ECU DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinkreplaces up to three remote controls (hand-
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinkunit operates off your vehicle’s
battery.
The HomeLinkbuttons that are located in the headliner
or sun visor designate the three different HomeLink
channels.
NOTE:HomeLinkis disabled when the Vehicle Secu-
rity Alarm is active.
HomeLinkButtons
144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission – which may not be long enough for
HomeLinkto pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming
HomeLink” Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until HomeLinkhas successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
indicator light will flash slowly and then rapidly when
fully trained.
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.
Then proceed with Step 4 under “Programming
HomeLink” earlier in this section.
Using HomeLink
To operate, simply press and release the programmed
HomeLinkbutton. Activation will now occur for the
trained device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator,
Security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting,
etc. The hand-held transmitter of the device may also be
used at any time.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Reprogramming A Single HomeLinkButton
To re-program a channel that has been previously
trained, follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Press and hold the desired HomeLinkbutton until
the indicator light begins to flash after 20 seconds.Do not
release the button.
3.Without releasing the button,proceed with Program-
ming HomelinkStep 2 and follow all remaining steps.
Security
It is advised to erase all channels before you sell or turn
in your vehicle.
To do this, press and hold the two outside buttons for
20 seconds until the red indicator flashes. Note that all
channels will be erased. Individual channels cannot be
erased.The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver is disabled when
the Vehicle Security Alarm is active.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble programming HomeLink, here
are some of the most common solutions:
•Replace the battery in the original transmitter.
•Press the “Learn” button on the Garage Door Opener
to complete the training for a Rolling Code.
•Did you unplug the device for training, and remember
to plug it back in?
If you have any problems, or require assistance, please
call toll-free 1–800–355–3515 or, on the Internet at
www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
3

WARNING!
•Never leave unattended children in a vehicle with
the key in the ignition switch. Occupants, particu-
larly unattended children, can become entrapped
by the power sunroof while operating the power
sunroof switch. Such entrapment may result in
serious injury or death.
•In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
•Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.
Opening Sunroof - Express
Press the switch rearward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will open automatically from any
position. The sunroof will open fully and stop automati-
cally. This is called Express Open. During Express Open
operation, any movement of the sunroof switch will stop
the sunroof.
Opening Sunroof - Manual Mode
To open the sunroof, press and hold the switch rearward
to full open. Any release of the switch will stop the
movement and the sunroof will remain in a partially
opened condition until the switch is pushed and held
rearward again.
Closing Sunroof - Express
Press the switch forward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will close automatically from any
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
3

The center console has a removable storage tray which
can hold cell phones, PDAs, and other small items.CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the liftgate,
opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control on
the multifunction lever to the extreme top position.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be
used to safely secure loads when the vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision a hook
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
Removable Storage Tray
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped
The pushbutton for the rear window defroster is
located on the mode knob of the climate control
switch bank. Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the electric remote control heated mirrors
(optional). An amber light shows that the defroster is on.
The defroster will automatically turn off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of
operation, press the switch again. To prevent excessive
battery drain, use the defroster only when the engine is
operating.CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF DITCH APPLIQUE — NON FUNCTIONAL
The Roof Ditch Applique as provided on the vehicle is
non functional. Metal side rails and crossbars can be
purchased from Moparaccessories to proved a func-
tional roof rack system.
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
Check the straps frequently to be sure that the load
remains securely attached.
166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Metal rails/crossbarsare offered by Mopar
accessories. See your authorized dealer.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.
CAUTION!
•To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity.
Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as pos-
sible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, should be
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward loads.
This is especially true on large flat loads and may
result in damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167
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7. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
8. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that the headlights are on
high beam. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
9. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
10.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning Light /
Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light – If Equipped
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” 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 an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:The ESP Control System will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
11. TOW/HAUL Indicator — 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 Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Tire Size
The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
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5

WARNING! (Continued)
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
346 STARTING AND OPERATING