2007 DODGE NITRO differential

TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)” in this section.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
3

NOTE:Delayed shifting out of 4WD LOCK may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive loading.
MP 140 Single-Speed Full-Time Transfer Case —
If Equipped
Operating Information/Precautions
The MP 140 is a single speed (HI range only) transfer case
which provides convenient full-time all-wheel drive. No
driver interaction is required. This transfer case employs
an inter-axle differential that divides engine torque al-
most evenly with 48 percent torque to the front axle and
52 percent torque to the rear axle, this allows the front
and rear wheels to rotate at different speeds, on all road
surfaces. The Brake Traction Control System (BTC),
which combines standard ABS and Traction Control,
provides resistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow
additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

Flooded Engine Starting................... 240
Fluid, Brake........................... 384
Fluid Capacities......................... 382
Fluid Leaks............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks...................... 366
Automatic Transmission................. 363
Engine Oil........................... 343
Manual Transmission................... 364
Power Steering........................ 352
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 383
Fog Light Service........................ 380
Fog Lights..........................121,380
Folding Rear Seat........................ 115
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Systems............................. 259
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 324
Front Axle (Differential)................... 366Fuel................................. 296
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 300
Filter ............................... 350
Gasoline............................ 296
Gauge.............................. 164
Materials Added....................... 298
Octane Rating......................296,383
Requirements......................... 382
Tank Capacity........................ 382
Fuel System Caution................298,301,302
Fuses................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............300,302,340
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 296
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 297
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 297
INDEX 425
10

Sunroof............................. 141
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 384
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 45
Preparation for Jacking.................... 328
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 44
Programmable Electronic Features......136,140,188
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)............... 24,136,140
Radial Ply Tires......................... 281
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio, Navigation....................... 219
Radio, Satellite.......................219,221
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 366
Rear Window Defroster................... 156
Rear Window Features.................... 155
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 155Rearview Mirrors........................ 81
Reclining Front Seats..................... 111
Recorder, Event Data...................... 61
Recreational Towing...................... 321
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 297
Refrigerant............................ 352
Release, Hood.......................... 117
Reminder, Lights On..................... 120
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 44
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 226
Remote Starting System.................... 26
Replacement Parts....................... 342
Replacement Tires....................... 283
Reporting Safety Defects................... 415
Restraint, Head......................... 113
Restraints, Child......................... 64
Restraints, Occupant...................... 36
Roof Type Carrier....................... 157
INDEX 431
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