towing DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

The UConnecttsystem does slightly lower your chances
of successfully making a phone call as to that for the cell
phone directly.
Your phone must be turned on and paired to the UCon-
necttsystem to allow use of this vehicle feature in
emergency situations when the cell phone has network
coverage and stays paired to the UConnecttsystem.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance,
²Press the ªPhoneº button to begin.
²After the9Ready9prompt and the following beep, say
9Towing Assistance.9
NOTE:The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the Country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-
528-2069 for USA, 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
City in Mexico).Please refer to the 24-Hour ªTowing Assistanceº cover-
age details in the Warranty information booklet and on
the 24±Hour Towing Assistance Card.
Paging
To learn how to page refer to9Working with Automated
Systems.9Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies which time-out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnecttsystem.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to9Working
with Automated Systems.9
Working with Automated Systems
This method is used in instances where one generally has
to press numbers on the cellular phone keypad while
navigating through an automated telephone system.
You can use your UConnecttsystem to access a voice-
mail system or an automated service, such as, paging
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Voice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
language
list names
list phones
mobile
mute
mute off
new entry
no
pager
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redialVoice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone
set up
towing assistance
transfer call
UConnecttTutorial
try again
voice training
work
yes
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Fuel Cap Indicator
This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
high temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If
the needle rises to the ªHº mark, stop the vehicle, shiftinto N (Neutral) increase engine speed for 2-3 minutes. If
the temperature reading does not return to normal, seek
authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads 1/8
of a tank or less.
168 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

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.
NOTE:The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9and the9ESP/
BAS Warning Lamp9come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. The ESP Control System
will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is actively
operating.
11. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
The TOW/HAUL button is located on the gear
shift bezel. This light will illuminate when the
TOW/HAUL button has been selected.
12. Turn Signal Indicator Light
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate
the direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective turn
signal LED. A single chime is activated when the left/
right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM vehicle
speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more than one
mile.
13. Transmission Temperature Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in N
(Neutral) until the light goes off.
14. Brake Warning Light
The red ªBRAKEº warning light will come on when the
ignition key is first turned on, and stay on briefly as a
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 171
4

bulb check. If the bulb does not come on during starting,
see your authorized dealer for service. If the light stays
on, it may be an indication that the parking brake has not
been released, or there is a low brake fluid level. If the
light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster. In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related
to the brake Booster the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake.
The ªBRAKEº warning light will flash whether or not it
is in gear, if the park brake is applied, and the engine is
running (manual transmission only). The ªBRAKEº
warning light will remain on steady with the park brake
on and the shifter in the P (Park) position. If shifted out
of P (Park), it will begin to flash (automatic transmission
only).If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
15. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Ð
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
172 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.27. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 10
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
178 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
N (Neutral) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 239
4

mTrailer Towing.........................315
NCommon Towing Definitions.............315
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............319
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................320
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............323NTowing Requirements..................324
NTowing Tips.........................329
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 330
NTowing ± 2WD Models.................330
NTowing Ð 4WD Or All-Wheel Drive Models . . 331
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P
(Park) or N (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
R (Reverse)
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.N (Neutral)
Shift into N (Neutral) when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with selector lever in N (Neutral) can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 and ªTowing a Disabled Vehicleº in
Section 6 of this manual.
D (Drive)
For most city and highway driving.
2 (Second)
For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pave-
ment or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in low gear
with automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use ªTOW/HAULº Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the ªTOW/HAULº button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in ªTOW/HAULº mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear and 4th will be enabled under steady
cruise conditions.
The ªTOW/HAUL Indicator Lightº will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the ªTOW/HAULº mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Tow/Haul Button
258 STARTING AND OPERATING