DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE...............................79
4INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS......................................... 163
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................. 241
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES...............................................333
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE............................................... 345
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................. 397
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE..........................................405
10INDEX....................................................................415
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction........................... 4
mRollover Warning........................ 4
mHow To Use This Manual.................. 5mWarnings And Cautions................... 7
mVehicle Identification Number............... 7
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 8
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can be caused to go out of
control. Because of the higher center of gravity, if this
vehicle is out of control it may rollover when some other
vehicles may not.
Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
4 INTRODUCTION

Failure to use driver and passenger seat beltsprovided
is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seatbelts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner manual:
Rollover Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
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6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures, which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures,
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is
visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-
shield. This number also appears on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.NOTE:It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
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VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................14
mSentry Key............................14
NReplacement Keys......................15
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................17
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........17
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......17NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........18
NTo Arm The System.....................18
NTo Disarm The System...................19
mIlluminated Entry........................19
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................20
NTo Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........20
NTo Lock The Doors And Liftgate............21
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................23
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NProgramming Additional Transmitters........24
NBattery Replacement....................24
NGeneral Information....................25
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........25
mDoor Locks............................27
NManual Door Locks.....................28
NPower Door Locks.....................29
NAutomatic Door Locks...................29
NAutomatic Unlock Doors On Exit...........30
NChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors)..............................32
mWindows.............................33
NPower Windows.......................33NWind Buffeting........................37
mLiftgate...............................38
mOccupant Restraints......................39
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................40
NLap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions.....41
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....44
NAutomatic Locking Mode Ð If Equipped.....45
NEnergy Management Feature..............45
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................46
NEnhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................46
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............48
NSeat Belt Extender......................48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE