heating DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Heated Seats — If Equipped
This feature heats the front driver and passenger seats.
The controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel.After turning ON the ignition, Press the switch
once to select High level heating. Press the
switch a second time to select Low level heat-
ing. Press the switch a third time to shut Off the
heating elements. Amber indicators in the switch indicate
the level of heat in use. Two indicators will illuminate for
High, one for Low, and none for Off.
When High is selected, the heaters provide a boosted
heat level during the first four minutes of operation after
heating is activated. The heat output then drops to the
normal High setting. If High is selected, the system will
automatically switch to Low after 30 minutes of continu-
ous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change.
Operation on Low also turns Off automatically after
30 minutes.
NOTE:Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.
Heated Seat Switches
124 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

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
This vehicle has two 12-Volt auxiliary power outlets that
can provide up to 20 Amps of current for accessories
designed for use with the standard power outlet adapt-
ers. The front power outlet, located in the lower portion
of the instrument panel, has a snap on plastic cap so that
it can be covered when not in use. As a safety precaution,
the outlet in the instrument panel only operates with the
ignition switch ON. When the optional Cigar Lighter
heating element is used, it heats when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use.To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the
heating position.
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•Do not use a three-prong adapter.
•Do not insert any objects into the receptacles.
(Continued)
Front Power Outlet
154 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

▫Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD
And MP3 Audio Play.................. 233
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files............. 235
▫List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play)...... 238
▫Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play)...... 238
Satellite Radio — If Equipped
(REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU Radios Only)..... 240
▫System Activation.................... 240
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID)......... 240
▫Selecting Satellite Mode................ 241
▫Satellite Antenna..................... 241
▫Reception Quality.................... 242
▫Operating Instructions — Satellite Mode.... 242▫Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................ 245
▫
Operating Instructions — Video Entertainment
System (VES)™ (If Equipped)
............ 245
Video Entertainment System™ (Sales Code
XRV) — If Equipped.................... 245
Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped........................... 246
▫Radio Operation..................... 247
▫CD Player.......................... 247
CD/DVD Maintenance.................. 247
Climate Controls...................... 248
▫Manual Air Conditioning And Heating
System............................ 248
▫Operating Tips...................... 252
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
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WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see Section 7
of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cool-
ing System Pressure Cap paragraph.
4. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.8 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
5. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulbcheck or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.
6. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
As temperatures rise and the gauge approachesH
,
this indicator will illuminate and a single chime
will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further over-
heating will cause the temperature gauge to passH, the
indicator will continuously flash and a continuous chime
will occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
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5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
NOTE:If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-
lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e. scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have theft protection encoding. Try a
known good disc before considering disc player service.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System
The controls for the heating/air conditioning and venti-
lation system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary
knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired
interior conditions.The instrument panel features four airflow registers. Two
registers are located on the outer ends of the instrument
panel and two are located in the center of the instrument
panel. These registers can be fully closed to partially
block airflow, and they can be adjusted to direct airflow
where you desire.
248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 “Snow-
flake” 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 contaminants (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminants 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
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.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 TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Always apply the parking brake fully when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
the PARK position. Failure to do so may allow the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
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