Dodge 2011 Dodge Nitro User manual

Nitro
Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL
2011
2011 Nitro
11KA74-126-AB Second Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................. 89
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................187
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................281
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 375
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................391
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................439
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 455
10
INDEX ...................................................................465
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
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
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,
located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented
documents. Please take the time to read these publica-
tions carefully. Following the instructions and recom-
mendations 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 factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
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 a collision, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
4 INTRODUCTION

Failure to use the 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.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment
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
1
INTRODUCTION 5

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision 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 is stamped into the right front
door sill (under the molding) and appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
1
INTRODUCTION 7

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a collision 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 ............... 14
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 (RKE) .............. 19
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 20
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 21
▫Remote Open Window Feature —
If Equipped ......................... 23
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 23
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 24
2

▫Battery Replacement ................... 24
▫General Information ................... 25
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 26
䡵Door Locks ........................... 28
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 28
▫Power Door Locks .................... 28
▫Automatic Door Locks ................. 29
▫Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit .......... 30
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors .......................... 31
䡵Windows ............................ 33
▫Power Windows ...................... 33
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 37
䡵Liftgate ............................. 37
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 45
▫Seat Belt Pretensioner .................. 45
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 45
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 46
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
Mode — If Equipped ................... 47
▫Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) . . 48
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 52
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) — If Equipped .............. 52
▫Seat Belt Lock Out .................... 54
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 54
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 54
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Airbags ............................ 54
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 62
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 73
▫Child Restraints ...................... 74
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 83
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 84
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 84
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 84
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 85
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 88
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
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 Switch Positions
1 — Lock 3 — On
2 — Acc 4 — Start
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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.
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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
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
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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/RUN 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/RUN 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/RUN 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 repro-
grammed. 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 monitors the vehicle doors,
liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation. When
the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated, interior switches
for door locks are disabled. The alarm provides both
audible and visual signals, the horn will sound repeat-
edly for three minutes, while the headlights, park lamps
and/or turn signals will flash for an additional 15 min-
utes.
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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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 Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During this
16 second pre-arm period, opening any door or the
liftgate will cancel the arming process. If the Vehicle
Security Alarm 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 Vehicle
Security Alarm.
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/RUN position.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If the
previously described arming sequence has occurred, the
Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Vehicle Security Alarm. 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 Vehicle Security Alarm.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The interior lights come on when you open any door or
use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to un-
lock any door. They will remain on for approximately
30 seconds after all doors are closed then fade to off.
The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all the doors. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
NOTE: None of the courtesy lights will operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position), unless the overhead map/reading
lights are turned on manually.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to
approximately 66 ft (20 m) using your Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter does not
need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
Three Button RKE transmitter
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19