climate control DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G Owners Manual

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, 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 four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Before using the ParkSenseRear Park Assist
System, it is strongly recommended that the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly is disconnected
from the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury or
damage to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch
ball will be much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the warning display turns the red
LEDs ON. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
Enabling and Disabling ParkSense
There are times when you may want to disable Park-
Sense, such as when towing a trailer.
Vehicles Equipped With the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)
You can turn ParkSense on or off through the EVIC.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Vehicles Equipped with ParkSense Rear Park
Assist Switch
You can turn ParkSense on or off by pressing
the ParkSense Rear Park Assist switch located
on the lower switch bank below the climate
controls.
162 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
Your vehicle is equipped with a fused 12 Volt (13 Amp)
power outlet. This power outlet is located on the instru-
ment panel, below the climate controls. It has power
available when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC
position. Insert the cigar lighter or accessory plug into the
outlet for use to ensure proper operation.To preserve the
heating element, do not hold the lighter in the heating
position.
NOTE:
•To ensure proper operation a MOPAR knob and
element must be used.
•Do not exceed the maximum power of 160 Watts (13
Amps) at 12 Volts. If the 160 Watt (13 Amp) power
rating is exceeded the fuse protecting the system will
need to be replaced.WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•Only devices designed for use in this type of
outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt outlet.
(Continued)
Front Power Outlet
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 175

Rotate the switch upward past the first detent to
activate the rear washer. The washer pump will
continue to operate as long as the switch is held.
Upon release, the wipers will cycle two times before
returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume function at whichever position the switch is set.
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is located on the
climate control (Mode) knob. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated outside
mirrors. An indicator in the button will illuminate when
the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time. NOTE:
To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
184 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) ...... 263
▫ Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) ...... 263
▫ Uconnect™ Multimedia (Satellite Radio) —
If Equipped ........................ 264

Uconnect™ Multimedia (Satellite Radio) — If
Equipped (REN/REQ/RER/RES Radios Only)
. . 268
▫ System Activation .................... 269
▫ Electronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID) ......... 269
▫ Selecting Uconnect™ Multimedia (Satellite)
Mode ............................. 270
▫ Satellite Antenna ..................... 270
▫ Reception Quality .................... 270
▫ Operating Instructions - Uconnect™
Multimedia (Satellite) Mode ............. 270▫
Operating Instructions - Uconnect™ Phone
(If Equipped) ....................... 272
 Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped ........................... 273
▫ Radio Operation ..................... 273
▫ CD Player ......................... 274
 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance .............. 274
 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ....... 275
 Climate Controls ...................... 275
▫ Manual Heating And Air Conditioning ..... 275
▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped .......................... 279
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 2854
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Air Outlet6 — Glove Compartment11 — Hazard Warning Flasher
2 — Instrument Cluster 7 — Climate Control12 — Electronic Stability Program / Trac-
tion Control Switch *
3 — Storage Tray 8 — Heated Seat Switch *13 — Cigar Lighter / Power Outlet
4 — Center Air Outlet 9 — Rear Park Assist Switch *14 — Storage Bin
5 — Radio 10 — Passenger Airbag Disable Light * If Equipped
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Air Conditioning and Heating System is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather.
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning
The Manual Temperature Controls consist of a series of
outer rotary dials and inner push knobs.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275

NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
•MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation
buttons at the same time.
•ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Automatic Temperature Control system automati-
cally maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at
the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.
Automatic Temperature Control
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 279

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning Flasher switch is located on the
lower switch bank below the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating your engine by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
386 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 477