engine DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G User Guide

²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

NPinch Protect Feature...................145
NPinch Protect Override.................146
NVenting Sunroof - Express...............146
NSunshade Operation...................146
NWind Buffeting.......................146
NSunroof Maintenance...................147
mElectrical Power Outlet...................147
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......148
mPower Inverter........................149
mCup Holders..........................151
mStorage..............................152
NFront Storage Compartment..............152NConsole Storage Compartment............152
mCargo Area Features.....................153
NCargo Light.........................153
NCargo Tie-Down Hooks.................153
NCargo Load Floor Ð If Equipped..........154
NRear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Got)Ð
If Equipped.........................156
mRear Window Features...................157
NRear Window Wiper/Washer Ð If Equipped . . 157
NRear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped......159
mRoof Luggage RackÐ Non Functional........160
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

²You can also press the ªVoice Recognitionº button
anytime while the list is being played, and then choose
the phone you wish to delete.
Things You Should Know About Your UConnectT
System
UConnecttTutorial
To hear a brief tutorial of the system features, press the
ªPhoneº button and say ªUConnecttTutorial.º
Voice Training
For users experiencing difficulty with the system recog-
nizing their voice commands or numbers, the UConnectt
system Voice Training feature may be used. To enter this
training mode, follow one of the two procedures:
From outside the UConnecttmode (e.g. from radio
mode)
²Press and hold the ªVoice Recognitionº button for 5
seconds until the session begins, or,
²Press the ªVoice Recognitionº button and say9Setup,
Voice Training9command.
Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnecttsystem. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked,
engine running, all windows closed, and the blower fan
switched off.
This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.
To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.
Voice Recognition (VR)
²
For best performance, adjust the rear view mirror to
provide at least1¤2inch (1 cm) gap between the
overhead console (if equipped) and the mirror.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 105
3

Turn Signals
Move the multi-function control lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.
If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is a
very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light
bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.
NOTE:A tone will chime if the turn signals are left on
for more than 1 mile (2 km).
Daytime Running Lights Ð If Equipped
The headlights come on at a low intensity level after the
vehicle has been driven approximately 3 feet (1 meter).
They will turn off when the vehicle is turned off or when
the headlights are switched on.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
CAUTION!
In cold weather, always turn off the wiper switch and
allow the wipers to return to the park position before
turning off the engine. If the wiper switch is left on
and the wipers freeze to the windshield, damage to
the wiper motor may occur when the vehicle is
restarted.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
3

Tapping the ªSET DECELº button once will result in a 1
mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases.
NOTE:The Speed Control system has been designed to
shut down if multiple speed control switch functions are
operated simultaneously in order to ensure proper op-
eration. If this occurs, the system can be reactivated by
pushing the speed control switch ON/OFF button and
re-setting the desired vehicle SET speed.
Manual Transmission
Depressing the clutch pedal will disengage the speed
control. A slight increase in engine RPM before the speed
control disengages is normal.
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may need
to be shifted into a lower gear to climb hills without
speed loss.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
ªPartial Offº mode. Refer to ªESP (Electronic Stability
Program)º in this section.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver 's steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift
occurring during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It
can not prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as
road conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM can not
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

situation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº
mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily
depressing the ªESP OFFº switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in
the instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ªONº position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS
Warning Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.NOTE:
²9The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9and the9ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp9come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinktreplaces up to three remote controls (hand
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinktunit operates off your vehicle's
battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

The rear power outlet (if equipped) is located in the left
rear cargo area.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
WARNING!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e.
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery
even more quickly. Only use these intermittently and
with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accesso-
ries still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a
sufficient length of time to allow the alternator to
recharge the vehicle's battery.
²Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do
not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug.
Rear Power Outlet
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE