DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

CUP HOLDERS
In the center console there are two cup holders for the
front seat passengers.The rear passengers have cup holders at the rear of the
center console.
Front Cup Holders
Rear Cup Holders
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3

STORAGE
Front Storage Compartment
The front storage compartment (located on the left side of
the instrument panel) can hold cell phones, PDA's, and
other small items.
Console Storage Compartment
To open, press the latch and lift the cover.
Front Storage Compartment
Center Console
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The center console has a removable storage tray, which
can hold cell phones, PDA's, and other small items.CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the liftgate,
opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control on
the multi-function control lever to the extreme top posi-
tion.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on cargo area floor should be used
to safely secure loads when vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision a hook
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
Removable Storage Tray
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3

WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in per-
sonal injury, follow these guidelines for loading your
vehicle:
²Do not carry loads which exceed the load limits
described on the label attached to the left door or left
door center pillar.
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
Cargo Load Floor Ð If Equipped
The panel in the load floor is reversible for added utility.
One side features a plastic lined tray which can hold a
variety of items. The maximum load capacity of the load
floor is 400 lbs (181 kg).
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The cargo load floor is held by spring loaded latches. In
order to use the cargo load floor, use the following
procedure:
1. Push side mounted release handles (toward center of
vehicle) to release cover.2. Lift cover.
3. Flip cover over, and lock panel back into position.
Floor Panel
Load Floor
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3

Rear Cargo Slide Out System (LOAD N GOT)ÐIf
Equipped
The sliding cargo load floor (LOAD N GOt) slides back
and forth on steel tracks for convenience. The maximum
load capacity is 400 lbs (181 kg). The floor panel can stop
every 2 inches (50 mm) when the handle is released, to
lock the panel in position.
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Squeeze the right hand release handle.
Release Handle
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Pull out the sliding panel.
4. Squeeze the right hand release handle to slide the
panel back into the vehicle.REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Ð If Equipped
A rotary ring switch on the control lever (located on the
right side of the steering column), controls operation of
the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating the center of
the switch up to the ªOnº position will activate the wiper.
Rotating the switch ring beyond the ªOnº or ªOffº
position will activate the rear washer. The wash pump
will continue to operate as long as the lever or ring is
engaged. Upon release, the wipers will cycle three times
before returning to the set position.
Sliding Panel
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3

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the ªParkº
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume function at whichever position the switch is set
at.
If the swing gate flip-up window is open or the swing
gate is open, connection to the rear window wiper is
interrupted preventing activation of the rear wiper blade.
When the swing gate flip-up window or the swing gate is
closed, the rear wiper switch or the ignition switch needs
to be turned OFF, and then to ON to restart the rear
wiper.
NOTE: The rear swing gate will lock while the rear
wiper is operating. The gate will stay locked until the
wiper is turned off and the gate is unlocked (by key,
lock switch, or key fob).
Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment, and should be checked for fluid
level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and oper-
ate the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
The push-button is located on
the bottom of the blower con-
trol knob. Press this button to
turn on the rear window de-
froster, and the optional elec-
tric remote control heated
mirrors. An amber light
shows that the defroster is on.The defroster will automatically turn off after about ten
minutes. For five more minutes of operation, press the
switch again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
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ROOF LUGGAGE RACKÐ NON FUNCTIONAL
The tie loops provided in the Roof Ditch Applique can be
used to help tie down cargo; however,metal rails/
crossbarsshould always be used whenever cargo is
placed on the roof. Tie loops should not be used on their
own to attach luggage to the Roof Ditch Applique.
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
Check the straps frequently to be sure that the load
remains securely attached.
NOTE: Metal rails/crossbarsare offered by Mopart
accessories. See your authorized dealer.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity. Always
distribute heavy loads as evenly as possible and
secure the load appropriately.
Long loads, which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be secured to
both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward loads. This is espe-
cially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE