engine DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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

NDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS)..................49
NChild Restraint........................66
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........76
mSafety Tips............................76NExhaust Gas..........................76
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................77
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................78
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver's door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operatethe vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The new Sentry Key is programmed.The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do
not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer
for details.
NOTE:If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock pre-
vents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from straight ahead position, turn off the
engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

To remote start your vehicle, press and release the
ªRemote Startº button on the key fob twice within three
seconds. To indicate that the vehicle is about to start, the
parking lights will flash and the horn will sound briefly
(if programmed).Once the engine starts it will run for 15 minutes. To
cancel remote start, press and release the ªRemote Startº
button once.
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
ªUnlockº button on the key fob. Once the vehicle is
unlocked, you have 60 seconds to enter the vehicle and
insert the key in the ignition and turn it to the ON
position. Otherwise, the system will cancel the remote
start and automatically turn off.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
²If the engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500.
²Any engine warning lamps come on.
²The hood is opened.
²The hazard switch is pressed.
²The transmission is moved out of P (Park).
Remote Start Button
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The vehicle can be started remotely a maximum of two
times consecutively. The vehicle is also allowed a maxi-
mum of one failed start, where the remote start sequence
was initiated but the engine stopped cranking without
starting. Following either of these conditions, or if the
Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped) is alarming, or if the
PANIC button was pressed, the system must be reset
before remote starting the vehicle again. To reset the
system, insert a valid key into the ignition and turn it to
the ON position and then back to the LOCK position.DOOR LOCKS
The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display located in the
odometer area displays the word ªdoorº as an indication
of a door ajar or door not completely closed. When the
vehicle is not moving and the door is ajar or not
completely closed, the VF display will show the word
ªdoor.º
If any other active warnings including ªGATEº, or ªGAS-
CAPº are present, they will be shown in the VF display
and will also continue to cycle. If the vehicle is moving,
three single chimes will occur (One chime for each
complete display cycle (three cycles total). After this, the
display will continue to cycle only (no chimes).
If the trip/reset button is pressed while the VF warnings
are being displayed, the VF display will revert back to
only displaying the odometer/trip odometer mileage.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2

chime and flash the Seat Belt Reminder Light for 96
seconds or until the driver's or front passenger's seat belt
is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert)
will be reactivated if the driver's or front passenger's seat
belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:
NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. The manufacturer does not recom-
mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, and
fasten the driver seat belt.2. Start the engine, and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver seat belt at least three times,
ending with the seat belt buckled.
4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the pro-
gramming.
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reacti-
vated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver seat
belt remains unfastened.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer's instruc-
tions for cleaning.
²It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,
seat belt pretensioner, and seat belt retractor assem-
bly, replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification Sys-
tem serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
²Cuts off fuel to the engine.
²Flashes hazard lights.
²Turns on the interior lamps which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
²Unlocks the doors automatically
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by lawData Parameters that May Be Recorded:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
²Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
²Impact acceleration and angle
²Seat belt status
²Brake status (service and parking brakes)
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE