2007 DODGE NITRO traction control

build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 417
9

on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
418 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Bulb Replacement...................378,379
Cargo .............................. 150
Center Mounted Stop................... 381
Cruise .............................. 174
Daytime Running...................... 122
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 120
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Indicator.......................132,166
Fog ..........................121,170,380
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 324
Headlight Switch...................... 120
Headlights........................... 379
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................120,164
Interior............................. 119
Lights On Reminder.................... 120
Low Fuel............................ 164
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 173
Passing............................. 121Rear Servicing........................ 381
Rear Tail............................ 381
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 165
Service...........................378,379
Side Marker.......................... 381
Traction Control....................... 132
Turn Signal.....................121,379,381
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 164
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 151
Load N Go
SlidingCargoFloor ..................... 153
Loading Vehicle......................... 303
Tires ............................... 274
Locks................................. 27
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 16
428 INDEX

Disabled Vehicle....................... 334
Guide .............................. 310
Recreational.......................... 321
Weight .............................. 310
Traction Control......................129,169
TrailerTowing .......................... 305
Cooling System Tips.................... 321
Hitches............................. 310
Minimum Requirements................. 315
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 314
Wiring .............................. 318
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 310
TrailerWeight .......................... 310
Transaxle............................. 247
Automatic........................... 247
Operation........................... 247
Transfer Case........................... 365
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................... 365Transmission........................249,254
Automatic........................249,254
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................363,364
Manual............................. 243
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door
Opener (HomeLink) ..................... 134
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 282
Trip Computer.......................... 175
Trip Odometer.......................... 172
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 174
Turn Signals...................121,167,379,381
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 84
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 417
INDEX 435
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