Tire Spinning........................281
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................282
▫LifeOfTire .........................283
▫Replacement Tires.....................283
▫Alignment And Balance.................284

Tire Chains...........................285

Tire Rotation Recommendations............286
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................287
▫Base System — If Equipped..............290
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........291
▫General Information...................295

Fuel Requirements......................296
▫3.7L Engine (If Equipped)...............296
▫4.0L Engine (If Equipped)...............296
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................297
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............297
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................298
▫Materials Added To Fuel................298
▫Fuel System Cautions..................298▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............299

Adding Fuel..........................300
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............300
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............302

Vehicle Loading........................303
▫Certification Label.....................303

TrailerTowing .........................305
▫Common Towing Definitions.............306
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............310
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........310
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............314
▫Towing Requirements..................315
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

▫TowingTips .........................319

Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................321▫Towing – 2WD Models.................321
▫Towing — 4WD Or All-Wheel
Drive Models........................321
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transmission Only
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running.
Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
Ignition Key Positions
240 STARTING AND OPERATING