2007 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

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
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................14
▫Ignition Key Removal...................14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................16

Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped..........16
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......16
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........16

Sentry Key — If Equipped.................16
▫Replacement Keys......................17
▫Customer Key Programming..............18▫General Information....................19

Security Alarm System — If Equipped.........19
▫ToSetTheAlarm ......................19
▫To Disarm The System...................20

Illuminated Entry........................20

Remote Keyless Entry.....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........21
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate............22
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................23
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▫Programming Additional Transmitters........24
▫Battery Replacement....................24
▫General Information....................25

Remote Starting System — If Equipped........26

Door Locks............................27
▫Manual Door Locks.....................28
▫Power Door Locks.....................29
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................30

Windows.............................31
▫Power Windows.......................31
▫Wind Buffeting........................35

Liftgate...............................35
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

Engine Break-In Recommendations...........74

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
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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
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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