fuel DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G User Guide

NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of LOW FUEL. This display will con-
tinue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a signifi-
cant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the LOW
FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.
•Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
•Display Units of Measure in:
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “US” or “METRIC” appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button once to clear the resettable function being dis-
played. To reset all resettable functions, press and release
the FUNCTION SELECT button a second time within
three seconds of resetting the currently displayed func-
tion. (Reset ALL will display during this three second
window).
Compass Display
The compass readings indicate the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight com-
pass readings and the outside temperature.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
4

NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both MIX and DEFROST or a blend of these modes even
if the fan switch is not in the A/C position. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
Recirculation Control
Press the mode control knob to activate the
recirculation mode. A lamp in the knob will
illuminate when you are in recirculate mode.
Press the knob again to deactivate the system.
Only use the recirculation mode to temporarily block out
any outside odors, smoke, or dust and to cool the interior
rapidly upon initial start up in very hot or humid
weather.
NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculation mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.In cold or damp weather, the use of the recirculation
mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because of
moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE:Recirculation mode will not operate in FLOOR,
MIX or DEFROST modes.Air Conditioning Operation
Press the temperature control knob to activate the
air conditioning mode. A lamp will illuminate
when the air conditioning system is engaged.
Press the knob again to deactivate the system.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

Tires — General Information.............. 305
▫Tire Pressure........................ 305
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 306
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 308
▫Radial-Ply Tires...................... 308
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped........ 308
▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped......... 309
▫Tire Spinning....................... 310
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 311
▫Life Of Tire......................... 311
▫Replacement Tires.................... 312
Tire Chains.......................... 314
Tire Rotation Recommendations............ 315Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 316
▫Base System........................ 319
▫Premium System — If Equipped.......... 321
▫General Information................... 326
Fuel Requirements..................... 326
▫3.7L Engine......................... 326
▫4.0L Engine......................... 327
▫Reformulated Gasoline................. 327
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 328
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 328
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 329
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 329
▫Fuel System Cautions.................. 330
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 330
Adding Fuel......................... 331
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 331
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 333
Vehicle Loading....................... 334
▫Certification Label.................... 334
Trailer Towing........................ 336
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 336
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 341▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 342
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight.............. 344
▫Towing Requirements................. 345
▫Towing Tips........................ 350
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................. 351
▫Towing — 2WD Models................ 351
▫Towing — 4WD Or All-Wheel
Drive Models....................... 352
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme
Cold Weather” procedures.With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

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
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
5–Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L Engine)
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a newvehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles/kilometers.
Shift Lever
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4L or 4LO range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always a
good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them if required and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

WARNING! (Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stabilityof the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted, as well as
inspected for signs of tire wear or visible damage, at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING