torque DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G User Guide

RECREATIONAL
TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models
• Recreational towing is allowed if therear wheels are OFFthe ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly, firmly set the parking brake
and place the transmission in PARK.
• Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF position.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the
front wheels in the straight position.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the
battery post.
• Flat towing (with all four wheels on the
ground) is allowed ONLY if the
driveshaft is removed. Towing with the
rear wheels on the ground while the
driveshaft is connected will result in
severe transmission damage.
• The parking brake mustbe 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.
Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Or All-Wheel
Drive Models
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 theDVD for further details.
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.
WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the
vehicle can roll even if the
transmission is in PARK, which
could cause serious injury or death.
UTILITY
48

• Locate the jack:• For the front tires, place it (rearward) of the notch on the body weld seambehind the 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.
• 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 counterclockwise, and remove the jack and wheel blocks.
• Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down 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 torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at
a service station.
• Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper locations.
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.
• Carefully follow these tire changing procedures 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.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable and could cause it to slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
(Continued)
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
55