trailer DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
4 - Pin Connector
7- Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
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If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — TOW/HAUL (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “TOW HAUL” button when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Trailer towing
•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule “B” of the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule “A” of the “Main-
tenance Schedules” section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
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Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J19 60 Amp
YellowRadiator Fan
J20 30 Amp
PinkFront Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp
YellowFront/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp
NaturalSunroof Module
M1 20 Amp
YellowCenter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
M2 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Lighting
M3 20 Amp
YellowFrt/Rear Axle Lockers
M4 10 Amp
RedTrailer TowCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M5 25 Amp
NaturalInverter
M6 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #1/Rain
Sensor
M7 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
M8 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat
M9 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
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Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M10 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw —
Vehicle Entertainment
System (IOD-VES),
Satellite Digital Audio
Receiver (SDARS),
DVD, Hands Free
Module (HFM), RA-
DIO, Antenna (ANT),
Universal Garage
Door Opener
(UGDO), Vanity
Lamp (VANITY LP)
M11 10 Amp
Red(Ignition Off Draw)
IOD-HVAC/ATC,
MW SENSR, Under-
hood Lamp (UH
LMP)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M12 30 Amp
GreenAmplifier (AMP)
M13 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw—
Cabin Compartment
Node (IOD-CCN),
Wireless Control
Module (WCM), SI-
REN, Clock Module
(CLK MOD), Multi-
Function Control
Switch (MULTIFCTN
SW)
M14 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow (Export
Only)
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide 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 also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleB. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow “Schedule B” of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant/anti-freeze every 102,000
miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first,
and follow “Schedule B” of the “Maintenance Schedules”
section of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 389
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Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
† Applies only if vehicle is used for frequent trailer
towing or fleet/commercial service.
This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but is not required to maintain
emissions warranty.‡Off-highway operation, trailer towing, taxi, limousine,
bus, snow plowing, or other types of commercial service
or prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather, require front and rear axle service indicated
witha‡inSchedule “B”. Perform these services if the
vehicle is usually operated under these conditions.
402 SCHEDULE “B”
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Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
Odometer........................... 172
Speedometer......................... 166
Tachometer.......................... 170
Gear Ranges......................245,249,255
General Information.................... 19,295
Glass Cleaning.......................... 370
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 307
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 306
GVWR ............................... 303
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 84
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 324
Head Restraints......................... 113
Head Rests............................ 113
Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 379Dimmer Switch....................... 120
Replacing............................ 379
Switch .............................. 120
Heated Seats........................... 113
Heater, Engine Block..................... 243
High Beam Indicator..................... 166
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 310
Holder,Cup ........................... 147
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 117
Hoses.............................360,361
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 364
Ignition............................... 14
Key ................................. 14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Infant Restraint........................ 64,65
426 INDEX