light DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

“PASS AIR BAG OFF” to show that the passenger
Advanced Front Air Bag will not inflate during a collision
requiring air bag deployment. When the right front
passenger seat is empty or when very light objects are
placed on the seat, the passenger air bag will not inflate
even though the PAD indicator light is not illuminated.The PAD indicator light should not be illuminated when
an adult passenger is properly seated in the front passen-
ger seat. In this case, the passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag is ready to be inflated if a collision requires an air bag
deployment.
For all other occupants, the PAD indicator light will be
illuminated indicating that the passenger Advanced
Front Air Bag is turned off and will not inflate.
NOTE:
Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
occupant classification system, children 12 years or
younger should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in
an appropriate child restraint (refer to “Child Re-
straints”).
Indicator Light Location
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

WARNING!
Never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an air
bag. A deploying passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
can cause death or serious injury to a child in a
rear-facing infant seat.
Passenger Air Bag Disable (PAD) System
Front Passenger Indicator
Light Air Bag
Status
Adult OFF ON
Child ON OFF
Grocery Bags, Heavy Briefcases and Other
Relatively Light Objects ON OFF
Empty or Very Light Objects OFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects will turn the PAD Indicator Light on. Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is riding
in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant’s weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may
not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under
the seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant’s weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp-
erly classified. Ensure that the front passenger seatback
does not touch anything placed on the second row of
seats because this can also affect occupant classification.
Also, if you fold down the seats in the second row check
to be sure they don’t touch the front passenger seat.
If the front passenger seat is damaged in any way, it
should only be serviced by an authorized dealer. If the
seat is removed (or even if the seat attachment bolts are
loosened or tightened in any way), take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.
68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If there is a fault present in the air bag system, the Air Bag
Warning Light (a red light located in the center of the
instrument cluster directly in front of the driver) will be
turned on. This indicates that you should have an autho-
rized dealer service the system immediately. The Air Bag
Warning Light is turned on whenever there is a fault that
can affect the operation of the air bag system. If there is a
fault present in the PAD Indicator Light, the Air Bag
Warning Light will be illuminated to show that the
passenger Advanced Front Air Bag may be turned off
until the fault is cleared. If the Air Bag Warning Light is
illuminated, have an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately. If an object is lodged under the seat
and interferes with operation of the weight sensors, a
fault will occur which turns on both the PAD Indicator
Light and the Air Bag Warning Light. Once the lodged
object is removed, the fault will be automatically cleared
after a short period of time.Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
TheDriver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
are possible based on collision severity and type. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of
the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully
inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo-
nents or seat cover may inadvertently change the air
bag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could
result in death or serious injury to the front seat
passenger if the vehicle is involved in a collision. A
modified vehicle may not comply with required
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
and/or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(CMVSS).
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of theevent the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately
after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the air bag system.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.
•The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving. NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

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.
Air Bag 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.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

▫Voice Training ...................... 135
 Seats .............................. 135
▫ Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped ....... 136
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 137
▫ Front Manual Seat Adjustment ........... 139
▫ Front Seat — Manual Recline ............ 140
▫ Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat ........... 140
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 141
▫ 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold-Flat
Feature ........................... 146
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 149
 Lights ............................. 151
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 151 ▫
Headlights And Parking Lights .......... 151
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 152
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 152
▫ High/Low Beam Switch ............... 152
▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 152
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .......... 152
▫ Turn Signals ........................ 153
▫ Instrument Panel Dimmer .............. 154
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 155
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 156
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 156
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 158
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 158
94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Closing Sunroof — Express ............. 177
▫ Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode ........ 177
▫ Pinch Protect Feature ................. 177
▫ Pinch Protect Override ................ 177
▫ Venting Sunroof — Express ............. 177
▫ Sunshade Operation .................. 178
▫ Wind Buffeting ...................... 178
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ................. 178
▫ Ignition Off Operation ................. 178
 Electrical Power Outlet ................. 179
 Cupholders .......................... 182 
Storage ............................. 183
▫ Glove Box Storage Compartment ......... 183
▫ Front Storage Compartment ............. 183
▫ Console Storage Compartment ........... 184
 Cargo Area Features ................... 185
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 185
▫ Cargo Tie-Down Hooks ................ 185
▫ Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped ......... 187
 Rear Window Features .................. 188
▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer ............ 188
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 189
 Roof Trim Applique — Non Functional ...... 190
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror. The mirror should be
adjusted to center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control under the mirror to the night position (toward the
rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while
set in the day position (toward the windshield).
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97