lock DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G Owner's Manual

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
Operating Information/Precautions
• This is an electric shift transfer caseand is operated by the transfer case
control knob (located on the center
console).
• The electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be driven in the
two-wheel drive position (2WD) for
normal street and highway conditions
(dry, hard-surfaced roads). • When additional traction is required,
rotate the transfer case switch to the
4WD LOCK position to lock the front
and rear driveshafts together and
force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
2WD To 4WD LOCK
• Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCKcan be done with the vehicle stopped
or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator
pedal after turning the control knob.
• If the vehicle is stopped, the key must be in the ON position.
• Shifts can not be completed if the key is in the ACC position.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift
while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning. Shifting while only the front or
rear wheels are spinning can cause
damage to the transfer case.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
34

RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models
Recreational Towing (All Four Wheels
On The Ground)
• Recreational towing is allowed ONLY ifthe 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
installation. The parking brake must
remain engaged unless the vehicle is
securely and properly connected to
the tow vehicle, or the driveshaft is
completely reinstalled. See your
authorized dealer for proper
driveshaft removal and reinstallation
procedures, including flange
orientation/alignment, use of
thread-locking compound, proper bolt
torque specifications, etc.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a
flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four
wheels are OFF the ground.
Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Or
All-Wheel Drive Models
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be
used. Internal damage to the
transmission or transfer case will
occur if a front or rear wheel lift is
used when recreational towing.
Recreational Towing (All Four Wheels
On The Ground)
• Recreational towing is NOT allowed. These models do not have a NEUTRAL
position in the transfer case.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a
flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four
wheels are OFF the ground.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
37
UTILITY

BRAKE/TRANSMISSION
INTERLOCK MANUAL
OVERRIDE
• The manual override may be used inthe event that the shift lever should
fail to move from PARK with the Key
Fob in the ON position and the brake
pedal pressed.
• To operate the shift lock manual override, perform the following steps:
• Turn the Key Fob to the ON position but do not start the engine.
• Firmly set the parking brake.
• Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, carefully remove the shift lock
manual override cover which is
located on the PRNDL bezel. • Press and maintain firm pressure
on the brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver, reach into the manual override opening. Press
and hold the shift lock lever down.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position and start the
vehicle.
• Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized dealer if the shift
lock manual override has been used.
UTILITY
38

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 dealership for service if
your vehicle overheats.
- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the
parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or m issing gas cap,poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic StabilityProgram (ESP) Indicator Light/Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Light
• If the ESP/BAS warning light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds g reater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical ch arging system. If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop thevehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommendyou do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in
the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immedi ate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevat ed/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Airbag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you do not operate
the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that ther e is excessive transmission fluid temperat ure that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, w ith the transmission inNEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for mor e than three days after tightening the gas
cap, see your authorized dealer.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shownas CHAngE OIL) appears and a single chime
sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you c an reduce the potential for overheating by
taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift tran smission intoNEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not re turn to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could dama ge your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (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
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, t urn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to co ol. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
42

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm,
level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• If it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit.
Jack Location
• The scissor-type jack and tire changing toolsare located in the left rear trim panel behind
the second row seat.
Spare Tire Stowage
• To remove the spare tire, remove the jack-handle components from the storage bin in
the left rear trim panel and assemble them.
• Lower the spare tire by turning the winch drive nut, located in the rear cargo area inside the vehicle, counterclockwise with the jack-handle assembly until the spare tire
is on the ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull the spare tire out from
underneath the vehicle.
• When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.
43
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations For Jacking
• Park on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Set the parking brake and shiftthe automatic transmissioninto PARK.
• Turn the ignition to LOCK and turn on the Hazard Warning flasher. • Block both the front and rear of the wheeldiagonally opposite of the jacking position.
For example, if changing the right front tire,
block the left rear wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing p rocedures to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle: Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of
the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Remove the spare tire, jack and tools from the stored location.
• Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Assemble the jack and jacking tools. Connect the jack handle driver to the extension, then to the lug wrench.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
44

• Locate the jack:• For the front tires, place it (rearward) of the notch on the body weld seam behindthe wheel to be changed.
• For the rear tires, place it under the axle by the wheel to be changed.
• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise. Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install the spare tire.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable and cause
an accident. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only
enough to remove the tire.
• Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and the wheel.
• Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel. Do NOT attempt to install a center cap or wheel
cover on the compact spare. Lightly tighten the lug nuts clockwise. To avoid the risk of
forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered.
• Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left, and remove the jack and wheel blocks.
• Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push do wn on the wrench while tightening for
increased leverage. Alternate nuts until each one has been tightened twice. The
correct wheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N•m). If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a tor que wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop, could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
• Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper locations.
45
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind
the left headlight assembly.
NOTE: The positive battery post is covered with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to
gain access to the positive battery post.
WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator coolin g fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away
from the battery.
• Set the parking brake, shift the autom atic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition
to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using a another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection
and personal injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due
to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
• Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.
• Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES