light DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
Deployed airbags cannot protect you in another col-
lision. Have the airbags, and seat belt retractor as-
sembly 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, the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lamps which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper or vehicle body struc-
ture.
(Continued)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate for
your protection in an impact. The airbag system is designed
to be maintenance free. If any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•Does not come on during the six to eight seconds after
the ignition switch is first turned ON.
•Remains on after the six to eight second interval.
•Comes on for any period of time while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deploy-
ment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
or nearly deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.NOTE:
1.
A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag sensor
detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indicative of a
crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by Chrysler LLC and others to learn more about the
possible causes of crashes and associated injuries in order
to assess and improve vehicle performance. In addition
to crash investigations initiated by Chrysler LLC, such
investigations may be requested by customers, insurance
carriers, government officials, and professional crash
researchers, such as those associated with universities,
and with hospital and insurance organizations.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
2

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
Chrysler LLC (regardless of initiative), the company or its
designated representative will first obtain permission of
the appropriate custodial entity for the vehicle (usually
the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the elec-
tronic data stored, unless ordered to download data by a
court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a warrant).
A copy of the data will be provided to the custodial entity
upon request. General data that does not identify par-
ticular vehicles or crashes may be released for incorpo-
ration in aggregate crash databases, such as those main-
tained by the US government and various states. Data of
a potentially sensitive nature, such as would identify a
particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be treated confi-
dentially. Confidential data will not be disclosed by
Chrysler LLC 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 Chrysler LLC
product.
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.
4. Otherwise required by law.
Data parameters that may be recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Impact acceleration and angle
•Seat belt status
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 these safety tips:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside the
vehicle; otherwise, poisonous gases could be drawn
into the vehicle.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged i.e., (bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on, and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check, when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the DEFROST mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should be
able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See
your authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

▫Voice Training....................... 120
Seats............................... 120
▫Front Manual Seat Adjustment........... 120
▫Front Seat Adjustment — Recline......... 121
▫Six-Way Driver’s Power Seat With Manual
Recliner........................... 122
▫Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat........... 123
▫Head Restraints...................... 123
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped............. 124
▫60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold Flat
Feature............................ 125
To Open And Close The Hood............. 127
Lights.............................. 129
▫Multifunction Lever................... 129▫Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights And
Headlights......................... 130
▫Lights-On Reminder.................. 130
▫High Beam Headlights................. 130
▫Flash-To-Pass....................... 131
▫Front Fog Lights — If Equipped.......... 131
▫Turn Signals........................ 131
▫Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped.... 131
▫Interior Lights....................... 132
Windshield Wipers And Washers........... 132
▫Windshield Wiper Operation............ 132
▫Intermittent Wiper System.............. 133
▫Windshield Washers................... 133
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Closing Sunroof - Express............... 151
▫Closing Sunroof - Manual Mode.......... 152
▫Pinch Protect Feature.................. 152
▫Pinch Protect Override................. 152
▫Venting Sunroof - Express.............. 152
▫Sunshade Operation................... 153
▫Wind Buffeting...................... 153
▫Sunroof Maintenance.................. 153
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 153
Electrical Power Outlet.................. 154
Power Inverter — If Equipped............ 156
Cupholders.......................... 158
Storage............................. 159▫Front Storage Compartment............. 159
▫Console Storage Compartment........... 159
Cargo Area Features.................... 160
▫Cargo Light........................ 160
▫Cargo Tie-Down Hooks................ 160
▫Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped......... 162
▫Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Go)
— If Equipped....................... 163
Rear Window Features.................. 165
▫Rear Window Wiper/Washer —
If Equipped......................... 165
▫Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped..... 166
Roof Ditch Applique — Non Functional...... 166
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror. The mirror should be
adjusted to center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control under the mirror to the night position (toward the
rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while
set in the day position (toward the windshield).
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
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Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
This mirror will automatically adjust for headlight glare
from vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature on or
off by pressing the button at the base of the mirror. A light
in the button will illuminate indicate when the dimming
feature is activated.CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning, never
spray any cleaning solution directly onto the mirror.
Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe the
mirror clean.
Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic with a slight
overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped
An illuminated vanity mirror is on each sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the
mirror cover upward. The lights will turn on automati-
cally. Closing the mirror cover will turn off the light.
Sun Visor “Slide-Out” Feature
The sun visor “slide-on rod” feature allows for additional
flexibility in positioning the visor to block out the sun.
1. Fold down the sun visor.
2. Unclip the visor from center clip.
3. Pull the sun visor toward the inside rearview mirror to
extend.
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect)—
IF EQUIPPED
NOTE: The sales code RER and REU radios contain an
integrated Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)
system. Refer to your “Navigation User’s Manual” for
UConnectsystem operating instructions for these ra-
dios. Radio sales code can be located on the lower right
corner of the Radio faceplate.
Illuminated Vanity Mirror
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE