check engine light DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G User Guide

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 second 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.Five–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 new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles/kilometers.
Shift Lever
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off and 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 second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 307

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and the
brake master cylinder, add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
•Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
•Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumfer-
ence on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can
cause damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation
schedule should be followed to balance tire wear.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S452 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Cargo Load Floor........................ 182
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 180
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 366
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,275
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 444
Certification Label ....................... 366
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 388
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 330
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............205,404
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 86
Checks, Safety ........................... 86
Child Restraint .................... 76,77,81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............80,81
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Climate Control ......................... 275
Clock ..................... 223,238,240,243,253
Coin Holder ........................... 179
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274Compact Spare Tire
...................... 341
Compass ........................ 207,210,216
Compass Calibration .................. 210,217
Compass Variance .................... 209,218
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 215
Console .............................. 179
Console, Floor .......................... 179
Contract, Service ........................ 473
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 419
Coolant Capacity ...................... 445
Coolant Level ......................... 421
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 421
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 418
Inspection ........................... 417
Points to Remember .................... 422
Pressure Cap ......................... 420
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......418,445,446
Corrosion Protection ..................... 428
482 INDEX

FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 386
Turn Signal ................ 90,195,441,442,443
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
Floor Console .......................... 179
Fluid, Brake ........................... 447
Fluid Capacities ......................... 445
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks .................... 426,427
Automatic Transmission ................. 425
Engine Oil ........................... 407
Power Steering ........................ 316
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 446
Fog Light Service ........................ 442
Fog Lights .......................... 150,442
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Operation ........................... 308
Systems ............................. 308 Four Wheel Drive Operation
................ 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 386
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 427
Fuel ................................. 358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 364
Gasoline ............................ 358
Gauge .............................. 192
Light ............................... 193
Materials Added ....................... 361
Octane Rating ................... 358,359,446
Requirements ......................... 445
Tank Capacity ........................ 445
Fuel System Caution ..................... 362
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 165
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............364,365,403
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 192
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 358
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INDEX 485

Lights.............................. 90,147
Airbag .......................... 74,88,200
Alarm .............................. 194
Anti-Lock ........................... 199
Back-Up ............................ 443
Brake Assist Warning ................... 328
Brake Warning ........................ 196
Bulb Replacement ...................... 440
Cargo .............................. 180
Center Mounted Stop ................... 444
Cruise .............................. 206
Daytime Running ...................... 151
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 149
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator ......................... 194,326
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 193
Exterior .............................. 90
Fog .......................... 150,199,442
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 207 Hazard Warning Flasher
................. 386
Headlight Switch ...................... 148
Headlights ........................... 440
High Beam Indicator .................... 194
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster .................. 148,192
Interior ............................. 151
Lights On Reminder .................... 149
Low Fuel ......................... 192,193
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 205
Oil Pressure .......................... 199
Passing ............................. 149
Rear Servicing ........................ 443
Rear Tail ............................ 443
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 193
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 194
Service ............................. 440
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 205
Side Marker .......................... 443
488 INDEX

Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 194
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........200,348
Traction Control ....................... 326
Turn Signal ................ 90,150,441,442,443
Voltage ............................. 198
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 192
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 182
Loading Vehicle ......................... 366
Tires ............................... 334
Locks ................................. 28
Child Protection ........................ 31
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 348
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 80,81
Lubrication, Body ....................... 413
Luggage Carrier ......................... 185 Maintenance Free Battery
.................. 411
Maintenance Procedures ................... 406
Maintenance Schedule .................... 450
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 174
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 205,404
Manual, Service ......................... 475
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ..................... 447
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 423
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 207,215
Mirrors ................................ 97
Automatic Dimming ..................... 98
Electric Powered ....................... 99
Outside .............................. 98
Rearview ............................. 97
Vanity .............................. 100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 348
Mopar Parts ......................... 406,474
10
INDEX 489