check engine light DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G User Guide

To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only 2nd gear range will operate in the DRIVE
position. Have the transmission checked at your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at a calibrated speed at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into OVERDRIVE when cold. This
is normal.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the
gas cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem persists, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap.
If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes....................... 284
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 285
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 376
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 378
Air Conditioning.....................248,251
Air Conditioning Controls................. 251
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 252
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 378
Air Conditioning System.................. 251
Air Filter.............................. 376
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 306
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.......................63,77,181
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm Light........................... 176
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 241
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 408
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............285,288
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 180
Anti-Theft System........................ 17
Appearance Care........................ 392
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 262
Automatic Transmission.............265,270,389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 389
Fluid Level Check..................... 389
Fluid Type........................390,410
Gear Ranges......................... 265
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................270,274
438 INDEX

Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo .......................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 334
Cellular Phone.......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 407
Certification Label....................... 334
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Charging.............................. 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 298
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................186,370
Checks, Safety.........................76,77
Child Restraint....................65,66,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Climate Control......................... 248
Clock........................202,216,220,229Coin Holder........................... 159
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 247
Compact Spare Tire...................... 308
Compass........................187,190,195
Compass Calibration..................190,196
Compass Variance....................189,197
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 194
Console.............................. 159
Console, Floor.......................... 159
Contract, Service........................ 431
Cooling System......................... 382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 384
Coolant Capacity...................... 408
Coolant Level......................... 386
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 386
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 383
Inspection........................... 383
Points to Remember.................... 387
Pressure Cap......................... 385
440 INDEX

Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 354
Turn Signal..................176,404,405,406
Flooded Engine Starting................... 260
Floor Console.......................... 159
Fluid, Brake........................... 410
Fluid Capacities......................... 408
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks...................... 391
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Engine Oil........................... 373
Power Steering........................ 283
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 409
Fog Light Service........................ 405
Fog Lights..........................131,405
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Four Wheel Drive....................... 275
Operation........................... 275
Systems............................. 275Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 275
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 354
Front Axle (Differential)................... 391
Fuel................................. 326
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 331
Gasoline............................ 326
Gauge.............................. 174
Light............................... 175
Materials Added....................... 329
Octane Rating...................326,327,409
Requirements......................... 408
Tank Capacity........................ 408
Fuel System Caution..................... 330
Fuses................................ 396
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............331,333,370
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 174
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 326
INDEX 443
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Brake Warning........................ 177
Bulb Replacement...................... 403
Cargo .............................. 160
Center Mounted Stop................... 407
Cruise.............................. 186
Daytime Running...................... 131
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator.........................176,292
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 175
Fog ..........................131,180,405
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 354
Headlight Switch...................... 130
Headlights........................... 403
High Beam Indicator.................... 176
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................130,174
Interior............................. 132
Lights On Reminder.................... 130Low Fuel.........................174,175
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 186
Oil Pressure.......................... 181
Passing............................. 131
Rear Servicing........................ 406
Rear Tail............................ 406
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 176
Service............................. 403
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 186
Side Marker.......................... 406
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 176
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........182,316
Traction Control....................... 292
Turn Signal..................131,404,405,406
Voltage............................. 180
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 162
446 INDEX

Load N Go
Sliding Cargo Floor.................... 163
Loading Vehicle......................... 334
Tires ............................... 301
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 316
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Carrier......................... 166
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 377
Maintenance Procedures................... 373
Maintenance Schedule.................... 412
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 153
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 186,370Manual, Service......................... 433
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 410
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 388
Mini-Trip Computer...................187,194
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
Vanity............................... 86
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 316
Mopar Parts.........................372,432
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 129
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 37
INDEX 447
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