Dodge 2009 KA Nitro User manual

2009 NITRO
NITRO
Chrysler LLC
81-326-0913 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
OWNER’S MANUAL
2009

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution there-
fore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................79
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 169
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................255
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................353
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................365
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................411
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................427
10
INDEX ....................................................................437
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ...........................4
䡵Rollover Warning ........................4
䡵How To Use This Manual ..................5
䡵Warnings And Cautions ...................7
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ...............7
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 referencing 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because
of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of
control it may roll over when some other vehicles may
not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, 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, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
4 INTRODUCTION

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 two
million annually. In a rollover 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 back of this Owner’s 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’s Manual:
Rollover Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that 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. The VIN is
visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-
shield. This number also appears on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
1

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.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................ 13
䡵Sentry Key威........................... 14
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 15
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 16
▫General Information .................... 17
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17
▫To Arm The System .................... 18
▫To Disarm The System .................. 18
䡵Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
䡵Remote Keyless Entry .................... 19
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 20
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ........... 21
▫Express Down Window Feature —
If Equipped.......................... 22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 23
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ....... 23
2

▫Battery Replacement ................... 23
▫General Information .................... 24
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
䡵Door Locks ........................... 26
▫Manual Door Locks .................... 27
▫Power Door Locks ..................... 28
▫Automatic Door Locks .................. 29
▫Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit .......... 30
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors) ............................. 31
䡵Windows ............................. 32
▫Power Windows ...................... 32
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 36
䡵Liftgate .............................. 36
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 37
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 39
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 43
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped ..... 44
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 44
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威).......................... 45
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ........... 47
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 47
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ................. 48
▫Child Restraint ....................... 65
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 75
䡵Safety Tips ............................ 76
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 76
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 76
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ............................. 77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your vehicle are double-sided. You can
insert the keys into the locks with either side up.
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 authorized dealer to give
you the number. The key code can also be obtained by an
authorized dealer from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
•
Place the shift lever in PARK.
• Push the key and cylinder inward slightly and rotate
the key to the LOCK position.
• Remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key 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.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — Lock 3 — On
2 — Acc 4 — Start
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威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 that 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
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
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 Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other
Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause inter-
ference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key威is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keys威from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program
new Sentry Keys威to the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威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.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors, liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation.
When the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated, the system
provides both audible and visual signals. The horn will
sound repeatedly for three minutes, while the headlights
and taillights will flash for an additional 15 minutes.
NOTE: The Panic and Security alarms are quite differ-
ent. Please take a moment to activate the Panic and
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

To Arm the System:
Remove the keys from the ignition switch and exit the
vehicle. Lock the doors and liftgate by pressing the
power door LOCK switch or the LOCK button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Close all the
doors.
The Vehicle Security 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 process. If the system arms successfully, the
Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to
indicate the alarm is set. Manually locking the doors with
the door lock plunger (located on the inside of the doors)
or the driver’s door key lock cylinder will not arm the
system.
To Disarm the System:
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid Sentry Key威into the ignition lock
cylinder and turn the key to the ON position.
The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where
the system will give you a false alarm. If the previously
described arming sequence has occurred, the system will
arm regardless of whether you are inside or outside the
vehicle. If you remain inside the vehicle and open a door,
the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Manually unlocking the doors with the door lock plunger
(located on the inside of the doors) or the driver’s door
key lock cylinder will not disarm the system.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE