air conditioning DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G User Guide

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the EnvironmentalProtection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR Spray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the recovery bottle does not
drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install onlythe correct type thermostat. Other designs may result
in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas mile-
age, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes....................... 309
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 311
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 419
Adding Fuel ........................... 356
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 410
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 412
Air Conditioning ........................ 274
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 274
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 284
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 413
Air Conditioning System ................274,278
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 285
Air Filter .............................. 410
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 330
Airbag ................................ 58
Airbag Deployment ....................... 72
Airbag Light ..................... 66,75,89,205
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 74
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 62Alarm (Security Alarm)
.................... 17
Alarm Light ........................... 200
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................243,268
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 311,314
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 205
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 443
Appearance Care ........................ 427
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 98
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 278
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 294
Automatic Transmission .............295,300,424
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 424
474 INDEX

Fabric Care............................ 430
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 410
Air Conditioning ..................... 284
Engine Oil ....................... 410,444
Finish Care ............................ 428
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 380
Turn Signal .............. 91,201,439,440,441
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 292
Floor Console .......................... 184
Fluid Capacities ......................... 443
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks .................... 426,427
Automatic Transmission ................ 424
Engine Oil ......................... 407
Power Steering ...................... 308
Fluid, Brake ........................... 445
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 444Fog Light Service
........................ 440
Fog Lights .......................... 152,440
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 146
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 304
Operation .......................... 304
Systems ........................... 304
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 304
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 380
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 392
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 427
Fuel ................................. 351
Ethanol ........................... 352
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 356
Gasoline ........................... 351
Gauge ............................ 198
Light ............................. 199
Materials Added ..................... 354
Methanol .......................... 352
Octane Rating ................. 351,352,444
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INDEX 479