Dodge 2007 KA Nitro User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE .............................11
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................77
4
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS .........................................159
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................235
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................323
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................335
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................385
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................411
10
INDEX ....................................................................419
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
▫Roll Over Warning ..................... 5
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 6
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 8
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ............... 8
䡵Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ........... 9
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
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 prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
4 INTRODUCTION

Roll Over Warning
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll over rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, higher center of gravity, and narrower
track than many passenger cars. It is capable of perform-
ing better in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Driven in an unsafe manner, all vehicles can be caused to
go out of control. Because of the higher center of gravity
and the narrower track, if this vehicle is out of control it
may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, roll over of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
Failure to use driver and passenger seat belts provided
is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seat
belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
Roll Over Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
1

million annually. In a roll over crash an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner manual:
6 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 7
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel area, visible
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and
title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
8 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 9
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ..................14
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................16
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........16
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......16
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........16
䡵Sentry Key — If Equipped .................16
▫Replacement Keys ......................17
▫Customer Key Programming ..............18
▫General Information ....................19
䡵Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........19
▫ToSetTheAlarm ......................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................20
䡵Illuminated Entry ........................20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry .....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........21
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................23
2

▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........24
▫Battery Replacement ....................24
▫General Information ....................25
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ........26
䡵Door Locks ............................27
▫Manual Door Locks .....................28
▫Power Door Locks .....................29
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................30
䡵Windows .............................31
▫Power Windows .......................31
▫Wind Buffeting ........................35
䡵Liftgate ...............................35
䡵Occupant Restraints ......................36
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....39
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....42
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....43
▫Energy Management Feature ..............43
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................44
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ...........................44
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............45
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................46
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ..................47
▫Child Restraint ........................64
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........74
䡵Safety Tips ............................74
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................74
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................75
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................76
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you the
number. The key code can also be obtained by the dealer
from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key Removal
Manual Transmission
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the
key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in P (Park). Turn the ignition switch
to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector
lever. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock pre-
vents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from straight ahead position, turn off the
engine and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition and turn the wheel slightly
to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY — IF EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is consid-
ered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition lock
cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the “Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light” will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
If the “Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light” turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN. This number is required for dealer
replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be per-
formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer
Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of
programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A
blank key is one which has never been programmed and
needs to be cut.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the “Vehicle Theft Alarm Indicator Light”
will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds, a single chime will sound and the “Vehicle Theft
Alarm Indicator Light” will stop flashing, turn on again
for 3 seconds, and then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless
Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a
total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry
key, contact your dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm is
activated, the system provides both audible and visual
signals. The horn will sound repeatedly for three minutes
and the headlights and taillights will flash for an addi-
tional 15 minutes.
NOTE: The “Panic” and “Security” alarms are quite
different. Please take a moment to activate the “Panic”
and the “Security” modes to hear the differences in the
horn. In case one should go off in the future, you will
need to know which mode has been activated in order to
deactivate it.
To Set the Alarm
The alarm will set when you use the remote keyless entry
transmitter to lock the doors and liftgate or when you use
the power door lock switch while the door is open. After
all the doors are locked and closed, the “Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster)
will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds to signal that the
system is arming. During this 16 second pre-arm period,
opening any door or the liftgate will cancel the arming. If
the system successfully arms, the “Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light” will flash at a slower rate to
indicate the alarm is set. A manual lock of the doors,
either with the door lock plunger located on the inside of
the doors or with the driver’s door key lock cylinder, will
not set the alarm.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

To Disarm the System
To disarm the system, use the remote keyless entry
transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key and moving
the ignition switch to the ON/START position will
disarm the system. If something has triggered the system
in your absence, the horn will sound three times when
you unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, once the
system is armed (after 16 seconds), when you pull the
door handle to exit the alarm will sound. If this occurs,
press the “Unlock” button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to disarm the system. The Security Alarm
System will not disarm with a manual unlock, either
through the lock plunger located on the inside of the
door, or through a key in the driver’s door key cylinder.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The interior lights come on when you open any door.
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE