air conditioning DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G User Guide

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 285

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
All Four Wheels On The Ground
Recreational towing is allowed ONLYif the driveshaft is
removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even
if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause
serious injury or death.
The parking brake must be firmly engaged and the
wheels chocked during driveshaft removal and installa-
tion. The parking brake must remain engaged unless the
vehicle is securely and properly connected to the tow
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 383

CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the EnvironmentalProtection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR Spray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install only
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result
in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas mile-
age, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
M12 30 Amp
GreenAmplifier (AMP)
M13 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw –
Cabin Compartment
Node (IOD-CCN),
Wireless Control
Module (WCM), SI-
REN, Clock Module
(CLK MOD), Multi-
function Control
Switch (MULTIFCTN
SW)
M14 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow (Export
Only)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
Fuse Description
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation,
Air Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rearview
Mirror (RR VW MIR),
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Transfer
Case Switch (T-CASE
SW), RUN/ST, Multi-
function Control
Switch (MULTIFTCN
SW), Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM), Glow
Plug Module (GLW
PLG MOD) – Export
Diesel Only
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes....................... 317
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 319
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 419
Adding Fuel ........................... 364
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 410
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 412
Air Conditioning ........................ 275
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 275
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 413
Air Conditioning System ................275,279
Air Filter .............................. 410
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 339
Airbag ................................ 54
Airbag Deployment ....................... 71
Airbag Light ....................... 74,88,200
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 73
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 59Alarm Light
........................... 194
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................265,270
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............319,322
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 199
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 428
Assistance Towing ....................... 115
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 98
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 279
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 296
Automatic Transmission .............299,303,425
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 425
Fluid Level Check ..................... 425
480 INDEX

Overheating.......................... 386
Towing ............................. 397
Emission Control System Maintenance ......404,450
Engine ............................... 401
Air Cleaner .......................... 410
Block Heater ......................... 296
Break-In Recommendations ................ 86
Compartment ...................... 401,402
Compartment Identification ............... 402
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 446
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 87,363
Fails to Start .......................... 294
Flooded, Starting ...................... 294
Fuel Requirements .................. 358,445
Jump Starting ......................... 393
Oil ........................... 407,445,446
Oil Disposal .......................... 409
Oil Filter ............................ 410
Oil Selection .......................... 445 Oil Synthetic
......................... 409
Overheating .......................... 386
Starting ............................. 293
Temperature Gauge .................... 192
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 409
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 409
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 71
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 87,363
Exhaust System ....................... 87,415
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 429
Exterior Lights .......................... 90
Fabric Care ............................ 431
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 410
Air Conditioning ...................... 286
Engine Oil ........................ 410,446
Finish Care ............................ 429
484 INDEX