2008 DODGE NITRO warning

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel cap
(gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-
market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indicator
Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping from
the system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.
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NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCHECK GASCAPº message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Centerº in Section 4 of
this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap until a ªclickingº
sound is heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler
cap is properly tightened. Refer to ªOnboard Diagnostic
System Ð OBDIIº in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
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WARNING!
²Never add fuel when the engine is running.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day, andHour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options, trailer
tongue weight, and cargo. The label also specifies maxi-
mum capacities of front and rear axle systems (GAWR).
Total load must be limited, so GVWR, and front and rear
GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
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Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
9loaded and ready for operation9condition. The recom-
mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight (GTW) is 3,500 lbs. (1 587
kg) or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-
distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your
vehicle. If you use a standard weight- carrying hitch,
you could lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
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WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Weight Distributing Hitch System
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-
installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be con-
sidered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the
Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for the maximum com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION!
²Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
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WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flashers.................334
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................335
mJacking And Tire Changing................336
NJack Location........................336
NSpare Tire Stowage....................337
NSpare Tire Removal....................337NPreparations For Jacking................338
NJacking Instructions....................339
mJump Starting.........................341
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................343
NTwo-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............344
NFour-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............344
6