2007 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

Route the tether strap over the seat back and attach the
hook to the tether anchor located on the back of the seat.
For the outboard seating positions, route the tether over
the head rests, and attach the hook to the tether anchor
located on the back of the seat.WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
Tether Strap Mounting
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
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.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Mirrors ...............................81
▫Inside Day/Night Mirror.................81
▫Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped....82
▫Outside Mirrors.......................82
▫Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........83
▫Power Remote Control Mirrors.............83
▫Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped....84

Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) — If
Equipped.............................84▫Operations...........................87
▫Phone Call Features....................93
▫UConnect™ System Features..............96
▫Advanced Phone Connectivity............100
▫Things You Should Know About Your UConnect™
System.............................102

Seats................................110
▫Front Manual Seat Adjustment............110
▫Front Seat Adjustment — Recline..........111
3

▫6–Way Driver’s Power Seat With Manual
Recliner ............................112
▫Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat............113
▫Head Restraints......................113
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped.............113
▫60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold Flat
Feature............................115

To Open And Close The Hood.............117

Lights...............................119
▫Interior Lights.......................119
▫Multi-Function Control Lever.............119
▫Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, And
Headlights..........................120
▫Lights-On Reminder...................120▫Headlight Dimmer Switch...............120
▫Passing Light........................121
▫Front Fog Lights — If Equipped...........121
▫Turn Signals.........................121
▫Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped.....122

Windshield Wipers And Washers............122
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............122
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............123
▫Windshield Washers...................123
▫Mist Feature.........................123

Tilt Steering Column....................124

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......125
▫ToActivate ..........................125
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............126
▫To Deactivate........................126
▫To Resume Speed.....................126
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............126
▫Manual Transmission..................127
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............127

Electronic Brake Control System............128
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............128
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............129
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............129
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........130
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........131
▫ESP/BAS Warning Lamp................134
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........134
▫Programming The Universal Transceiver.....136
▫“Rolling Code” Programming............138
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 139
▫Operation...........................140
▫Reprogramming A Single Button..........140
▫Security............................140

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............141
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............142
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............142
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................142
▫Pinch Protect Override.................143
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............143
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79
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▫Sunshade Operation...................143
▫Wind Buffeting.......................143
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................144

Electrical Power Outlet...................144
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......145

Power Inverter........................146

Cup Holders..........................147

Storage..............................148
▫Front Storage Compartment..............148
▫Console Storage Compartment............149

Cargo Area Features.....................150▫CargoLight .........................150
▫Cargo Tie-Down Hooks.................150
▫Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped..........151
▫Utility Table — If Equipped..............152
▫Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Go)—If
Equipped...........................153

Rear Window Features...................155
▫Rear Window Wiper/Washer — If Equipped . . 155
▫Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped......156

Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped..........157
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE