service DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G User Guide

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure Warning Light**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light**
- Airbag Warning Light**
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)**
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light / Brake Assist System
(BAS) Warning Light**
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
6
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE - U.S. ONLY
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. Ifyou feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we
will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
• If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as possible.While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESP system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• A Tire Pressure Monitoring Light and a “low tire” message will display in your instrument cluster along with an audible chime if one or more of your vehicle’s four
road tires are significantly under-inflated.
• Check the inflation pressure of each tire and inflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle. The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire
and Loading Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening. The TPMS
light should not be used as a tire pressure gauge when adjusting your tire pressure.
• It is recommended that you check the tire pressure in the morning when tires are cool; inflate each tire to the recommended pressure for your vehicle. The light will turn off
after your vehicle’s tire pressures are properly inflated and the pressure has been
recognized. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(25 km/h) before the light will turn off.
• Temperature changes can affect tire pressure, causing the TPMS light to turn on. Tire pressures will also increase as the vehicle is driven – this is normal and you should
not adjust for this in creased pressure.
• Driving on under-inflated tires reduces your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and tire tread life.
If a spare tire is in use on the vehicle, the TPMS light may turn on.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, t urn it off. Also, shiftthe transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperat ure reading does not return 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.
39
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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
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- 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
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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.
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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.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Maintenance Record
Odometer Date Signature,Authorized Service Center
6,000 Miles
(10,000 km)
or 6 Months
12,000 Miles
(20,000 km)
or 12 Months
18,000 Miles
(30,000 km)
or 18 Months
24,000 Miles
(40,000 km)
or 24 Months
30,000 Miles
(50,000 km)
or 30 Months
36,000 Miles
(60,000 km)
or 36 Months
42,000 Miles
(70,000 km)
or 42 Months
48,000 Miles
(80,000 km)
or 48 Months
54,000 Miles
(90,000 km)
or 54 Months
60,000 Miles
(100,000 km)
or 60 Months
66,000 Miles
(110,000 km)
or 66 Months
72,000 Miles
(120,000 km)
or 72 Months
78,000 Miles
(130,000 km)
or 78 Months
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. Under-inflation is
the leading cause of tire failure andmay result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation r educes a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated ti res can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
• All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent or select a non-ab rasive,non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. These products may damage the wheel's protective finish. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solution s or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheel's protective finish. Only MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
EXTERIOR BULBS
LIGHT BULBS – Exterior Bulb Number
Backup, Tail, Stop, Turn Lamp 3057K
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) LED (*)
Fog Lamp – If Equipped PSX24W
Front Park/Turn Signal 3157AK
Front Side Marker 168
Headlamp – Low Beam 9008 H13
License Lamp 168
* CHMSL is not serviceable. It is a LED lamp. To replace the LED, the entire CHMSL
assembly must be replaced.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
62

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 21–8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321–8004
Phone: 1–800–423–6343
CHRYSLER CANADA INC.
CUSTOMER CENTER
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: 1–800–465–2001
ASSISTANCE FOR THE
HEARING IMPAIRED
• To assist customers who have hearingdifficulties, the manufacturer has
installed special TDD
(Telecommunication Devices for the
Deaf) equipment at its customer
center. Any hearing or speech
impaired customer, who has access to
a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter
(TTY) in the United States, can
communicate with the manufacturer
by dialing 1–800–380–CHRY.
Canadian residents with hearing
difficulties that requir e assistance can
use the special needs relay service
offered by Bell Canada. For TTY
teletypewriter users, dial 711 and for
Voice callers, dial 1–800–855–0511 to
connect with a Bell Relay Service
operator.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain, or emit,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained
in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain, or emit,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
PUBLICATIONS ORDERING
• If you are the first registered retail
owner of your vehicle, you may obtain
a free printed copy of the Owner's
Manual, Warranty Booklet or Radio
Manuals on your DVD by calling
1–800–992–1997 (U.S.) or
1–800–387–1143 (Canada) or by
contacting your dealer.
• Replacement User Guides or DVDs or, if you prefer, a printed copy of the
Owner's Manual, Warranty Booklet or
Radio Manuals may be purchased by
visiting www.techauthority.com or by
calling 1–800–890–4038 (U.S.) or
1–800–387–1143 (Canada). Visa,
Master Card, American Express and
Discover orders are accepted. If you
prefer mailing your order, please call
the above numbers for an order form.
NOTE: A street address is required
when ordering manuals (no P.O. Boxes).
NOTE:
•
The Owner's Manual and User Guide
electronic files are also available on
the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge websites.
• Click on the "For Owners" tab, select "Owner/Service Manuals", then
select your desired model year and
vehicle from the drop down lists.
63
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE