2008 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................14
mSentry Key............................14
NReplacement Keys......................15
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................17
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........17
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......17NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........18
NTo Arm The System.....................18
NTo Disarm The System...................19
mIlluminated Entry........................19
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................20
NTo Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........20
NTo Lock The Doors And Liftgate............21
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................23
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NProgramming Additional Transmitters........24
NBattery Replacement....................24
NGeneral Information....................25
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........25
mDoor Locks............................27
NManual Door Locks.....................28
NPower Door Locks.....................29
NAutomatic Door Locks...................29
NAutomatic Unlock Doors On Exit...........30
NChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors)..............................32
mWindows.............................33
NPower Windows.......................33NWind Buffeting........................37
mLiftgate...............................38
mOccupant Restraints......................39
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................40
NLap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions.....41
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....44
NAutomatic Locking Mode Ð If Equipped.....45
NEnergy Management Feature..............45
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................46
NEnhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................46
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............48
NSeat Belt Extender......................48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS)..................49
NChild Restraint........................66
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........76
mSafety Tips............................76NExhaust Gas..........................76
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................77
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................78
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.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 key to the ACC position and then push the key
and cylinder inward slightly and rotate the key to the
LOCK position. Then remove the key.
Automatic Transmission Ð If Equipped
Place the shift lever in P (Park). Turn the key to the ACC
position and then push the key and cylinder inward
slightly and rotate the key to the LOCK position. Then
remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't 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 13
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Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver's door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
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 operatethe vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº position for at least 3seconds, but no longer than 15-seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the ªLOCKº position and remove the
first key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ªONº position within 15
seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the ªLOCKº
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and
then turn off.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE