tow DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
41
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

• 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

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEModelFlat Towing (all four
wheels on the ground)Flatbed Towing (all four
wheels suspended OFF
the ground)Front Wheels Raised,
Rear Wheels on the
GroundRear Wheels Raised,
Front Wheels on the
Ground
Two-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method Shift lever must be in
NEUTRAL, the speed
less then 30 mph
(48 km/h) and the
distance traveled less
than 15 mi (24 km).Shift lever must be in
NEUTRAL, the speed
less then 30 mph
(48 km/h) and the
distance traveled less
than 15 mi (24 km).
Four-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method NOT Permitted NOT Permitted
49
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000 78,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 130,000
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotatethetires. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or
off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter; replace if necessary. XXXX
X
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first
inspection at 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. XX
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing. XXXX
Inspect the transfer case fluid. X
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
the following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer
towing. X
Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with
four wheel disc brakes. XX
Change the autom atic transmissionfluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet or frequent trailer towing. X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals
for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear,
improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L engine). XX• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for the complete maintenance schedule.
56
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Totally Integrated Power Module
• The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located in the engine compartment near
the battery. This center contains cartridge fuses, mini-fuses and relays.
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
J1 40 Amp Green Power Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp Pink Transfer Case/Pwr Liftgate Module
J3 40 Amp Green Rear Door Module (RR DOOR NODE)
J4 25 Amp Natural Driver Door Node
J5 25 Amp Natural Passenger Door Node
J6 40 Amp Green Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Pump/ESP
J7 30 Amp Pink Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Valve/ESP
J8 40 Amp Green Power Memory Seat (If Equipped)
J9 40 Amp Green PZEV Motor/Flex Fuel
J10 30 Amp Pink Hdlp Wash Relay/Manual Tuning Valve
J11 30 Amp Pink Sway Bar/THATCHAM Lock-Unlock/Power
Sliding Door Module
J13 60 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw (IOD) — Main
J14 40 Amp Green EBL (Rear Window Defogger)
J15 30 Amp Pink Rear Blower
J17 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp Blue Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Trans
Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow Radiator Fan
J20 30 Amp Pink Front Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp Blue Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp Natural Sunroof Module
M1 15 Amp Blue Center High Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL)/Brake Switch
M2 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Lighting
M3 20 Amp Yellow Frt/Rear Axle Lockers
M4 10 Amp Red Trailer Tow
M5 25 Amp
NaturalInverter
M6 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet #1/Rain Sensor
M7 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet #2 (BATT/ACC SELECT)
M8 20 Amp Yellow Front Heated Seat
M9 20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seat (If Equipped)
59
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Mini-FuseDescription
M10 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw — Vehicle Entertainment
System (IOD-VES), Satellite Digital Audio
Receiver (SDARS), DVD, Hands-Free Module
(HFM), RADIO, Antenna (ANT), Universal
Garage Door Opener (UGDO), Vanity Lamp
(VANITY LP)
M11 10 Amp Red (Ignition Off Draw) IOD-HVAC/ATC, MW
SENSR, Underhood Lamp (UH LMP)
M12 30 Amp Green Amplifier (AMP)
M13 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw— Cabin Compartment
Node (IOD-CCN), Wireless Control Module
(WCM), SIREN, Clock Module (CLK MOD),
Multifunction Control Switch (MULTIFCTN
SW)
M14 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow (Export Only)
M15 20 Amp Yellow COL MOD, IR SNS, Heater Ventilation, Air
Conditioning/Automatic Temperature
Control (HVAC/ATC), Rearview Mirror (RR VW
MIR), Cabin Compartment Node (CCN),
Transfer Case Switch (T-CASE SW), RUN/ST,
Multifunction Control Switch (MULTIFTCN
SW), Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM), Glow Plug
Module (GLW PLG MOD) — Export Diesel
Only
M16 10 Amp Red Occupant Restraint Controller/Occupant
Classification Module (ORC/OCM)
M17 15 Amp Blue Left Tail/License/Park Lamp (LT-TAIL/LIC/
PRK LMP)
M18 15 Amp Blue Right Tail/Park/Run Lamp (RT-TAIL/PRK/RUN
LMP)
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down (ASD #1 and #2)
M20 15 Amp Blue Cabin Compartment Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT), Switch Bank (SW BANK),
Steering Control Module (SCM)
M21 20 Amp Yellow Auto Shut Down (ASD #3)
M22 10 Amp Red Right Horn (RT HORN (HI/LOW)
M23 10 Amp Red Left Horn (LT HORN (HI/LOW)
M24 25 Amp
Natural Rear Wiper (REAR WIPER)
M25 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump (FUEL PUMP), Diesel Lift Pump
(DSL LIFT PUMP) — Export Only
M26 10 Amp Red Power Mirror Switch (PWR MIRR SW), Driver
Window Switch (DRVR WIND SW)
M27 10 Amp Red Ignition Switch (IGN SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
60